The effect of cement kiln dust as a sustainable cement-free stabilizer on the geotechnical properties of clay soils: A review

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Sadegh Ghavamijamal
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran.
10.22034/road.2025.540646.2423
Abstract
Due to their low bearing capacity and high potential for volume change, clay soils pose numerous limitations in construction projects. The chemical stabilization of these soils using industrial waste or by-products has attracted considerable attention from researchers as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution. Cement kiln dust (CKD), a by-product of Portland cement production, has an estimated annual output of approximately 10 to 13 million tons in Iran. The utilization of CKD as a substitute for Portland cement can substantially reduce both cement consumption and industrial waste volume, thereby fostering a more sustainable and healthier environment for future generations. Given its fine particle size and appreciable free lime content, CKD exhibits significant potential for application in soil stabilization. This research first presents the production process and the physical and chemical characteristics of CKD and then reviews previous studies on the stabilization of clay soils using CKD. The effects of CKD on Atterberg limits, compaction parameters, strength, swelling index, and soil permeability are examined, and the influence of secondary additives on soil–CKD mixtures is also evaluated. Despite the effectiveness of CKD in enhancing the engineering properties of clay soils, challenges remain, including environmental risks associated with its chemical compounds and their potential leaching into groundwater, implementation issues in construction practice, and the need for effective control measures during application. This study provides useful guidance for engineers seeking to employ CKD as a chemical stabilizer of clay soils in construction projects.
Keywords
Chemical Soil Stabilization
Clay Soils
Mechanical Properties
Cement Kiln Dust
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