Effect of Salt Content on Sabkha Soil Using Deep Soil Mixing Technique: Physical and Numerical Modelling

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4. Effect of Salt Content on Sabkha Soil Using Deep Soil Mixing Technique: Physical and Numerical Modelling

Sabkha soils are known for their high compressibility and low shear strength, which pose serious challenges to structural stability. This study explores the stabilization of these soils using the deep soil mixing (DSM) technique, an economical alternative to conventional deep foundations. Laboratory-scale models, along with numerical simulations were utilized to assess the performance of stabilized sabkha soils across varying salt concentrations. A custom-built DSM apparatus was used to create a DSM column within a steel tank, equipped with instruments to measure stresses and settlements under different soil conditions. Key findings revealed improvements in load-settlement behaviour, stress redistribution, bearing capacity, and soil stiffness. The DSM treatment enhanced the load-bearing characteristics of the soil, with settlements indicating increased stiffness and capacity. Its effectiveness varied based on salt content. Higher settlement at the top resulted from load distribution, whereas the limited settlement at the bottom indicated that the treated soils resisted compression. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images demonstrated that treated soils exhibited more compact microstructures than untreated soil, suggesting increased contact and strength. While an increase in salt content resulted in a decline in ultimate bearing capacity, the improvements in strength varied between 125% and 150%, depending on the salt concentration. Over time, chemical reactions between soil salts and cementitious materials contributed to enhanced shear strength.

4th Asia-Pacific Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ACPMG2024)

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