Mechanical Properties and Optimal Mix Design of Phosphogypsum Cement Mineral Admixture Foam Light Soil

Abstract

With the rapid growth of road transportation, the increase in road subgrade and pavement diseases has become a pressing issue, requiring the development of cost-effective filling materials that meet both strength and economic requirements. Foam lightweight soil, as a novel construction material, offers excellent characteristics such as adjustability in density and strength, high fluidity, and self-supporting capabilities. It has been widely utilized in various engineering applications, including road subgrade backfilling and retaining wall fillings. However, the conventional application of foam lightweight soil, predominantly cement-based, has raised concerns about pollution and high energy consumption due to large cement dosages. To address this issue, this study proposes the integration of phosphogypsum, a byproduct of wet-process phosphoric acid production, into foam lightweight soil. Phosphogypsum has a significant annual discharge and accumulation, but its comprehensive utilization rate remains relatively low. The research investigates the combination of phosphogypsum and foam lightweight soil by introducing mineral admixtures such as microsilica and slag powder to improve early strength development and reduce the influence of fluoride impurities on early strength. The optimal mix proportions for two types of foam lightweight soil, namely phosphogypsum cement microsilica foam (PGCF) and phosphogypsum cement slag powder foam (PGCS), were determined based on single-factor tests. The key parameters considered for optimization were water–binder ratio, foam content, and phosphogypsum dosage. The findings indicate that both PGCF and PGCS foam lightweight soil possess superior mechanical properties and thermal conductivity. By incorporating phosphogypsum into the mix, the early strength development of foam lightweight soil is effectively improved. Moreover, with suitable mix proportions, the maximum phosphogypsum dosage can be achieved, demonstrating potential economic and environmental benefits. In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the effective utilization of phosphogypsum in foam lightweight soil, offering a promising solution for the challenges associated with phosphogypsum disposal and the demand for sustainable construction materials in highway engineering.