Selection of a composition of reinforced soils

The object of research is reinforced soils, which are effective materials for the construction of highways. For effective practical application of reinforced soils, it is necessary to correctly select the optimal composition of reinforced soils in laboratory conditions. The qualitative characteristics are determined on reinforced soil samples after their hardening under normal conditions at the design age of 28, 56, 90, or more days. The long work duration on the composition selection makes it difficult to use these materials, especially in conditions of continental and polar climate, when the duration of the construction season is short. Method. It is proposed that microwave radiation be used to reduce the time needed to select the composition. The treatment of reinforced soil samples with microwave radiation 2,45 GHz provides strength within one hour. Powerful microwave radiation contributes to the rapid heating and destruction of the reinforced soil sample. Temperature changes and sample size must be considered when processing samples with microwave radiation humidity. Various soils selected on the territory of the Irkutsk region were used for experimental studies. Results. Comparative compressive strength tests of reinforced soil samples obtained by hardening under normal conditions and microwave radiation treatment showed similar compressive strength values.