Abstract:
Alkali activation has gained importance in place of cement treatment in
construction due to reduced CO2 emissions. The precursors that are rich in silica,
alumina, and calcium can be used for soil stabilization with a suitable alkali solution.
In this investigation, 0–45% class F fly ash with a constant 5% limestone powder
was used to stabilize black cotton soil. These mixes were reinforced with 0.5%
areca fibers and stabilized using the alkali solution. Alkali solution was prepared
using 8 molar NaOH solution and Na2SiO3 solution with Na2SiO3/NaOH of 1.5.
The use of limestone powder has favoured the quick UCS gain on 3 days of room
temperature curing. Fiber reinforcement has shown a significant influence on flexural
strength and fatigue life improvement. Areca fibers reinforcement has resulted in
enormous resistance to plunger penetration during the unsoaked CBR test. However,
on further 4 days of soaking, samples lost the bonding and exhibited low CBR. The
SEM images showed the compact microstructure of the set mix. The formation of
cementitious products is evident from the XRD micrograms due to the dissolution of
silica, alumina, calcium, and other compounds by the alkali solution. When subjected
to wetting–drying and freezing–thawing durability tests, the set mixeswere failed due
to leaching of mineral constituents and further breaking of soil structure. Even though
stabilized specimens exhibited significant strength improvement in dry conditions,
they are unsuitable in wet conditions.
