This study introduces an innovation for addressing the integral challenges associated with conventional geopolymerization techniques, specifically via developing mechanochemically geopolymeric activation (MGA) stabilizers that are environmental- and user-friendly for stabilizing soil. These MGA stabilizers' effectiveness is compared against their conventionally geopolymeric activation (CGA) counterparts. Also examined is the effect of granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) on the durability and strength of soil samples that have been stabilized, as well as the activation methods' effect on soil strength and efficacy following sulfuric acid (H2SO4) exposure. In terms of durability, the performance of these methods was determined by having the specimens submerged in a 1% H2SO4 solution for 60 and 120 days. Numerous aspects were evaluated, including visual appearance, mass changes, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and the geopolymer-stabilized soil samples' Fourier infrared (FTIR) spectrum. It was found that the MGA samples' UCS bested that of the CGA-stabilized soil by 10-22%. The stabilized soil specimens' strength increased proportionally with GGBFS content; UCS values rose from 4.5 MPa at 50% GGBFS content to 9.7 MPa at 100% GGBFS content for MGA specimens. After 60 days of H2SO4 exposure, MAG-stabilized soils retained 80% of their UCS compared to 76% for CGA samples. After 120 days, residual UCS dropped to 53% and 48% for MGA and CGA samples, respectively. Notably, soils stabilized with 75% GGBFS exhibited superior resistance to H2SO4 degradation. Mechanochemical activation and high GGBFS content facilitated the formation of homogenous geopolymer gels, which encapsulated soil particles and contributed to a denser internal structure. These findings highlight the potential of MGA stabilizers as a durable and effective solution for soil stabilization in aggressive environments.
This study focuses on the development of eco and user-friendly mechanochemically-activated geopolymeric stabilizers, surpassing the limitations inherent in traditional geopolymerization methods. A comparative analysis was undertaken with conventionally activated geopolymer stabilizers to establish benchmarks for effectiveness in soil stabilization applications. Additionally, the research delves into the impact of granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) content on the mechanical and durability properties of stabilized soil samples. In addition, the investigation focuses on the influence of the activation method on soil effectiveness and strength post-exposure to sulfate attack. The durability performance is rigorously assessed through the immersion of specimens in a 1 % magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) solution for 60 and 120 days. The comprehensive evaluation includes visual appearance, mass changes, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV), Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra of geopolymer-stabilized soil specimens. The results showed that before the exposure to the MgSO4 solution, the UCS of mechanochemically activated geopolymer (MAG) samples was higher (12-45 %) than that of conventionally activated geopolymer (CAG)-stabilized soil. Furthermore, the strength of the geopolymer-stabilized soil improved by 114 %, 247 %, and 361 %, at 50, 75, and 100 % GGBS content, respectively. On the other hand, after exposure to the MgSO4 solution, the results showed that the mechanochemically activated geopolymer-stabilized soil has better resistance to sulfate erosion than the conventionally activated geopolymer-stabilized soil. The residual UCS for MAG and CAG samples were 93 % and 89 % when exposed to 1 % magnesium sulfate solution for 60 days, whereas they declined to 70 % and 58 %, respectively, after 120 days of immersion.