The Influence of Lime Variations on the Unconfined Compressive Strength of Inorganic Clay Soil Stabilized with a Combination of Nickel Slag and Aluminum Hydroxide

Soil stabilization is a ground improvement technique aimed at enhancing the strength and bearing capacity of soil, particularly in road construction projects. The combination of multiple stabilization materials allows for achieving better improvements in soil bearing capacity. The use of industrial waste materials offers an eco-friendly solution while repurposing materials that are typically discarded. This study focuses on the engineering application of adding limestone as a natural pozzolanic material. The research involves laboratory testing to measure the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of stabilized clay soil samples. The addition of stabilization materials is based on weight ratios, where the ratio of nickel slag to aluminum hydroxide is 1,5, and limestone is added in varying proportions of 2%, 4%, and 6%. The curing of the test specimens is carried out over periods of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days to examine the influence of curing time on the improvement of soil UCS values. The results indicate that the addition of nickel slag and aluminum hydroxide significantly enhances the soil’s UCS. Furthermore, variations in limestone content show that increasing its concentration up to 6% yields optimal results in improving soil strength. This study concludes that the combination of waste materials and limestone can effectively enhance the mechanical characteristics of soil, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for soil stabilization in various infrastructure projects.