Utilization of ferrochrome slag in road subbase layers: mechanical behavior and microstructural insights
摘要
Advancements in the industrial sector have inevitably brought about the challenge of waste generation alongside increased production. In a world where nothing is created from nothing and everything undergoes transformation, the integration of sustainable practices, particularly through the reuse of industrial by-products, has become a pressing necessity. This study focuses on evaluating the potential use of ferrochrome slag (FCS) a byproduct of high-carbon ferrochrome production as a subbase material in road construction. The research investigates the effect of FCS on the stabilization of soft, clayey soils. For this purpose, a series of mixtures were prepared using kaolin, which represents the soft clay requiring improvement; cement, which contributes to binding through its pozzolanic properties and helps mitigate leaching; and FCS, assessed for its potential as a sustainable additive. The physical and mechanical properties of the materials were determined following relevant standards. To assess the performance of the mixtures, compaction, CBR, XRD, and SEM analyses were conducted. The results revealed that the inclusion of FCS had a notably positive effect on soil stabilization, demonstrating its viability as a sustainable material in geotechnical engineering applications.