Stabilization of Problematic Subgrade Soils in Kazakhstan

Faculty-development competitive research grants program for 2023-2025

The objective of the proposed research is to characterize the geotechnical properties of problematic soils with severe weather conditions in Kazakhstan and propose the treatment technique using various stabilizers, especially targeting the application of conventional and environmentally friendly binders for ground stabilization/improvement. The project focuses on the following issues: (1) characterizing problematic subgrade soils, and developing a soil map for Nur-Sultan and/or Almaty in Kazakhstan, (2) fundamental understanding of the evolution of soil treated with both traditional binders (lime, fly ash), and environmentally friendly binders (Calcium Sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement, and Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) slag) (e.g., chemo-mechanical behavior through microstructure analysis), (3) identifying critical influence factors on strength and stiffness development of chemically treated soil with severe weather conditions (e.g., various parameters such as material type, curing time, initial water content, water to binder ratio, etc.), (4) examining difference on short-term and long-term strength evolution between soils treated with various additives, (5) assessing durability characteristics subjected to wet-dry/freeze-thaw cycles, and (6) proposing practical guidelines or design criteria of chemically treated subgrade soils for sustainable soil stabilization.