Engineering behavior and geotechnical challenges of sulfate-rich soils in Astana

This study investigates the engineering properties of sulfate-containing soils from Astana, Kazakhstan, with a focus on their physical, chemical, and water retention characteristics. Understanding the challenges posed by sulfate-rich soils is critical for developing effective stabilization methods,...

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Main Authors: Nazerke Sagidullina, Alfrendo Satyanaga, Jong Kim, Sung-Woo Moon
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-02-01
Series:Frontiers in Built Environment
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1504643/full
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author Nazerke Sagidullina
Alfrendo Satyanaga
Jong Kim
Sung-Woo Moon
author_facet Nazerke Sagidullina
Alfrendo Satyanaga
Jong Kim
Sung-Woo Moon
author_sort Nazerke Sagidullina
collection DOAJ
description This study investigates the engineering properties of sulfate-containing soils from Astana, Kazakhstan, with a focus on their physical, chemical, and water retention characteristics. Understanding the challenges posed by sulfate-rich soils is critical for developing effective stabilization methods, especially in regions with extreme climates. Initial soil characterization revealed that the soil is well-graded sand with silt (SW-SM), with significant sulfate content (8518.8 ppm) and salinity (18.45%). Advanced techniques, including ion chromatography (IC), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), identified the presence of sulfate minerals such as gypsum and anhydrite. The soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) demonstrated bimodal behavior, with distinct air entry values of 4.988 kPa for macropores and 1000 kPa for micropores, highlighting its complex water retention properties. Shrinkage tests, analyzed using a 3D scanner, revealed a hyperbolic drying curve, with a sharp void ratio reduction during the normal shrinkage phase and minimal changes during the residual phase. These results underscore the soil’s susceptibility to volumetric changes under varying moisture conditions. This comprehensive geotechnical characterization provides critical insights into the behavior of sulfate-rich soils and their implications for infrastructure stability. The findings emphasize the need for tailored engineering solutions to mitigate risks associated with sulfate-induced swelling and shrinkage, offering practical contributions to construction practices in sulfate-affected regions. Future research will explore stabilization strategies to enhance the mechanical performance and durability of these soils.
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institution Kabale University
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spelling doaj-art-ccd19ccf5ab345279fafe24e1a0a10782025-02-12T07:25:40ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Built Environment2297-33622025-02-011010.3389/fbuil.2024.15046431504643Engineering behavior and geotechnical challenges of sulfate-rich soils in AstanaNazerke SagidullinaAlfrendo SatyanagaJong KimSung-Woo MoonThis study investigates the engineering properties of sulfate-containing soils from Astana, Kazakhstan, with a focus on their physical, chemical, and water retention characteristics. Understanding the challenges posed by sulfate-rich soils is critical for developing effective stabilization methods, especially in regions with extreme climates. Initial soil characterization revealed that the soil is well-graded sand with silt (SW-SM), with significant sulfate content (8518.8 ppm) and salinity (18.45%). Advanced techniques, including ion chromatography (IC), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), identified the presence of sulfate minerals such as gypsum and anhydrite. The soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) demonstrated bimodal behavior, with distinct air entry values of 4.988 kPa for macropores and 1000 kPa for micropores, highlighting its complex water retention properties. Shrinkage tests, analyzed using a 3D scanner, revealed a hyperbolic drying curve, with a sharp void ratio reduction during the normal shrinkage phase and minimal changes during the residual phase. These results underscore the soil’s susceptibility to volumetric changes under varying moisture conditions. This comprehensive geotechnical characterization provides critical insights into the behavior of sulfate-rich soils and their implications for infrastructure stability. The findings emphasize the need for tailored engineering solutions to mitigate risks associated with sulfate-induced swelling and shrinkage, offering practical contributions to construction practices in sulfate-affected regions. Future research will explore stabilization strategies to enhance the mechanical performance and durability of these soils.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1504643/fullsulfate-containing soilssoil-water characteristic curvegeotechnical characterizationmicrostructural analysisshrinkage test
spellingShingle Nazerke Sagidullina
Alfrendo Satyanaga
Jong Kim
Sung-Woo Moon
Engineering behavior and geotechnical challenges of sulfate-rich soils in Astana
Frontiers in Built Environment
sulfate-containing soils
soil-water characteristic curve
geotechnical characterization
microstructural analysis
shrinkage test
title Engineering behavior and geotechnical challenges of sulfate-rich soils in Astana
title_full Engineering behavior and geotechnical challenges of sulfate-rich soils in Astana
title_fullStr Engineering behavior and geotechnical challenges of sulfate-rich soils in Astana
title_full_unstemmed Engineering behavior and geotechnical challenges of sulfate-rich soils in Astana
title_short Engineering behavior and geotechnical challenges of sulfate-rich soils in Astana
title_sort engineering behavior and geotechnical challenges of sulfate rich soils in astana
topic sulfate-containing soils
soil-water characteristic curve
geotechnical characterization
microstructural analysis
shrinkage test
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1504643/full
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AT alfrendosatyanaga engineeringbehaviorandgeotechnicalchallengesofsulfaterichsoilsinastana
AT jongkim engineeringbehaviorandgeotechnicalchallengesofsulfaterichsoilsinastana
AT sungwoomoon engineeringbehaviorandgeotechnicalchallengesofsulfaterichsoilsinastana