Using Cement and Calcium Lignosulfonate to Improve the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Loess in a Seasonal Freezing Zone

The cement composite calcium lignosulfonate is used to enhance the mechanical properties and the freeze–thaw resistance of loess. Based on an unconfined compressive test under different freeze–thaw cycles, the influence of cement dosage, curing age, and freeze–thaw cycles on compressive strength are discussed. The results indicate that the strength of loess can increase by up to 13 times, and the loss of strength is reduced from 72% to 28% under the reinforcement of cement dosage and curing age. The loss of strength is mainly concentrated in the initial 5 freeze–thaw cycles, and the structure gradually stabilizes after 10 freeze–thaw cycles. In addition, according to the X-ray diffraction test, it is found that the stabilized loess exhibits a comparatively more stable mineral composition. The scanning electron microscope results reveal that hydration products enveloped the soil particles, forming a mesh structure that strengthens the connection between the soil particles. The freeze–thaw damage makes the small and medium pores turn into large pores in loess, while the stabilized loess changes micro and small pores into small and medium pores, with no large pores found. It is feasible to improve loess with the cement composite calcium lignosulfonate, which can provide references for the reinforcement treatment of loess.

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