## 4 Conclusions  
In this study, FASL was experimentally explored after the addition of various FA ratios (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) by investigating Atterberg limits, SPC, UCS, and CBR under non-submergence and submergence conditions with different curing times. From the results, the following conclusions were obtained:  
* The liquid limit and plasticity index first increased with the addition of FA from 10% to 20% and then decreased as FA ratio increased to 30%. However, the values were insignificantly changed for all stabilized samples compared with those of the untreated loess.
* Loess treated with 10%, 20%, and 30% FA showed a significant increase in the OMC but a significant decrease in the MDD. With the addition of 30% FA, the OMC increased by 11.3% and the MDD decreased by 7.6% compared with those of the untreated loess.
* The submergence condition had a greater contribution to UCS value for the addition of FA than the non-submergence condition. The UCS stress was significantly increased, especially when the FA ratio was greater than 20% under the submergence condition. On the contrary, the UCS stress did not change under non-submergence condition.
* The strength of FASL was improved with the increase in curing time, especially for samples at 28 days of curing time. The UCS stress under non-submergence condition was higher than that under submergence condition.
* The addition of FA to loess decreased the UCS strain. However, the UCS strain under submergence condition had a larger decrease than that under non-submergence condition. The decreasing trend of UCS strain was unremarkable as curing time was extended.
* The mixture of loess and FA caused a notable improvement in the load-bearing properties. However, the CBR value under submergence condition significantly increased compared with that under non-submergence condition. The CBR value also significantly increased with the extension in curing time.
* Submergence condition played an important role in improving the effect of FASL on UCS and CBR compared with non-submergence condition.
* The swell potential of FASL would significantly decrease to smaller than 0.5% when the FA ratio was increased to 30%. However, the effect on the swell potential was insignificant when curing time was extended.  
The above-mentioned conclusions indicate that the bearing capacity of loess in Shaanxi Province can be improved by adding 10% or more FA. The addition of FA with the extension in curing time is effective for ensuring UCS, CBR, and swell potential. Submergence condition improves the effect of FA as stabilizing agent on loess. Thus, FASL is expected to be significantly used in flood areas. However, the results of the CBR tests demonstrate that both conditions have excellent load-bearing characteristics with the addition of FA due to low specific gravity and decreased UCS strain. Therefore, the application of FA in areas prone to erosion should be considered cautiously.  
[PERSON] and [PERSON] conceived and designed the experiments; [PERSON], [PERSON], and [PERSON] conducted the analysis. [PERSON] and [PERSON] wrote, reviewed, and edited the paper. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.  
This research was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51178392).  
This study was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51178392) and College of Water Resources and Architectural Engineering, Northwest A&F University.