Reinforcement of clay soils with basalt fibers for increased resilience to freeze-thaw cycles in northern Quebec

In the context of sustainable development in Canada’s northern regions, such as Waskaganish in Quebec, marine clay soils undergo freeze-thaw cycles that are intensified by climate change, threatening the stability of local infrastructure. This project, in collaboration with SFTech, explores a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution: treating clay soils with basalt fibers. These fibers, derived from natural volcanic rock, offer increased resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, improve the mechanical characteristics of soils, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with the use of traditional granular resources.

The project includes laboratory tests to analyze the compressive and tensile strength of treated soils before and after freeze-thaw cycles, as well as computational homogenization based on the extended finite element method (XFEM) to estimate the equivalent elastic properties of the medium. These models will optimize the fiber/clay ratio to maximize mechanical performance while minimizing the amount of fibers required. By using basalt fibers, the project also contributes to better management of local natural resources by reducing the environmental impact of storing unused clay.

This project aligns with Institut AdapT’s mission by promoting innovative and resilient solutions to climate challenges. The results will provide an essential database for sustainable development projects under the Northern Plan and contribute to more sustainable and environmentally friendly construction practices, while strengthening the resilience of northern communities.