Announcements

Dr. Ibrahim Haruna Umar is one of the authors of the following newsletter article published in Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944):

“Marble Powder as a Soil Stabilizer: An Experimental Investigation of the Geotechnical Properties and Unconfined Compressive Strength Analysis”
by Ibrahim Haruna Umar and Hang Lin
Materials 2024, 17(5), 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17051208

1. Congratulations on your published paper. Could you please briefly introduce the main research content of the published paper?

Thank you. Our paper investigates the potential of waste marble powder as a sustainable soil stabilizer for fine-grained clayey soils. Through a comprehensive experimental program, we evaluated geotechnical properties such as Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS), and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS). We also developed a quartic polynomial regression model to predict UCS based on curing time, water content, and composition ratios. The study demonstrates how marble powder can transform weak soils into viable construction materials.

2. What are the key takeaways you hope readers will gain from your paper?

I hope readers take away three main points: Readers should recognize the environmental and engineering value of repurposing industrial waste—specifically marble powder—for soil stabilization. The research highlights optimal conditions for strength development and provides a predictive model that can guide future applications. It also underscores the importance of curing time and moisture control in achieving durable soil composites.

3. Was there a specific experience or event in your research career that led you to focus on your current field of research?

My interest was sparked by observing the practical challenges in my region, where construction on weak, expansive soils often leads to pavement failures and foundation problems. Simultaneously, I noticed the environmental burden of industrial waste like marble powder. This presented a clear opportunity: to address a pressing engineering problem with a sustainable waste management solution. This intersection of geotechnical engineering and environmental sustainability has been the driving force behind my research focus.

4. Could you describe the difficulties and breakthrough innovations encountered in your current research?

One difficulty was understanding the non-linear behavior of the soil–powder mixture, especially why strength decreased after a certain optimal marble powder ratio. This required careful analysis beyond simple linear assumptions. The breakthrough innovation was twofold: First, we achieved the “successful application of a high-degree polynomial regression model” that could accurately capture the complex relationships between the input variables and the resulting strength. This model achieved an excellent R² value of 0.954, providing a powerful tool for prediction. Second, through rigorous testing, we quantified the precise influence of each factor (curing time, water content, composition) on the final strength, with curing time emerging as the most critical parameter.

5. Does technological progress provide new opportunities for the topic you are researching? Does it bring any potential risks? How do you think these factors will affect future research trends on this topic?

Absolutely. Technological progress, particularly in data analytics and machine learning, provides tremendous opportunities. We can move beyond traditional regression to develop even more sophisticated predictive models that can incorporate a wider range of variables and soil types. Advanced microstructural analysis techniques (e.g., SEM, XRD) can help us visually understand the chemical bonding and reaction mechanisms at a micro-level, optimizing the stabilization process. However, reliance on computational models without sufficient experimental validation poses risks. The future trend will undoubtedly involve a multi-disciplinary approach, combining advanced material science, data analytics, and traditional geotechnical testing to develop intelligent, tailored, and highly reliable stabilization protocols for diverse soil conditions.

6. How do you evaluate research trends in this field, and what advice would you give to other young researchers?

The field is moving decisively towards green and sustainable geotechnics. There is a growing emphasis on using recycled materials, reducing the carbon footprint of construction, and creating circular economies. My advice to young researchers is the following:

• Be interdisciplinary: Don't just be a civil engineer. Learn about materials science, chemistry, data science, and environmental science;
• Focus on applicability: Always ask, “How can this research be implemented in the real world?” Bridge the gap between the lab and the field;
• Embrace sustainability: Look for research questions that offer solutions to environmental challenges. This is not just a trend but the future of our profession.

7. Finally, how do you think the open access publishing model impacts authors?

Open access democratizes knowledge. It allows researchers, practitioners, and students worldwide to access cutting-edge findings without subscription barriers, significantly increasing the visibility, citation potential, and real-world application of our work. However, the publishing fee can be a financial consideration, especially for early-career researchers or those without institutional support. However, MDPI offers several avenues for fee reductions, including institutional agreements, waiver programs, and discount applications. I encourage authors to explore these options, as they make open access more accessible while preserving the benefits of global reach and impact.