Comparison of the effect of Cement, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), and activated GGBS on stabilization of a clay soil

In this research work, the effect of cement, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), and activated GGBS with MgO on the treatment of a clay soil was studied through conducting the experimental tests. The ratios of 1:3 was considered for making the mixtures GGBS: MgO. The used percentages of additives were 5, 10, and 15%. Various experimental tests such as Atterberg limits, standard compaction, compressive strength (UCS), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) tests were performed on the samples with different percentages of additives. Also, UCS tests were conducted on the compacted samples at curing times of 7, 14, and 28 days. The results of UCS indicated that all used additives are effective in improving the behaviors of soil, and their amount is dependent on the percentage of used additives and curing time. In addition, a comparison of the results showed that in a given percentage of additives and curing time, activated GGBS is more effective than GGBS alone in improving soil samples. Based on the SEM results, it was found that the increasing strength of stabilized soil is resulted from the interaction between soil particles and additives materials. An economical evaluation of soil improvement with used additives was also carried out and the best one was proposed for conducting in the field.