Novel Approach for Suppression of Ettringite Formation in Sulfate-Bearing Soil Using Blends of Nano-Magnesium Oxide, Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag and Rice Husk Ash

The treatment of sulfate-bearing soil with calcium-based stabilizers such as cement or lime often results in ettringite formation, consequently leading to swelling and strength deterioration. Ettringite formation has negative environmental economic effects on various civil engineering structures. This study was conducted investigate the use different materials (nano–magnesium oxide (M), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), rice husk ash (RHA)) for gypseous stabilization prevent formation. Various tests were performed, including flexural strength, unconfined compression linear expansion, microstructure analysis (SEM/EDX), (L)-, (M)-, (M-RHA)-, (M-GGBS)-, (M-GGBS-RHA)-stabilized samples determine their properties. indicated that rates mixed 20% M-RHA, M-GGBS, M-GGBS-RHA binders much lower (less than 0.01% volume change) those 10% lime-stabilized after a curing period 90 days. Meanwhile, strengths specimens soaking days obviously higher (with range from 2.7–12.8 MPa) binder. SEM EDX showed no M-RHA-, M-GGBS-, M-GGBS-RHA-stabilized soils. Overall, test proved potential effective stabilizers.