154 Mechanical Testing: • Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) • Splitting Tensile strength (STS) • Porosity measurement • Freeze-thaw durability • Wet-dry cycling Geochemical Testing: • TCLP (EPA 1311) • SPLP (EPA 1312) • Leachate metal concentration analysis • Hydrocarbon encapsulation assessment 3.2 Mineral Stabilization Mechanism The stabilization system utilizes a chloride-free mineral admixture integrated with cementitious matrices. The mechanism involves: • Enhanced hydration kinetics • Formation of interlocking crystalline structures • Increased matric suction • 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 10). 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.
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