Consistency and strength indices of geopolymerized crude oil-contaminated soil using alkaline activated blast furnace slag

Abstract

Abstract. Crude oil contamination has been proven to adversely alter soil's geotechnical properties, which normally renders it unsuitable for use as road construction materials. Although researchers have extensively studied various ways of remediating and improving the properties of crude oil-contaminated soils (COCS), the differing results still make it a subject of interest. This study investigated the performance evaluation of the effects of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) activated with a mixture of Sodium silicate and Sodium hydroxide on the strength of crude oil-contaminated soil (COCS) at different percentages by weight for safe reuse in highway construction applications. Particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, strength characteristics and microstructural and elemental study of crude oil contaminated soil obtained from Baranyowa Dere village of Ogoni land, Gokana Local Government Area, River State, Nigeria, and admixed with alkaline activated slag was studied. The interaction between COCS - GGBFS – Activator (NaOH+Na2SiO3) led to the reduction in the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) increase in the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) of the samples. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) also increased for soaked and unsoaked conditions, respectively. The percentage of silica in the admixtures reduced with increasing percentage of the additives. It was concluded that the use of alkaline-activated GGBFS is a promising stabilizer for improving the COCS's engineering properties for use in highway pavement construction.