Stabilization Mechanism and Effect Evaluation of Stabilized Silt with Lignin Based on Laboratory Data

The potential of a lignin-based by-product to stabilize silt was evaluated. The physical and mechanical properties of silt in its natural state, as well as when treated with varying proportions of lignin, were analyzed. The parameters tested include the particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, unconfined compressed strength, pH value, and electrical resistivity. To understand the stabilization mechanism of lignin-treated silt at a microscopic level, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and Fourier transform infrared resonance (FTIR) spectroscopy were also carried out on lignin and representative samples after 28 days of curing. The results indicate that the engineering properties of silt are improved by the addition of lignin. Particle size distribution is changed and plastic index is reduced from 8.8 to 7.7. After improvement, the maximum dry density increases and the optimum moisture content decreases, while the change of dry density with moisture content is enhanced. The treated silt has greater strength performance than the natural silt in terms of unconfined compressed strength and all of the samples have a pH value lower than 10. Curing time and moisture content have a significant impact on unconfined compressed strength but almost no effect on pH. Micro-chemical analysis reveals that the improvement of performance exhibited by lignin-treated silt may be mainly attributed to the cation exchange and the formation of more stable soil structure by lignin cementing. The stabilization mechanism of lignin-treated silt was proposed according to the results of chemical analysis. It is shown that lignin-based stabilizers have potential to improve the engineering properties of silt.