Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Volcanic Ash Soil Modified by Composite Cementitious Binder and Recycled Polyester Fiber

Abstract

Light pozzolanic soft clay has high compressibility and relatively poor structural stability, which limits its direct application in subgrade and foundation engineering. This study develops a sustainable combined stabilization–reinforcement system for lightweight volcanic ash soil using a steel slag–fly ash-based composite cementitious binder (GS) and recycled polyester fiber (RPF). Unconfined compressive strength tests, unconsolidated undrained triaxial tests, and microstructural characterization were conducted to evaluate the mechanical behavior and microstructural features of the treated soil. The results show that the GS binder markedly increased the soil strength, whereas RPF mainly improved specimen integrity and the post-peak response. Based on the single-additive and orthogonal test results, 24% GS, 0.6% RPF, and 9 mm fibers were identified as an appropriate mixture within the investigated factor levels for further mechanical evaluation. With the increase in confining pressure, the stress–strain response changes from strain softening to strain hardening. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations showed fine particulate material at local particle-contact and fiber–matrix regions, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis identified a representative Ca-rich microregion containing Si and Al. The combined use of GS binder and RPF effectively improved the strength and deformation resistance of lightweight volcanic ash soft clay.