Experimental Study on the Strength and Microstructure of Red Mud-Based Silty Sand Modified with Lime–Fly Ash

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the viability of utilizing lime–fly ash (LF) and red mud (RM) in the modification of silty soil (LF-RMS) for subgrade filling. The primary objective of this research was to analyze the mechanical characteristics and examine the curing mechanisms associated with said modified materials. Different curing times were utilized in the analysis of mechanical properties (e.g., via unconfined compression testing), microstructure (via scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis), and environmental indices (via assessment of corrosivity, heavy metal concentration, and radioactivity) with various dosages of red mud (DRM) and Lime–fly ash (DLF). Analyses of the curing mechanisms, failure modes, microstructures, and degrees of environmental impact associated with LF-RMS were also undertaken. The tests indicated that the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease as the DRM and DLF levels increased. Additionally, the strength of LF-RMS increased with an increase in curing time. It is worth noting that the specimen composed of 20% LF and 23% RM (D20%LF+23%RM) demonstrated a maximum UCS value of 4.72 MPa after 90 days of curing, which indicates that it has the strongest ability to resist deformation. The strength of the specimen cured for 90 days was 1.4 times higher than that of the specimen cured for 7 days (1.97 MPa). Furthermore, the toxic concentration and radionuclide index of LF-RMS were significantly reduced compared to those of pure RM. The overall concentration of heavy metals in the D20%LF+23%RM specimen decreased by more than 60% after curing for 28 days. The internal irradiation index and the external irradiation index decreased by 1.63 and 1.69, respectively. The hydration products in LF-RMS play a key role in the solidification of heavy metals, and the alkaline environment provided by RM also contributes to the precipitation and replacement of heavy metals. In this study, red mud, fly ash and lime were used to modify silty soil. The central tenets of sustainable development may be achieved through the reuse of RM as a road filler.