Research on the Strength Characteristics of Thermally-Stabilized Loess by Microwave and Resistance Wire Heating

The traditional methods for enhancing the bearing capacity of loess foundations are limited by high resource consumption and environmental pollution. In contrast, microwave and resistance wire thermal reinforcement has emerged as a more efficient and environmentally responsible alternative. However, existing research on the strength characteristics and micro-mechanisms of microwave and resistance wire thermal reinforcement in wet and soft loess is still limited. To address this gap, this study conducted indoor direct shear tests and undrained compressive strength tests on thermally reinforced loess using strength theory. This research examined the variations in strength characteristics under different heating conditions. The study found that with increasing heating temperature, thermally reinforced loess experienced the following changes: 1) an increase in peak shear stress accompanied by a decrease in shear displacement; 2) an improvement in shear strength; and 3) a transition from plasticity to brittleness in failure characteristics under peak pressure, accompanied by an increase in undrained compressive strength.