Microstructural characteristics of organic soils treated with biomass silica stabilizer

Chemical stabilization is extensively used to improve the physical and engineering properties of problematic soils. This research was carried out to investigate the strength and microstructural properties of organic soil treated with a biomass silica stabilizer, named SH-85. The SH-85 content studied was varied at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15% based on the organic soil weight. Compaction and unconfined compression strength tests were carried out to ascertain the strength improvement of the stabilized organic soil. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDAX) were carried out to examine the growth of cementation products. The cementation products filled large and small pores and welded soil particles, which results in strong interparticle forces. Therefore, the strength of treated soil is 5–20 times higher than that of the untreated soil.