Geomechanics and Engineering

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Combined effects of dune sand and recycled tire rubber on bentonite stabilization: mineralogical and microstructural insights

  • Belgacem Choungache (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Djelfa) ;
  • Abdelhalim Bensaada (Laboratory of Civil Engineering and Protection of the Environment (LCEPE), Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Medea) ;
  • Rebih Zaitri (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Djelfa) ;
  • Naas Allout (Laboratory of Civil Engineering and Sustainable Development, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Djelfa)
  • Received : 2026.02.13
  • Accepted : 2026.04.01
  • Published : 2026.04.25
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Abstract

This study investigates the mineralogical and microstructural changes of bentonite treated with dune sand (DS) and recycled tire rubber (RTR), with particular emphasis on reducing the free swell strain of expansive soils. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted, including one dimensional free-swell tests, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that partial replacement of bentonite with DS and RTR significantly reduces both the magnitude and rate of free swell strain. The optimum mixture, consisting of 5% RTR and 10% DS, exhibited the lowest swell strain (8.9%) along with a dense and well-integrated microstructure characterized by reduced pore connectivity. XRD analysis revealed increased quartz crystallinity and decreased montmorillonite activity, while SEM observations confirmed enhanced particle interlocking and matrix densification. These findings demonstrate a combined stabilization mechanism, where DS improves granular rigidity and RTR provides elastic confinement, leading to enhanced dimensional stability. The proposed DS-RTR stabilization approach offers a sustainable and effective solution for mitigating swelling in expansive soils used in subgrade and embankment applications.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors gratefully acknowledge the National Laboratory for Housing and Construction (NLHC), Djelfa, for providing access to essential testing facilities and technical assistance during the experimental program. They also extend their sincere thanks to the Directorate-General for Scientific Research and Technological Development (DGRSDT, Algeria) and the Technological Platform for Physico-Chemical Analysis (Laghouat) for their support, access to advanced analytical equipment, and valuable scientific collaboration throughout this study.

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