Temperature Field Evolution and Deformation Characteristics for Collapsible Loess Based on Microwave Thermal Reinforcement Method

High-temperature sintering technology offers the advantages of rapid processing and effective reinforcement, making it an excellent method for treating loess foundation diseases. This paper investigates the evolution of the temperature field in loess following microwave sintering through laboratory-scale model experiment. Additionally, one-dimensional compression experiments are performed on layered samples of sintered loess to explore their compression deformation characteristics. The results indicate that the temperature field exhibits a “wave” distribution in both horizontal and vertical directions. The thermal reinforcement effect is mainly concentrated in the depth range of 5–15 cm and the diameter range of 6 cm. Overall, a higher compaction degree results in a greater change in surface temperature, while a lower compaction degree leads to a wider heating range. After sintering, all soil samples, except those with a compaction degree of 60% and a depth of 20–25 cm, are classified as moderately compressibility soil. In contrast, the soil with a compaction degree of 90% are classified as low compressibility soil at all depths following sintering. Research indicates that microwave sintering significantly enhances the deformation characteristics of collapsible loess.