• Kunjan Patel
• (Dr) M. V. Shah
• U. K. Patel

Expansive soil is one among the problematic soil that has high potential of swelling and shrinkage. Also it has considerable strength in dry state, but strength goes on reducing on absorption of water. The most important aspect for construction purpose is soil stabilization which is widely used in foundation and road pavement construction. In the present study expansive soil collected from Zari (Navsari, Gujarat) which has FSI 76 % and belongs to CH classification as per IS:1498-1970 was stabilized using three different types of geopolymers. Geopolymers are alumino-silicate binders that have received more attention as a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical additives. Geopolymers have high compressive strengths and can be synthesized at room temperatures from aqueous solutions by utilizing waste materials which have high alumina and silica content. Three geopolymer used in studies are namely Metakaolin based, Crushed waste ceramic based and Sodium bentonite based. These materials are activated by alkali activator (NaOH, KOH, Na2SiO3) for synthesis of geopolymer in laboratory. 8%, 12% & 15% geopolymer added by weight of dry soil for treatment of expansive soil. The parameters such as unconfined compressive strength, swelling & shrinkage property of three geopolymer treated expansive soil was studied under controlled condition after stabilization at various curing period based on soil-geopolymer-water interaction. The test result indicates that geopolymers have significantly improved strength and volume change properties of expansive soil. Both pre and post chemical treatment was analyzed using EDAX. Increased in geopolymer quantity and curing period have resulted in further property enhancement. Swell and shrink studies also indicated reduction in the strain when compared to natural soil. Geopolymers are apparently found to be quite efficient in stabilizing expansive soil.

Geopolymer, Alkaline activator, UCS, black cotton soil, Swelling-shrinkage, Stabilization.

"Synthesis of geopolymer & its efficacy as a stabilizer of expansive soil", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 12, page no.c479-c487, December-2021, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2112263.pdf

"Synthesis of geopolymer & its efficacy as a stabilizer of expansive soil", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 12, page no. ppc479-c487, December-2021, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2112263.pdf