Technobius

The influence of stabilizers on the strength characteristics of soils in the Western Kazakhstan region

Mariya Smagulova — 2024-09-15

The paper presents the results of laboratory studies of soils in four regions of Western Kazakhstan: Atyrau, West Kazakhstan, Aktobe, and Mangystau regions. Laboratory tests determined their physical and mechanical properties, while IR Fourier spectroscopy was applied to analyze mineral composition. Modern stabilizing additives were introduced into the soils, and compressive strength was evaluated after 7 and 28 days. The results demonstrated a 1.5–2.5-fold increase in strength compared to untreated samples, with maximum values ranging from 4 to 6 MPa. The greatest effect was observed in sandy loams and carbonate-rich soils, confirming the high potential of stabilizers for enhancing road base performance in the region.

Utilization of water treatment plant sludge in concrete mix

Kairat Ospanov — 2025-09-02

This article presents the results of research on the processing of sludge generated at the Main Treatment Facilities (MTF) of Almaty, Kazakhstan, for use in concrete mixes. A nominal concrete mix composition was selected for sample production, consisting of Portland cement, crushed stone, sand, water, Interplast AT superplasticizer, and sludge from the horizontal settling tanks of the MTF. Samples were tested for compressive and flexural strength, water absorption, permeability, and density, revealing that replacing 5% sand with MTF sludge decreases compressive and flexural strengths at 28 days by 13.3% and 3.7%, respectively. In terms of water absorption, the best performance was observed in the sample containing 10% sludge from the MTF replacing part of the sand.