Document Type

Data Set

Publication Date

Winter 2024

Abstract

Traditional calcium-based stabilizers are generally used to stabilize native expansive soils that are often found throughout Region 6. Due to their high carbon footprint, many studies are being conducted to identify a suitable green alternative for stabilizing expansive soils. Geopolymer (GP) received a lot of attention in the past few decades owing to its similar properties to that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) yet with a lower carbon footprint. Previous studies have shown that metakaolin-based GP is an effective stabilizer to stabilize expansive soils. This study investigated the feasibility of stabilizing native expansive soils with GP synthesized with locally sourced calcined kaolinite-rich clays. Engineering and characterization tests such as shrinkage, strength, durability, optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were performed to evaluate various characteristics of the stabilized mixes with different dosages of GP and relate them to microstructural changes. Results indicated that the GP treatments were effective in improving the engineering performance of the treated soils. In addition, unconfined compressive strength and durability tests showed that GP synthesized with UPF was more effective than that with TNKY. These results were also corroborated using microstructural studies. Overall, an optimum dosage of GP improved both the mechanical properties and durability of expansive soils

Comments

Tran-SET Project 22GTTAMU40

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