Sustainable soil stabilization using colemanite: experimental and numerical analysis of sandy soils for improved geotechnical properties

This paper discusses the use of colemanite, a boron compound, which is a natural additive to geotechnically improved sandy soils, thus providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional soil stabilization. Clean angular sand was the base material with the addition of colemanite in amounts of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% by dry mass. Various laboratory tests, such as Atterberg limits, void ratio, specific gravity, compaction, permeability, and unconsolidated undrained triaxial tests, were carried out to determine the physical and mechanical characteristics of the produced mixtures. Numerical modeling, adopted by the PLAXIS finite element program, was used to carry out simulations under various conditions for soil profiles to determine and compare soil behavior. The findings revealed that the addition of colemanite significantly reduced permeability and void ratios while enhancing stiffness and strength, with 15% colemanite yielding the best performance. This study is one of those that focuses on the introduction of colemanite, which can also act as an effective stabilizer and is a much greener and more environmentally friendly option. Apart from this, it has other advantages both economically and ecologically by reducing the amount of cement, which is a high carbon source required for building based on this. The discoveries bring in the further development of green geotechnical engineering, which also includes the construction of sustainable infrastructures.