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Micronized PET as a green additive for lime stabilization of swelling soil
Summary
Researchers investigated using micronized recycled PET plastic combined with hydrated lime to stabilize swelling soils, testing mixtures at varying PET percentages (5-10%), lime content (0-6%), and dry densities. Results showed that both PET content and lime content significantly reduced one-dimensional soil swelling, suggesting this approach offers a sustainable pathway for diverting plastic waste into construction applications.
The use of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) as an additive in the stabilization of swelling soils is a sustainable option considering the increasing environmental pollution caused by improper disposal of plastic waste. Given the limited capacity of recycling programs, incorporating these materials in construction can be a viable solution. In the conducted study, compacted mixtures of soil-lime-PET were prepared at different dry unit weights (14, 15 and 16 kN/m³). Micronized PET was used with percentages of 5% and 10%, while hydrated lime was added at 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%, both by dry mass. These mixtures were subjected to one-dimensional swelling tests. The results showed that the PET content, lime content, and porosity are significant factors influencing the behavior of compacted mixtures. The index porosity/volumetric lime content adjusted by an exponent (ƞ/(Liv)-0,26) can link the one-dimensional swelling behavior. The combination of both materials creates a sustainable solution for controlling soil swelling.