A state-of-the-art review on the dynamic characteristics of untreated and treated soils by traditional, recycled, and sustainable stabilizers

Assessing the subsurface geological conditions beneath a structure is crucial, as soils inherently tend to lose intergranular strength when subjected to static or dynamic loads. Applying dynamic loads can result in the propagation of stress waves through the soil, leading to deformation of the soil structure and causing more significant damage than static loads. Extensive research has been conducted on treating dynamic characteristics of clay soil properties using traditional additives such as lime and cement. To achieve better results and address the limitations of conventional materials in soil improvement, there is a growing trend towards using non-traditional stabilizers, referred to as ’recycled and sustainable’ materials. These include, for example, silica fume, polypropylene fibers, steel slag, fly ash, rubber tire particles, basalt, and recycled and crushed glass, which are currently being deeply investigated to improve the dynamic behavior of clay soils. The review article compares the effects of traditional and sustainable stabilizers on dynamic engineering properties of soils. It also highlights the engineering significance and innovations in the use of such materials. While traditional stabilizers effectively improve soil strength and durability, they pose environmental challenges, including increased CO₂ emissions and brittleness under seismic stress. Innovations focus on refining these techniques and incorporating sustainable alternatives, such as waste-derived materials, to enhance soil properties, improve seismic performance, and reduce environmental impact. The study underscores the need for developing cost-effective, eco-friendly solutions for modern infrastructure. It systematically analyzes recent topics on soil stabilization using these additives, examining parameters that influence the dynamic properties of stabilized clay soils. Furthermore, it reviews microstructural changes due to stabilization and their impact on dynamic properties, offering suggestions for future research.