Reactive magnesia and magnesium oxychloride cement treatments for mechanical enhancement of marl soil

• Reactive Magnesia and Magnesium Oxychloride Cement were used to stabilize the marl soil. • Mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics were studied in detail. • Cost-benefit analysis was also done. • Optimal binder dosages for enhanced strength were determined. Conventionally, ordinary Portland cement has been employed to stabilize marl soil; however, its high carbon emissions and energy-intensive production process raise significant environmental concerns, especially in the context of sustainable construction practices. As environmentally friendly alternative, this study examines the use of Reactive Magnesia Cement (RMC) and Magnesium Oxychloride Cement (MOC) to enhance the engineering performance of marl soil. Marl is a calcareous, clay-rich sedimentary material characterized by high compressibility, low shear strength, and pronounced volume changes when exposed to moisture, which makes it unsuitable for direct use in infrastructure projects without prior treatment. To address these challenges, marl soil specimens were treated with varying dosages of RMC and MOC, and the resulting improvements were evaluated through a series of mechanical and microstructural tests. The mechanical properties assessed included Unconfined Compressive Strength, Elastic Modulus, toughness, and failure strains, while the microstructural changes were investigated using X-ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The results indicate that both RMC and MOC significantly enhanced the mechanical properties and microstructural integrity of the Soil, with MOC demonstrating particularly high early-age strength. These findings demonstrate the potential of magnesia-based binders as effective and environmentally conscious alternatives to OPC, offering promising solutions for stabilizing marl soil in geotechnical and infrastructure applications.