Experimental feasibility study of using eco- and user-friendly mechanochemically activated slag/fly ash geopolymer for soil stabilization

Mukhtar Hamid Abed; Firas Hamid Abed; Seyed Alireza Zareei; Israa Sabbar Abbas; Hanifi Canakci; Nahidh H. Kurdi; Alireza Emami

Cleaner Materials (Mar 2024)

Experimental feasibility study of using eco- and user-friendly mechanochemically activated slag/fly ash geopolymer for soil stabilization

Mukhtar Hamid Abed,
Firas Hamid Abed,
Seyed Alireza Zareei,
Israa Sabbar Abbas,
Hanifi Canakci,
Nahidh H. Kurdi,
Alireza Emami

Affiliations

Mukhtar Hamid Abed: Projects Department, Al Ramadi Municipality, Anbar Province, Iraq; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Anbar, Anbar, Iraq; Corresponding author.
Firas Hamid Abed: Projects Department, Al Ramadi Municipality, Anbar Province, Iraq; Department of Civil Engineering, Khorasgan (Isfahan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Seyed Alireza Zareei: Department of Civil Engineering, Khorasgan (Isfahan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Israa Sabbar Abbas: Department of Civil Engineering, Al-Qalam University, Kirkuk, Iraq; Department of Civil Engineering, Kirkuk University, Kirkuk, Iraq
Hanifi Canakci: Department of Civil Engineering, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep, Turkey
Nahidh H. Kurdi: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Anbar, Anbar, Iraq
Alireza Emami: Department of Civil Engineering, Khorasgan (Isfahan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 11
p. 100226

Abstract

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This study focuses on the development of eco and user-friendly mechanochemically-activated geopolymeric stabilizers, surpassing the limitations inherent in traditional geopolymerization methods. A comparative analysis was undertaken with conventionally activated geopolymer stabilizers to establish benchmarks for effectiveness in soil stabilization applications. Additionally, the research delves into the impact of granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) content on the mechanical and durability properties of stabilized soil samples. In addition, the investigation focuses on the influence of the activation method on soil effectiveness and strength post-exposure to sulfate attack. The durability performance is rigorously assessed through the immersion of specimens in a 1 % magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) solution for 60 and 120 days. The comprehensive evaluation includes visual appearance, mass changes, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV), Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra of geopolymer-stabilized soil specimens. The results showed that before the exposure to the MgSO4 solution, the UCS of mechanochemically activated geopolymer (MAG) samples was higher (12–45 %) than that of conventionally activated geopolymer (CAG)-stabilized soil. Furthermore, the strength of the geopolymer-stabilized soil improved by 114 %, 247 %, and 361 %, at 50, 75, and 100 % GGBS content, respectively. On the other hand, after exposure to the MgSO4 solution, the results showed that the mechanochemically activated geopolymer-stabilized soil has better resistance to sulfate erosion than the conventionally activated geopolymer-stabilized soil. The residual UCS for MAG and CAG samples were 93 % and 89 % when exposed to 1 % magnesium sulfate solution for 60 days, whereas they declined to 70 % and 58 %, respectively, after 120 days of immersion.

Published in Cleaner Materials

ISSN: 2772-3976 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering: Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/cleaner-materials

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