Abstract
This study evaluated the strength and durability characteristics of pond ash (PA) treated with geopolymer (3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, and 15%, by dry weight of PA) and compared them with Portland cement and hydrated lime stabilizations at same additive contents. Unconfined compressive strength of specimens was evaluated at curing durations of 1, 3, 7, 28, and 90 days. The durability of 28-day cured stabilised specimens against wet-dry cycles, freeze-thaw cycles, water slaking cycles, water immersion, capillary action, and dispersion was assessed. Geopolymer-stabilized PA achieved higher strength and durability than cement and lime-stabilised PA. It is due to the formation of a dense microstructure with significant reaction products. PA stabilised with 3% geopolymer and 15% cement satisfies the strength properties of the cementitious subbase in flexible pavements. Whereas, 6% geopolymer content fulfils the requirements of the cementitious base in flexible pavements and the cementitious subbase in rigid pavements as per IRC: 37-2018 and IRC: 59-2015, respectively.
Acknowledgment
This research was carried out at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, India, under the Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD), Government of India.
Author contributions
Datla Neeraj Varma: Conceptualisation; Material preparation, Methodology, Investigation, and Writing-Original Draft. Suresh Prasad Singh: Validation, Writing-Review & Editing, and Supervision.
Data availability statement
The data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).