<p>In response to the need to develop sustainable strategies for the stabilization of low-plasticity clay soils in rapidly urbanizing regions associated with the mechanical and volumetric deficiencies these soils exhibit when used as a base for road structures or foundations. This study evaluated the potential of locally sourced biochar as a soil-stabilizing additive. Biochar (BC) was incorporated at different percentages 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% as a partial replacement of the soil’s dry weight. Through an experimental process, it was determined that the optimal dosage corresponds to 8% BC, recording a 2.62% reduction in maximum dry density and a 17.84% increase in optimum moisture content, attributable to the high porosity and water retention capacity of biochar. In the soaked CBR test, significant improvements were observed, the value increased to 7.20%, representing a 380% gain compared to the untreated soil, which had a value of 1.50% at 95% of the maximum dry density. According to Peruvian standards, this improvement allows the subgrade to be reclassified based on its CBR value, changing from an inadequate to a regular category. Likewise, the unconfined compressive strength increased to 779&#xa0;kPa, representing a 9.81% gain compared to the initial value of 710&#xa0;kPa obtained for the untreated soil. This increase is attributed to key microstructural mechanisms: the micropores in the biochar create a water retention network that enhances particle lubrication during compaction; its rigid structure acts as a framework that efficiently redistributes loads; and the surface texture of BC particles promotes mechanical interlocking with the clay matrix. Dosages above 8% reduced strength due to the excess of non-reactive particles that disrupted soil continuity. Overall, the results demonstrate that biochar is a reusable and environmentally viable alternative for stabilizing low-plasticity clay soils at the subgrade level in low-traffic infrastructure. This technology directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 (resilient infrastructure), 11 (sustainable cities), and 12 (responsible production and consumption) by promoting the use of local materials and reducing the environmental impact of construction.</p>

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Use of biochar in the stabilization of low-plasticity clayey soils

  • Cristian Thaynner Vasquez Sanchez,
  • Eli David Vasquez Ordoñez,
  • Juan Martín García Chumacero

摘要

In response to the need to develop sustainable strategies for the stabilization of low-plasticity clay soils in rapidly urbanizing regions associated with the mechanical and volumetric deficiencies these soils exhibit when used as a base for road structures or foundations. This study evaluated the potential of locally sourced biochar as a soil-stabilizing additive. Biochar (BC) was incorporated at different percentages 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% as a partial replacement of the soil’s dry weight. Through an experimental process, it was determined that the optimal dosage corresponds to 8% BC, recording a 2.62% reduction in maximum dry density and a 17.84% increase in optimum moisture content, attributable to the high porosity and water retention capacity of biochar. In the soaked CBR test, significant improvements were observed, the value increased to 7.20%, representing a 380% gain compared to the untreated soil, which had a value of 1.50% at 95% of the maximum dry density. According to Peruvian standards, this improvement allows the subgrade to be reclassified based on its CBR value, changing from an inadequate to a regular category. Likewise, the unconfined compressive strength increased to 779 kPa, representing a 9.81% gain compared to the initial value of 710 kPa obtained for the untreated soil. This increase is attributed to key microstructural mechanisms: the micropores in the biochar create a water retention network that enhances particle lubrication during compaction; its rigid structure acts as a framework that efficiently redistributes loads; and the surface texture of BC particles promotes mechanical interlocking with the clay matrix. Dosages above 8% reduced strength due to the excess of non-reactive particles that disrupted soil continuity. Overall, the results demonstrate that biochar is a reusable and environmentally viable alternative for stabilizing low-plasticity clay soils at the subgrade level in low-traffic infrastructure. This technology directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 (resilient infrastructure), 11 (sustainable cities), and 12 (responsible production and consumption) by promoting the use of local materials and reducing the environmental impact of construction.