Study of performance variation and sustainability of low-carbon geopolymer fiber-stabilized accumulated soil

This study employs geopolymer ("green cement") combined with polypropylene fiber (PPF) to solidify accumulated silt characterized by high compressibility, low strength, and high water content, offering a lower-carbon alternative to traditional cement mixing. Mechanical properties and water stability were evaluated via unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and disintegration tests. XRD, FTIR, and SEM-EDS analyses revealed that geopolymer content predominantly governs strength development by forming gel phases that reinforce the soil matrix and reduce quartz content. PPF significantly enhances water stability and ductility by acting as bridging elements, deflecting cracks, and improving interfacial bonding. Their synergistic interaction effectively inhibits damage propagation. Compared to cement, the geopolymer-PPF system demonstrates superior sustainability with lower energy consumption and reduced CO₂ emissions. This approach facilitates the resource utilization of silt and promotes sustainable development in geotechnical engineering.