Stabilization of soil by means alternative alkali-activated cement prepared with spent FCC catalyst

[EN] Alkali-activated cements are widely studied as alternative and sustainable binder in soil stabilization. In this research work, a mold was designed and constructed, which allowed small cubic specimens to be made (40 x 40 x 40 mm(3)). With the newly designed mold, cubic samples of soil stabilized with portland cement (OPC) and alternative AAC (based on spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst FCC) were prepared from which compressive strength was obtained. Cylindrical specimens were also prepared using the same binders as in the previous case to obtain their compressive strength. The results obtained in both cases were compared. Greater resistances for cubic samples were achieved. The cubic specimens were selected for being better in terms of standard deviation of compressive strength for AAC stabilized soil. The obtained compressive strength and standard deviation results were compared between the soil specimens stabilized with different stabilizers cured at 7, 14, 28, and 90 days. The method allows small-sized cubic specimens to be prepared. It improves ergonomics. It also facilitates a large number of specimens being obtained with a small amount of sample. Soil stabilized with AAC yielded higher compressive strength after 90 days compared to that with OPC. Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Grant/Award Number: BIA2015 70107-R. Cosa-Martínez, J.; Soriano Martinez, L.; Borrachero Rosado, MV.; Paya Bernabeu, JJ.; Monzó Balbuena, JM. (2020). Stabilization of soil by means alternative alkali-activated cement prepared with spent FCC catalyst. International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology. 17(1):190-196. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijac.13377 UNE‐EN 12390‐1.Testing hardened concrete ‐ Part 1: Shape dimensions and other requirements for specimens and moulds.2013. UNE‐EN 41410.Compressed earth blocs for walls and partitions. Definitions specifications and test Methods.2008. ASTM D‐18C. ed. STP479‐EB Special Procedures for Testing Soil and Rock for Engineering Purposes: 5th ed. West Conshohocken PA: ASTM International.1970.https://doi.org/10.1520/STP479-EB UNE‐EN 196–1.Methods of testing cement ‐ Part 1: Determination of strength.2005. Auroville Earth Institute Earthen architecture for sustainable habitat and compressed stabilized earth block technology [cited 2019 Sep 2]. Available fromhttp://www.ada.gov.sa/idc/groups/public/documents/AR_ADA_Researches/004568.pdf NLT‐310 90.Vibrating hammer compaction of treated granular. materials.1990. UNE‐E