Vol. 25, No. 2 (2026), Mat26740 https://doi.org/10.24275/rmiq/Mat26740

Physicochemical interpretation of the stabilization mechanisms of clayey soils using recycled brick powder: A physicochemical, mechanical, and geotechnical assessment

 

Authors

J. Sangabriel-Lomelí, P. J. López-González, O. Moreno-Vázquez, N. Sánchez-Zarate, J. Z. Escobar-Galván

Abstract

Clayey soils exhibit high plasticity, volumetric instability, and low load-bearing capacity, which limit their use in infrastructure applications. This study evaluates the potential of recycled brick powder as a sustainable stabilizing additive and proposes a chemical interpretation of the mechanisms responsible for the observed geotechnical and mechanical improvements. Laboratory testing included Atterberg limits, modified Proctor compaction, and compressive strength at 7, 14, and 28 days, combined with a theoretical physicochemical analysis based on cation exchange, flocculation–agglomeration, and pozzolanic reactions. Although instrumental microstructural techniques (XRD, SEM–EDS) were not applied, compositional ranges reported in the literature for ceramic residues—rich in SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃—were used to interpret reaction pathways. Results show that brick powder reduces soil plasticity, increases dry density, and enhances compressive strength over time, with the 7% mixture exhibiting the highest performance. The gradual strength gain observed at 14 and 28 days provides indirect evidence of secondary gel formation (C–S–H and C–A–H), consistent with pozzolanic processes commonly reported for aluminosilicate–calcium systems. These findings demonstrate that recycled brick powder represents a technically viable, low-cost, and environmentally beneficial stabilizer for clayey soils. The study opens avenues for further research using advanced chemical and microstructural characterization.

Keywords

Soil stabilization, recycled brick powder, compressive strength, pozzolanic reactions, physicochemical mechanisms.

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