Geotechnical characterization of sustainable geopolymer improved soil

Abstract Geopolymer (GP) has recently emerged as a novel and environmental friendly alternative to conventional soil stabilization products like lime Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), which adversely affect the environment. This article emphasizes GPs produced from high calcium class C fly ash (CFA) an alkali activator comprising sodium hydroxide silicate solution for sand stabilization. The experimental program includes series of unconfined compressive strength (UCS), flexural strength, tensile microstructural analyses using scanning electron microscopy. Results revealed that UCS, GP-treated were in range 2–10, 0.5–2.0, 0.4–1.2 MPa, respectively (depending on ratio activator). These strengths even higher than those cement-stabilized soil. analysis formation dense calcium–sodium alumina–silicate hydrated gel (C, N–A–S–H) is reason improvement. According findings this study, CFA-GP binder improvement viable OPC geotechnical applications.