Effect of Organic Matter Components on the Mechanical Properties of Cemented Soil

Abstract

The organic matter in soft clay tends to affect the properties of cement-stabilized soil. The influence degree of different organic matter varies. In this paper, the influence weights and mechanism of the main organic matter components fulvic acid and humic acid on the mechanical properties of cemented soil were investigated. Impacts of FA/HA (fulvic acid/humic acid) values and curing time on the unconfined compressive strength, deformation characteristics, and microstructure of cemented soil were explored through the unconfined compressive strength test and electrical resistivity test. The results show that with the increase of FA/HA, the unconfined compressive strength of cemented soil gradually decreased and the plastic properties enhanced. The increase in curing time changed the stress-strain relationship of cemented soil, and some specimens showed brittle damage. The initial resistivity and structural property parameters of cemented soil gradually decreased with the increasing FA/HA value and increased with the increase of curing time. It revealed the influence law of FA/HA and curing time change on the microstructure of cemented soil. Based on the experimental results, the quantitative relationship equations between FA/HA and curing time and unconfined compressive strength, failure strain, deformation modulus, and resistivity were established.