Effect of physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties for selection of soils stabilized by alkaline activation of a natural pozzolan for earth construction techniques such as compressed earth blocks

The importance of physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties in selecting soils stabilized by activated natural pozzolan (ANP) was demonstrated. Five soil banks were identified, and two were selected: B1Z due to its SiO2 content and the presence of Montmorillonite and B3M for its granulometry and plasticity. Electrical conductivity (EC) was measured to monitor reactivity by testing two stabilizers, ANP and lime. Soils with 2.5% ANP exhibited higher EC than those with 10% lime. Compressive strength (CS) was analyzed. Soils with 10% ANP recorded higher CS than those with lime. Chemical and mineralogical properties were more relevant than physical ones in selecting soils stabilized through ANP. [Display omitted] •Five different soil's physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties were evaluated for stabilization by alkaline activation of volcanic sand.•The pH and electrical conductivity were measured to monitor the stabilization and reactivity of the materials.•The soils stabilized with 2.5% ANP reached a higher electrical conductivity than those stabilized with 10% lime.•To some extent, chemical and mineralogical properties are more important than physical ones for the selection of soils stabilized by ANP.•The use of ANP to stabilize soils is presented as a favorable option for the CEB earth construction technique.