Evaluation of pyrophyllite as a sustainable soil stabilizer under thermal and mechanical conditions
GEOMECHANICS AND ENGINEERING, cilt.47, sa.3, ss.579-599, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 47 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.12989/gae.2026.47.3.08
- Dergi Adı: GEOMECHANICS AND ENGINEERING
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Compendex
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.579-599
- Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Soil stabilization plays a critical role in geotechnical engineering by improving the mechanical properties of weak soils. Traditional stabilizers, such as lime and cement, are widely used; however, their environmental impact and high production costs necessitate alternative solutions. This study investigates the effect of pyrophyllite, a mineral known for its potential physicochemical reactivity, on the compaction and strength characteristics of clayey soils exposed to different thermal conditions. A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the physical and mechanical behavior of soil samples containing 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% pyrophyllite by dry weight. The samples were subjected to four different temperature conditions: room temperature (RT), 100°C, 200°C, and 500°C. Standard Proctor tests were performed to determine compaction characteristics, while unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and unconsolidated-undrained (UU) triaxial tests were conducted to assess strength parameters. The impact of curing time (7 and 21 days) on soil behavior was also examined. The results indicate that moderate temperature exposure (100–200°C) enhances soil compaction efficiency and strength, attributed to dehydration and improved interparticle bonding. However, at 500°C, soil structure deteriorates, reducing cohesion while increasing the internal friction angle. The incorporation of pyrophyllite improves soil strength, particularly at 10–20% levels, by enhancing particle rearrangement and possible physico-chemical interactions, leading to a denser soil matrix. Prolonged curing further enhances the beneficial effects of pyrophyllite stabilization. This study demonstrates that pyrophyllite can be considered a promising and sustainable alternative stabilizer for geotechnical applications, particularly in environments subject to thermal variations. The findings contribute to the development of environmentally friendly soil stabilization techniques, optimizing the mechanical performance of compacted clayey soils.