Use of alkali-activated binders for deep mixing applications in UAE

In this paper both fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) were investigated as a sustainable alternative to conventional Portland cement for soil improvement within the frame of Alkali Activated Binders (AAB). These AABs were activated with alkali solutions (i.e., sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate). Using both GGBFS and FA as precursors, the AAB resulted in practical development of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of deep mixed soils at ambient temperature. The effect of liquid alkaline to precursor ratio, activators combination and curing time on the UCS of mixed treated soils was investigated. The optimized AAB treated sand soils were found to have sufficient UCS for use in deep mixing applications with UCS exceeded recommended value of 2MPa for 7- and 28-day UCS.