Increase of Resistance Parameters of Clay Soils in East Isfahan by Geopolymer Process and Reinforced with Polypropylene Fibers and Comparison with Soil Stabilization with Cement

Since clay is widely used in most construction projects, the issue of improving clay soils has considerable importance. This study aimed to optimize the variables affecting the properties of geopolymer and improve their mechanical properties using Isfahan blast furnace slag. Taguchi's statistical design method was used to model three process variables (blast furnace slag, water, and alkali sodium hydroxide agent) with four different values in the mixing design. Geopolymer was used to optimize the uniaxial compressive strength. Sixteen geopolymer compositions determined by mini-tab software were prepared and their uniaxial compressive strength was measured. The obtained results were modeled by analysis of variance, and then the interactions of the three variables on the uniaxial compressive strength of geopolymer were investigated using two and 3D diagrams. Then, the variables were optimized and the proposed values for the optimal sample were examined at temperatures of 25, 50, and 70°C and at times of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days of operation. A comparison of the results predicted by the models and the results of the experiments confirmed the validity of the models. Also, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the porosity will reduce from 7 to 28 days. It indicated that the use of the geopolymerization method has a significant role in stabilizing weak clay soils with low plasticity. The effect of fibers and geopolymer to reinforce was also investigated and for better evaluation, it was compared with soil stabilization with Portland cement. The results showed that in the most optimal geopolymer composition, the bearing resistance of clay has increased by more than 3400%. Meanwhile, fibers along with geopolymer with optimal percentage and length (0.1% by weight of geopolymer composition and length of 12 mm) were able to increase the uniaxial compressive strength of clay by nearly 4000%, which shows the excellent effect of using cellular fibers parameter whit the geopolymer in this research.