Incorporation of a nanotechnology-based product in cementitious binders for sustainable mitigation of sulphate-induced heaving of stabilised soils

Sulphate-induced heaving in soils is a common problem caused mostly by the use of calcium-based binders stabilisation sulphate-bearing soils. attributed to precipitation and growth ettringite minerals high alkaline environment. A sustainable means reducing sulphate-induced addition an additive called “RoadCem” (RC) stabilised cementitious products has not been studied. RoadCem that manufactured based on nanotechnology comprises synthetic zeolite, metals some complex activators as its constituents. This research therefore concerned with performance soil partially substituting cement (CEM I) ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) incorporation marginal quantities RC. Laboratory studies including oedometer free swelling testing, unconfined compressive tests microstructural analyses phases hydration were carried out. Results indicated reduction heave about 67% when 1% RC was included mix 50% CEM I replaced combination GGBS The even more promising than which only utilised replace half proportion result indicating almost 30% difference reduction. also increase unsoaked strength inclusion compared without Scanning electron micrograph revealed complete elimination heave-causing under 28-day phase using