Swell-Compressibility Behavior of Geopolymer Blended Expansive Clays

Abstract

This paper presents the influence of GGBS-based geopolymer on swell-compressibility characteristics of oven-dry, expansive clay passing 4.75 mm sieve. One-dimensional swell-consolidation tests were conducted on the expansive clay passing through 4.75 mm sieve to which GGBS was added at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% by dry weight of the clay. Rate of heave, swell potential, swelling pressure, and linear shrinkage were evaluated. Rate of heave and swell potential decreased significantly with increase in GGBS content. The paper also explores the microstructure behavior and surface texture of the GGBS-based geopolymer–clay blends using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM results revealed that the higher Si/Al compounds increase the dense phase of geopolymer products. Moreover, geopolymer synthesis can contribute to the bulk utilization of industrial by-products. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.