Brazilian Tensile Strength of High-Water Content Clayey Soils Stabilized with Cement and Super-Absorbent Polymers

Wang Z, Rohn J, Winkler J, Xiang W (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Buildings MDPI

Book Volume: 15

Article Number: 4395

Journal Issue: 23

DOI: 10.3390/buildings15234395

Abstract

The tensile strength of stabilized clayey soil is a key indicator of its resistance to cracking and directly governs its performance when used as subgrade fill. In this study, ordinary Portland cement and polyacrylate-based super-absorbent polymers (SAP) were combined to stabilize four typical high-water content clayey soils sourced from Northern Bavaria. The optimal SAP content was determined based on absorption capacity by the tea-bag method. Subsequently, the effects of cement content and curing period on the Brazilian tensile strength (BTS) of clayey soils were investigated, and the correlation between Brazilian tensile strength and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) was discussed. The results indicated the following: the optimal SAP content was 0.3%; the BTS increased significantly with higher cement content and a longer curing period; the failure modes of BTS specimens were revealed, including multiple non-through fracture, non-central fracture, and central fracture; a strong linear correlation was established between BTS and UCS, with the proportional coefficient ranging from 0.129 to 0.233. The findings of this study can provide a valuable reference for the design and application of cement-SAP stabilized soils in practical engineering.

Authors with CRIS profile

Zhenhua Wang Professur für Angewandte Geologie und Modellierung von Umweltsystemen Joachim Rohn Professur für Angewandte Geologie und Modellierung von Umweltsystemen Jens Winkler Professur für Angewandte Geologie und Modellierung von Umweltsystemen

Involved external institutions

China University of Geosciences / 中国地质大学 CN China (CN)

How to cite

APA:

Wang, Z., Rohn, J., Winkler, J., & Xiang, W. (2025). Brazilian Tensile Strength of High-Water Content Clayey Soils Stabilized with Cement and Super-Absorbent Polymers. Buildings, 15(23). https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15234395

MLA:

Wang, Zhenhua, et al. "Brazilian Tensile Strength of High-Water Content Clayey Soils Stabilized with Cement and Super-Absorbent Polymers." Buildings 15.23 (2025).

BibTeX: Download