Enhancing sustainable subgrade engineering using soil tuff for modifying iron tailings sand: A comprehensive engineering performance and sustainability analysis

Soil tuff, an industrial solid waste, can serve as a sustainable alternative to cement for modifying iron tailings sand (ITS). To substantiate this claim, the physical properties, durability and microstructure of soil tuff and cement-modified ITSs were analyzed at different modifier dosages, compaction degrees and maintenance ages, with a comprehensive comparison in the perspective of sustainable built environments. The results indicate that the physical properties of soil tuff-modified ITS (STM-ITS) were significantly enhanced in subgrade engineering applications compared with cement-modified ITS (CM-ITS). In addition, compared with CM-ITS, the hydration products of STM-ITS possessed a smaller amount of Ca(OH)₂ and were cemented with surrounding binding products, which resulted in fewer cracks. STM-ITS featured a more stable C–S–H gel than CM-ITS due to a lower Ca/Si ratio, contributing to its higher corrosion resistance. Notably, a sustainability analysis demonstrated that incorporating STM-ITS has physical properties comparable to those of CM-ITS and can be obtained at a significantly lower cost, CO₂ emission, and energy consumption. Therefore, this study highlights the potential of soil tuff as a promising eco-friendly option for subgrade engineering, promoting waste usage, improving built environments, and contributing to carbon-neutrality goals. These findings have significant implications for the construction industry and the pursuit of sustainable development.