Utilization of a vinyl based copolymer for improvement of a kaolin type clay

Abstract

Geopolymers are obtained by use of alteration of chemical composition and crystal structures of different minerals. Use of geopolymer is an effective and environmental friendly solution in stabilization of clayey soil. The vinyl based copolymer is used as an agent as dust controller, highway soil stabilizer, asphalt admixture, concrete production, etc. In this study, strength of a clay is improved by use of a commercial geopolymer. In this regard, soil was amended with polymer ranging among 0 % to 4 %, by volume of dry soil. Unconfined compression and oedometer tests were carried out to evaluate the effects of temperature, initial water content, compaction energy on strength and compression properties of a clay soil – within an experimental framework. The results revealed that, temperature has a considerable effect on geopolymerization. Besides, under constant moisture content during curing, increasing geopolymer content and curing period causes a slight increase in strength of specimens.