Stabilisation of lithomargic clay using alkali activated fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag

ABSTRACT

A suitable ground improvement technique is essential in order to confront the problems associated with lithomargic clay for road construction. The efficacy of alkaline solutions such as sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate along with class F fly ash and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) as additives to improve the properties of lithomargic clay is examined. The different mixes are prepared by replacing the soil with 20%, 30%, and 40% of GGBS and fly ash. The Maximum Dry Density (MDD) obtained from the soil replaced with 40% GGBS and for the soil replaced with 30% fly ash. An activator modulus of 1.25 is kept constant for the varying sodium oxide dosage at 2, 3 and 4 per cent. The Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) of the alkali-activated soil cured for 3, 7 and 28 days is determined and compared with the UCS of the soil replaced with fly ash and GGBS at both standard and modified proctor densities. The different mixes are tested for the durability, California Bearing Ratio (CBR). The soil is replaced with GGBS and fly ash does not pass the durability test while the alkali-activated mixes with 4% sodium oxide dosage is found to be durable.

KEYWORDS:

• Alkali activation
• stabilisation
• ground granulated blast furnace slag
• fly ash
• lithomargic clay

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.