Green Grouting Material Based on Phosphogypsum–Slag Geopolymer: Feasibility and Performance Evaluation for Trenchless Road Repair

Grouting materials are essential for trenchless road repair. However, conventional cement-based grouting materials suffer from considerable shrinkage and low early-age strength. To address these challenges, this study utilizes industrial solid wastes (phosphogypsum and slag) for the synergistic synthesis of a phosphogypsum-slag-based geopolymer (PBG). Using PBG as a binder and fine sand as an aggregate, a sustainable grouting material was developed. The influence of binder-to-sand and water-to-solid ratios on PBG workability was systematically evaluated, identifying the optimal water-to-solid ratio. Based on this, the effects of the binder-to-sand ratio on mechanical strength at various curing ages, durability, and leaching of toxic substances were analyzed. The mechanism of strength development mechanism and immobilization behavior of toxic substances were revealed through SEM. The results indicate that the material exhibits excellent performance when the water-to-solid ratio is 0.28 and the binder-to-sand ratio ranges from 0.70 to 0.75. The material exhibits fluidity of 160-240 mm, initial setting time > 30 min, and final setting time < 400 min, a bleeding rate < 0.4%, and 28-day compressive strength ≥ 9.0 MPa. Both the impermeability and freeze-thaw resistance of PBG grouting material improve with a higher binder-to-sand ratio. Toxic substance leaching complies with Class III groundwater quality standards. Carbon footprint analysis indicates that the material significantly reduces carbon emissions.