Inclusion of RoadCem additive in cementitious materials for soil stabilization

Eyo, E. U.; Ng�ambi, S.; Abbey, S. J.

Abstract

The use of sustainable binders in soil stabilization has dominated most discussions in geotechnical engineering in recent years. In keeping with the objective of reducing carbon foot-printing, a zeolite/alkali earth metal-based additive called “RoadCem” (RC) was used with granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) in a partially substituted cement-stabilized soil in this research. RoadCem is an additive that is manufactured based on nanotechnology and comprises synthetic zeolite, alkaline metals, and some complex activators as some of its constituents. A unique combination of the binders with up to 50% of cement replaced in a stabilized soil was carried out. Results of an extensive laboratory study (unconfined compressive strength and consolidation swelling tests) indicated an improvement of the mechanical properties of the stabilized soil. An obvious effect of RC was observed in the short-term unconfined compressive strength gain under 7 days with 50% of cement replaced. A considerable reduction in the swelling (up to about 0%) was also noticed in the stabilized soil containing GGBS and RC compared to the soil stabilized by using cement alone. When used to stabilize sulphate-rich soil, results indicated reduced heave by approximately 75% when 1% of RC was added to the cementitious mix with 50% of cement substituted.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: International Foundations Congress and Equipment Expo 2021
• Acceptance Date: May 6, 2021
• Online Publication Date: May 6, 2021
• Publication Date: May 6, 2021
• Deposit Date: Jun 10, 2021
• Journal: Geotechnical Special Publication
• Print ISSN: 0895-0563
• Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
• Volume: 2021-May
• Issue: GSP 324
• Pages: 166-176
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483411.016
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7457491