Bearing Capacity and Compressibility of Dredged Marine Sediment Stabilized with Cement and Fly Ash

Abstract

The disposal and management of dredged marine sediments have become significant environmental and geotechnical challenges due to increasing coastal development and harbor maintenance activities. This study investigates the bearing capacity and compressibility characteristics of dredged marine sediment stabilized with cement and fly ash for potential use in geotechnical and construction applications. The proposed stabilization approach aims to improve the engineering properties of weak marine sediments while promoting the beneficial reuse of industrial by-products in sustainable infrastructure development. A comprehensive experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate the influence of cement content, fly ash proportion, curing duration, moisture condition, and compaction characteristics on the mechanical behavior of stabilized sediment mixtures. Geotechnical assessments including unconfined compressive strength, consolidation analysis, California bearing ratio testing, and settlement evaluation were performed to determine load-bearing performance and compressibility behavior under varying stabilization conditions. Results demonstrated significant improvements in shear strength, stiffness, and bearing capacity through the combined incorporation of cement and fly ash, indicating enhanced suitability of stabilized sediments for subgrade and foundation applications. The stabilized mixtures also exhibited reduced compressibility and settlement potential due to improved particle bonding and pozzolanic reaction mechanisms. Comparative analysis revealed that optimized stabilization combinations provided superior engineering performance and long-term durability compared to untreated dredged sediments. Furthermore, the utilization of fly ash contributed to reduced cement consumption and improved environmental sustainability by minimizing industrial waste disposal.