Mechanical strength and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of soil-cement: comparison between mixtures of soil with ASTM type III cement, LC3, and the incorporation of by products and agroindustrial residues

Abstract

Soil stabilization with binders is based on the binder action on soil particles, in turn causing an improvement in the mechanical behavior of the soil. Thus, this study aims to analyze the mechanical and environmental properties of soil-cement mixtures using Portland ASTM type III cement as binders and comparing to LC3 (Limestone Calcined Clay Cement), as well as incorporating extra raw materials such as silica fume, fly ash, sugarcane bagasse ash (Saccharum officinarum L) and açai seed ash (Euterpe precatoria Martius). The mixtures of soil, binder, extra raw materials were performed manually, and the cylindrical specimens (100 mm internal ø) were molded based on the AASHTO Normal Test. The results showed that the highest values of compressive strength ranged between 10 and 11 MPa, which were recorded for reference, soil-LC³ and soil-LC-açai seed ash mixtures. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed using the CML 2001 method with the aid of the OpenLCA software. Additionally, it was observed that the main emissions and consequences for the environment were from mixtures containing higher clinker contents.