Application of stabilized contaminated soils as metaconcrete aggregates

Abstract We present an initial study on the use of contaminated soils, effectively treated through a solidification and stabilization (S/S) process that renders them inert, as encapsulated aggregates in the creation of novel metaconcretes. Several mix designs of solidified and stabilized soils are carefully examined, and their physical and mechanical properties are characterized experimentally. These properties are crucial for determining how these treated soils can be effectively incorporated into metaconcretes, a class of materials known for their unique ability to attenuate mechanical waves through resonant structures. The frequency bandgap response of metaconcretes incorporating rubber-coated aggregates made from solidified soils is studied using analytical formulations. The results indicate that the proposed reutilization technique for contaminated soils not only ensures their safety but also offers significant potential for applications in the construction of blast-protective structures and seismic-shielding metamaterials.