In a significant breakthrough for the construction industry, researchers have unveiled promising findings regarding the enhancement of soft soil stabilization using aluminum hydroxide in conjunction with nickel slag. This study, led by Ichsan Rauf from the Department of Civil Engineering at Khairun University in Ternate, Indonesia, highlights the potential for improved road foundation construction, a crucial aspect of infrastructure development.
The research addresses a pressing issue in civil engineering: the challenge of improving soft soils, which are often unsuitable for load-bearing applications. Nickel slag, a byproduct of the nickel industry, has emerged as a viable pozzolanic material, but previous studies indicated that its effectiveness in meeting road foundation standards was limited. Rauf explained, “While nickel slag has shown promise in enhancing the mechanical properties of high-plasticity organic soils, it alone does not suffice to meet the rigorous standards required for road construction.”
To tackle this limitation, the study evaluated the impact of incorporating aluminum hydroxide into the nickel slag-stabilized soil matrix. By testing various weight ratios of aluminum hydroxide—specifically at 1.5%, 2.5%, and 3.5%—the researchers aimed to determine the optimal formulation for maximizing compressive strength. The results were striking: the mixture with a 1.5% addition of aluminum hydroxide achieved a compressive strength of 237.39 kPa, significantly outperforming the nickel slag alone.
The underlying reason for this improvement lies in the formation of pozzolanic reactions, which contribute to the development of compounds such as C–S–H, C–A–H, and C–S–A–H. These reactions not only enhance the mechanical properties of the stabilized soil but also suggest a pathway for utilizing industrial byproducts in sustainable construction practices.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. With the construction sector continually seeking sustainable and cost-effective solutions, the combination of aluminum hydroxide and nickel slag presents a dual benefit: it improves soil stability while repurposing waste materials. “This study could pave the way for more environmentally friendly construction methods, reducing reliance on traditional materials and promoting a circular economy within the industry,” Rauf noted.
As the construction industry grapples with the challenges of soil stabilization and environmental sustainability, findings from this study, published in ‘AIMS Materials Science’ (translated as ‘AIMS Materials Science’), could catalyze a shift in practices. The integration of such innovative materials not only enhances the performance of road foundations but also aligns with global efforts to minimize waste and promote sustainability in construction.
For more information on Ichsan Rauf’s work, you can visit the Department of Civil Engineering at Khairun University [here](http://www.khairun.ac.id).
