1078 • Reduction of capillary permeability • Physical encapsulation of contaminants Microstructural analysis confirmed densification and pore refinement compared to conventional cement stabilization. 4. RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE 4.1 Mechanical Performance University research demonstrated: UCS and STS According to (Khan & Shrive, 2026a) , the incorporation of Duraflex (at 2% by weight of cement) into cement-stabilized silty clay produced consistent and statistically significant improvements in both compressive and tensile strength under all curing conditions (Figure 80). The compressive and tensile strengths of DFI-stabilised specimens were 10 - 25% higher than those of other types of specimens under both curing conditions and were directly associated with progressive microstructural densification. Figure 1 clearly demonstrates that strength gain is not only higher in Duraflex-treated samples but also more sustained over time, with the largest divergence observed at extended curing durations (300 days), indicating long-term performance benefits. Figure 80- UCS (kPa) vs curing duration (days) (Khan & Shrive, 2026a) S = Soil, SC = Soil stabilized with Portland cement, SCD = Soil stabilized with Portland cement and Duraflex, CR means curing at 20°C and 100% RH and Lab means curing in the laboratory atmosphere. Reduction in porosity BET analysis BET N2 (Figure 81) confirmed a reduction in micropore volume and surface area, while mesopore connectivity decreased in SCD specimens, indicating effective pore filling by secondary hydration products. Increased matric suction (Figure 82) further demonstrated reduced pore water pressure and enhanced effective stress, consistent with unsaturated soil mechanics theory. Figure 2 indicates a clear shift toward reduced pore volume and surface area in Duraflex-treated samples, confirming densification at the microstructural level. That this pore refinement translates into higher
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