Exploring the mechanical response of low-carbon soil improvement mixtures

As society moves towards decarbonisation, it is important to assess the hydromechanical behaviour of binders that could offer a low-carbon alternative Portland cement in ground improvement technologies. This work considers two such alternatives: one still largely unexplored (metakaolin-based geopolymers) and better known (colloidal silica). Results from unconfined compressive strength, permeability tests, undrained monotonic cyclic triaxial tests on granular soils (sand silty sand) treated with those are presented discussed, emphasizing similarities differences response similar other conventional unconventional binders. Effects silt content, curing conditions soil/binder ratios examined. Both colloidal silica metakaolin-based geopolymer significantly improve mechanical properties soils, although results stronger stiffer material. treatments reduce much soil, but reduction achieved larger.