Microstructural Evolution and Strength Development of High-Water-Content Soft Soils Stabilized with Cementitious–Expansive Binders

This study experimentally investigated the stabilization mechanisms and structure formation models of high-water-content soft soils (>70%) treated with ordinary Portland cement, sulfur aluminate cement, gypsum, and lime. Fifteen single- and composite-stabilizer systems were evaluated using unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests and microstructural analyses, including SEM, XRD, TG–DTG, and FTIR analyses. The results show that stabilized soils containing cementitious components exhibit significantly higher strength due to the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) gel, which effectively binds soil particles. The addition of sulfur aluminate cement, gypsum, and lime promotes rapid hydration and generates abundant ettringite (AFt) crystals with strong water absorption capacity, contributing to early strength development. Based on these findings, a composite stabilizer (ECS) combining cement with appropriate proportions of sulfur aluminate cement, gypsum, and lime is proposed, achieving substantial improvements in both early and long-term strength. The stabilization process proceeds in two stages: rapid AFt formation absorbs free water and fills large pores to form a three-dimensional network, and then C–S–H gel cementation integrates the soil–AFt framework into a dense and coherent structure. The study provides mechanistic insight and a theoretical basis for stabilizing high-water-content soft soils in coastal and riparian engineering applications.