Effects of industrial by-product based geopolymers on the strength development of a soft soil

Abstract

Portland cement is traditionally used as a binder in ground improvement projects on soft soil foundations. The use of cement in ground improvement projects, however, is fraught with both, financial and environmental concerns due to its relatively high cost, the use of natural resources and the high carbon footprint from cement production. Attempts are being made to find alternative environmentally friendly binders with a low carbon footprint using industrial by-products such as fly ash (FA) and slag (S). Using waste by-products such as FA and S to produce geopolymer binders, as novel green cementitious materials, may provide an environmentally friendly and effective ground improvement option..