Mineralogical and mechanical analysis of cement-stabilised sands

Wet Deep Soil Mixing methods are currently well-established procedures involving the mixing of a self-hardening slurry with the in-situ soil in order to improve its original hydraulic and mechanical properties. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive experimental investigation conducted on cement-stabilized sandy soil samples collected from six panels produced with the Cutter Soil Mixing method. The wet grab material used in the tests was taken at a depth of 2.0 m below ground level and cured in controlled laboratory environment. A comparison between the outcomes obtained from qualitative and semi-quantitative mineralogical analyses (scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersed X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction) along with the interpretation of the mechanical tests performed on the wet grab samples could provide a better understanding of the reaction mechanisms occurred on site during the hydration of the binder. Qualitative mineralogical analyses supported by an innovative ...