Publicação
Almond and walnut shells as sustainable soil amendments: physical insights for geotechnical applications
| Resumo: | The use of agricultural waste as soil amendments aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable development and circular economy principles. This study investigates the potential of almond and walnut shells as ecofriendly soil amendments, focusing on their physical and mechanical characteristics, including density, plasticity, compaction, and consolidation behavior. By incorporating these biodegradable by-products into soil systems, the research seeks to evaluate their chemical compatibility with natural soils and their suitability for enhancing geotechnical performance. Laboratory analyses were conducted to determine the shells' specific gravity, Atterberg limits, Proctor compaction parameters (optimum moisture content and maximum dry density), and oedometric consolidation properties under various stress conditions. Results indicate that almond and walnut shells exhibit very low density, making them suitable for reducing soil weight in specific applications. Additionally, their favorable compaction and plasticity characteristics contribute to improved soil workability. Consolidation tests reveal that these amendments enhance the compressibility and permeability of treated soils, suggesting potential applications in agricultural and environmental engineering contexts. The findings highlight the dual benefits of reducing agricultural waste disposal and improving soil properties, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. By showcasing the viability of almond and walnut shells as sustainable soil amendments, this study provides a novel approach to integrating agricultural by-products into geotechnical engineering practices, supporting both environmental protection and infrastructure resilience. |
|---|---|
| Autores principais: | Nouioua, Thamer |
| Outros Autores: | Marchiori, Leonardo; Silva, Flora; Albuquerque, António; Cavaleiro, Victor |
| Assunto: | Sustainable Development Waste Recycling Circular Economy Geoengineering Environmental Protection Agriculture By-products |
| Ano: | 2025 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | documento de conferência |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Instituto Politécnico de Bragança |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | Biblioteca Digital do IPB |
| Resumo: | The use of agricultural waste as soil amendments aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable development and circular economy principles. This study investigates the potential of almond and walnut shells as ecofriendly soil amendments, focusing on their physical and mechanical characteristics, including density, plasticity, compaction, and consolidation behavior. By incorporating these biodegradable by-products into soil systems, the research seeks to evaluate their chemical compatibility with natural soils and their suitability for enhancing geotechnical performance. Laboratory analyses were conducted to determine the shells' specific gravity, Atterberg limits, Proctor compaction parameters (optimum moisture content and maximum dry density), and oedometric consolidation properties under various stress conditions. Results indicate that almond and walnut shells exhibit very low density, making them suitable for reducing soil weight in specific applications. Additionally, their favorable compaction and plasticity characteristics contribute to improved soil workability. Consolidation tests reveal that these amendments enhance the compressibility and permeability of treated soils, suggesting potential applications in agricultural and environmental engineering contexts. The findings highlight the dual benefits of reducing agricultural waste disposal and improving soil properties, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. By showcasing the viability of almond and walnut shells as sustainable soil amendments, this study provides a novel approach to integrating agricultural by-products into geotechnical engineering practices, supporting both environmental protection and infrastructure resilience. |
|---|