Soil Stabilization Using One-Part Geopolymer: A Sustainable Approach for Enhanced Durability and Performance

Soil stabilization is a way of improving the physical properties of soil to ensure the stability and longevity of soil. Traditional soil stabilization methods commonly employ materials like Portland cement and lime. However, these conventional stabilizers have significant environmental drawbacks, primarily due to their high carbon emissions and intensive resource requirements. In response to these challenges, the exploration of alternative, sustainable stabilization agents has gained considerable interest. One such promising alternative is the use of geopolymers. Geopolymers are inorganic polymers formed through the activation of aluminosilicate materials with alkaline solutions. Unlike traditional cement, geopolymers utilize industrial by-products such as fly ash, slag, and metakaolin as their primary raw materials, which are abundantly available and often considered waste. The geopolymerization process involves the chemical reaction of these materials with an alkali activator, resulting in a hardened binder with superior mechanical and chemical properties. The goal of the present study is to use one-part ready-to-use solid geopolymer which needs only water to activate and eradicate the necessity for handling hazardous liquid alkaline activators. This research aims to evaluate one-part geopolymers as an innovative and sustainable solution for soil stabilization. By addressing the technical, environmental, and economic aspects, this study seeks to establish a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits and practical application of geopolymers in enhancing soil properties for construction purposes. Specific objectives of the project include the following: (1) Optimizing a one-part geopolymer formulation suitable for soil condition; (2) Evaluating the mechanical properties of geopolymer-stabilized soils including compressive strength, tensile strength, and durability; (3) Conducting environmental life cycle assessment of the binders, and (4) Investigate the practical application methods and economic feasibility of one-part geopolymers in field conditions. The proposed research will consist of the following tasks. Task 1: Selecting sources of aluminosilicate raw materials, appropriate alkaline activators, and soil samples. Task 2: Characterization of soil through laboratory tests, such as particle size analysis, Atterberg limits, and specific gravity. Task 3: Optimize the design mix proportions and conduct mechanical tests, such as Proctor compaction tests, unconfined compressive strength, split tensile strength tests, and durability tests (wetting-drying cycles, freeze-thaw cycles, and chemical resistance). Task 4: Perform environmental and economic life cycle impact analysis along with leachate analysis to assess the potential for leaching harmful substances into soil. Task 5: Conduct small-scale field trials with various types of soil collected from different locations in Louisiana and stabilized using the proposed one-part geopolymer formulations.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.sptc.org/cy2-ltu-02

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $76,000
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348306

  CY2-LTU-02

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Southern Plains Transportation Center

  University of Oklahoma
  202 W Boyd St, Room 213A
  Norman, OK  United States  73019
• Project Managers:

  Dunn, Denise

• Performing Organizations:

  Louisiana Tech University, Ruston

  Ruston, LA  United States  71272
• Principal Investigators:

  Matthews, John

  Hussain, Shaik

• Start Date: 20241001
• Expected Completion Date: 20250930
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Geosynthetics; Life cycle analysis; Mechanical properties; Mix design; Polymers; Soil stabilization
• Geographic Terms: Louisiana
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01939091
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Southern Plains Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348306, CY2-LTU-02
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Dec 10 2024 1:47PM