Contribution to the Valorization of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag in Soil Stabilization

The treatment of expansive soil is generally the most effective process for the stabilization of swelling clay. In this work, we will investigate the influence of the treatment of an expansive soil using granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) alone and granulated blast furnace slag activated by cement (GGBS/C) by mechanical, physical and chemical tests. The results obtained show an increased pH, an improved plasticity as well as a significant reduction in swelling potential and swelling pressure following a percentage increase in additives. In addition, a change in the adsorption of methylene blue molecules (VBs) and in the microstructure of the expansive soil is observed after treatment. Utilization of both GGBS alone and GGBS activated by cement has a significant effect on the behavior of the swelling clay but the GGBS activated by cement exhibits superior results. The use of GGBS in the stabilization of soil will have both economic and environmental benefits.