A Laboratory Investigation of Soil Stabilization Using Enzyme and Alkali-Activated Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag

Abstract

Development and use of non-traditional stabilizers such as enzyme and alkali-activated ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) for soil stabilization helps to reduce the cost and the detrimental effects on the environment. The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of alkali-activated GGBS and enzyme as compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) on the soil collected from Tilda region of Chhattisgarh, India. Geopolymers are alkali alumino-silicates produced when combining a solid alumina-silicate with an aqueous alkali hydroxide or silicate solution. Various dosages of the selected stabilizers have been used and evaluated for the effects on optimum moisture content (OMC), maximum dry density, plasticity index, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and shear strength parameters. Effect of curing period has also been studied. Microstructural changes of the stabilized soils show aggregation of particles. Significant improvement in properties of soil is observed with the addition of stabilizers leading to an increase in OMC, UCS and shear strength parameters. It is observed that the cohesion of soil sample increases significantly with the addition of stabilizers whereas there is a marginal change in angle of internal friction. Thus, the findings recommend the use of non-conventional stabilizer such as alkali-activated GGBS and enzyme as suitable and environmental friendly as compared to OPC for soil stabilization.