Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 10.2
Principle of the
fiber-cement stabilized soil
method
Particles
Waste paper fibers
Free
water
a
b
c
d
10.2
Fibrous Soil Solidification Process to Produce
Backfill or Reclamation Materials
10.2.1
Principles of the Fibrous Soil Solidification Process
The principle of the fibrous soil solidification method is simply expressed as the
following:
1. Regarding muds and sludges with high water content, as shown in Fig.
10.2
, the
soil particles are free to move in the water because it is in a state of low yield
stress, and thus moves as a fluid. Due to this high moisture content, such muds
are transported by pipeline or vacuum truck etc.
2. If materials such as waste paper
1
or textiles with high water absorption are added,
as shown in Fig.
10.2
, the free water around the soil particles is absorbed by the
fibrous materials and a reduction in the moisture content is observed.
3. Moreover, if high molecular weight polymer additives are used to improve the
agitation, as shown in Fig.
10.2
, the water-soluble polymer is dissolved and
adsorbed to the surface of the soil particles. This absorption forms cross-links
between particles forming aggregate structures, trapping the water inside these
aggregates, so that the liquid state is lost.
4. Finally, additives are mixed in and agitated, causing the mud to shear, so that a
soil with high water retention is generated Fig.
10.2
.
5. If the mud is not self-setting, to produce soils for use as fill and back filling
materials, cement can be added to deliver the desired strength and solidification
in the materials.
1
In our research the paper is sourced from recycled newspapers and similar materials shredded to
a size of 15 mm; this paper debris is then used in the mixing process.
