Mechanical Performance of Fly Ash Based Geopolymer (FAG) as Road Base Stabilizer

Abstract

This study examines the strength development of fly ash-based geopolymer (FAG) as a stabilizer for road base material for pavement construction. In the last decade, there has been a rapid development of conventionally treated bases, such as cement-treated bases. However, a major problem with this kind of application is the shrinkage cracking in cement-treated bases that may result in the reflection cracks on the asphalt pavement surface. This study explores the effects of FAG on base layer properties using mechanistic laboratory evaluation and its practicability in pavement base layers. The investigated properties are flexural strength (FS), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), shrinkage, and resilient modulus (RM), as well as indirect tensile strength (ITS). The findings showed that the mechanical properties of the mixture enhanced when FAG was added to 80–85% of crushed aggregate, with the UCS being shown to be a crucial quality parameter. The effectiveness of FAG base material can have an impact on the flexible pavements’ overall performance since the base course stiffness directly depends on the base material properties. As a stabilizing agent for flexible pavement applications, the FAG-stabilized base appeared promising, predicated on test outcomes.

Geopolymers: The Green Alternative to Traditional Materials for Engineering Applications

“…A comparison was made between FA-based geopolymer concrete and conventional concrete materials for the base layer [149]. The compressive strength ranged from 10.3 to 34.9 MPa for all geopolymer samples cured for 7, 28, and 90 days.…”

“…However, additional research on the behavior of geopolymer bases with the use of various raw materials is essential. In another study, Ojha and Lokesh [193] explored the possibility A comparison was made between FA-based geopolymer concrete and conventional concrete materials for the base layer [149]. The compressive strength ranged from 10.3 to 34.9 MPa for all geopolymer samples cured for 7, 28, and 90 days.…”

Investigation of Mechanical and Shrinkage Performance for Large-Size Cement-Stabilized Aggregates

“…The presence of cracks in the base layer serves as a critical prerequisite for the emergence of reflective cracks. Scholars, through extensive research on semi-rigid base materials, have identified two primary factors contributing to the formation of shrinkage cracks [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. The first factor involves stress induced by temperature fluctuations, while the second factor is stress resulting from the reduction in moisture content within the semi-rigid base material.…”

Structural Characteristics and Cementitious Behavior of Magnesium Slag in Comparison with Granulated Blast Furnace Slag

“…Whilst the desulfurization performance of the original magnesium slag is poor, a calcium conversion rate of up to 73.7% can be reached after mixing with additives or modification [34]. Magnesium slag, like other solid wastes, can also be used for mine filling [5,35,36] or road base material [37][38][39][40][41][42]. Numerous studies have conducted extensive research into other industrial solid wastes, such as granulated blast furnace slag [43][44][45], steel slag [46], red mud [47] and so on [48][49][50], which provide guidance for the utilization of the corresponding tailings and slag.…”