Geopolymer Stabilization of Industrial Wastes for Sustainable Pavement Base and Subbase Layers: Strength, Durability, and Environmental Assessment
Abstract
This study investigates the geopolymer stabilization of industrial wastes—coalmine overburden (OB), basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS), and granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS)—as a sustainable substitute for pavement base/subbase layers. The effect of the molar concentration ratio (MCR) of NaOH to Na2SiO3 (1, 2, and 4) on strength and durability was analyzed. A blend of 40% OB, 40% BOFS, and 20% GBFS at MCR=1 achieved the highest 28-day unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of 6.5 MPa, meeting Indian Road Congress standard. Durability assessments confirmed maximum mass loss of 6.38% and UCS retention of 4.71 MPa after 12 wet–dry cycles for MCR=4, along with low water absorption (6.97%) and capillary rise (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Concrete and Cement Materials Research
Innovative concrete reinforcement materials
Microbial Applications in Construction Materials
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
- Publisher
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
- Volume
- 38
- Issue
- 6
- Publication date
- 28 March 2026
- Language
- EN