Influence Of Stone Powder Content And Particle Size On The Strength Of Cement-Treated Clay

Particle size of additive geomaterials could affect the cement-clay reaction, thereby reducing strength. The effects of five particle sizes (A, B, C, D and E: 1-106 mu m, respectively) of waste granite powder in cement-treated clay mixed composites were investigated. The effects on the liquid limit, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and microstructural characteristics were investigated. The particle size influenced the UCS in the order of D A > C > B, and D exhibited higher UCS than the control sample. The increase in the UCS was due to the increased surface area and pozzolanic reactivity of stone powder D. A reduction in the UCS of cement-treated clay-stone powder E composites occurred as compared to the control sample with a 30% stone powder addition, and equal or improved strength was observed with 50% and 70% additions. Owing to the UCS increment derived from stone powder, we could reduce 28.6% of the cement.