STUDY OF THE EFFICIENCY OF STABILIZING LOESS SOIL MASSIFS

Abstract

The article presents the results of research aimed at improving the efficiency of stabilizing loess soil masses that are prone to subsidence and exhibit an unstable structural framework. The study analyzes existing technologies of soil stabilization through cementation and silicatization, emphasizing their main shortcomings such as high labor intensity, irregular penetration of grouting mixtures into the soil body, and a significant decrease in strength and durability of silicatized soils under prolonged wetting. Laboratory experiments were conducted on loessial silt loam samples to determine deformation stabilization behavior under loading before and after treatment and to assess the time-dependent increase in the deformation modulus of stabilized soils. The tests demonstrated that injection cementation increases the deformation modulus of loess soils up to 80–90 MPa and effectively reduces relative collapsibility to negligible values. Based on the experimental results, an improved technological concept for forming a spatial foundation from stabilized collapsible soils was proposed. It includes the formation of a surface layer of stabilized soil, a system of columnar masses at the locations of building supports, and transverse and diagonal connecting bands that ensure structural integrity and uniform load distribution. The application of electro-osmotic and lime-cement treatment processes was found to accelerate the consolidation of the foundation base and enhance its load-bearing capacity. The developed technology significantly shortens the construction period, reduces material consumption, and provides reliable long-term operation of foundations on loess soils in complex engineering and geological conditions. The obtained research results can be recommended for practical use in the design and construction of buildings and structures in areas with widespread collapsible loess formations.