A review on geopolymerisation in soil stabilization

Abstract

Shear strength of ground is a vital part of foundation design for construction and many researches have been done throughout the years for soil strength improvement. Previously, research has employed various admixtures and chemicals in hope to stabilize soil improving its geotechnical properties. Common binders like cement yield high stabilization potential but it may not be economical viable and contributed to environmental issue. For the past few years, there is much interest in developing a new cementing agent that does not have high carbon dioxide emissions. Efforts have been made to utilize environmentally friendly binding agents with low carbon footprints by employing industrial waste such as fly ash. These eventually leads to the use of such waste by-products in the production of geopolymer binders that can be used to increase the strength of soft soil may be proven to be both environmentally friendly and efficacious. This review highlights previous effort regarding the use of fly ash for geopolymers production as a stabilizer for inorganic soils and discuss on potential and possible limitation on alkaline activation of alumina-silicate materials (geopolymerisation) as a cement replacement.