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Scale-Model Studies on Geopolymer Binder-Based Deep Mixing of Loose Sands to Improve Strength and Shear Modulus

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Abstract

In deep soil mixing (DSM), columns of stabilized soil are created to improve soft, expansive soils and loose sands. Generally, bench-scale laboratory studies are conducted to determine the optimal binder proportion before installing the DSM columns in situ. However, scale-model auger mixing can simulate near-field conditions effectively. This study evaluates the effectiveness of DSM in improving the strength and shear modulus properties of loose sands by incorporating fly ash geopolymer as a binder. A model DSM rig was fabricated in-house to simulate the in situ deep mixing protocol. The quality of the DSM columns is controlled by calibrating the pump speed and binder injection rates. To evaluate the performance of the deep mixed sand columns, a series of tests are conducted, including unconfined compressive strength (UCS), resonant column test, wetting–drying cycles, and leachability tests on both bench-scale and scale-model specimens. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies are used to examine the microstructure and phase changes. Based on the results, the optimum binder proportion is found to be, LAA/FA = 1.0. The UCS values improved by 1.6-fold against the targeted UCS value and continued to retain its strength above the target value even after the completion of wetting–drying cycles. Further, correlations between normalized UCS and curing time are developed to estimate the improved in situ strength of the columns. The shear modulus of the DSM specimens increases by 3.4 fold for the binder proportion, LAA/FA = 1.0 against untreated loose sand specimens. The leachable heavy metals concentration of all specimens is below the permissible limits.

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Abbreviations

ρ :

Density of soil

FA:

Fly ash

G :

Shear modulus

LAA:

Liquid alkali activator

LAA/FA:

Binder proportion

q L 28 :

Unconfined compressive strength of conventional specimen at 28-day curing period

q t :

Unconfined compressive strength of model DSM columns at t-day curing period

t :

Curing time

V s :

Shear wave velocity

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Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the support received from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) for providing fellowship/funding that facilitated this research project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Telangana, 502284, India

    Sireesh Saride & Vamsi N. K. Mypati

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  1. Sireesh Saride
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Correspondence to Sireesh Saride.

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Saride, S., Mypati, V.N.K. Scale-Model Studies on Geopolymer Binder-Based Deep Mixing of Loose Sands to Improve Strength and Shear Modulus. Indian Geotech J 54, 169–184 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40098-023-00823-3

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