ABSTRACT
Deep soil mixing (DSM) using soil cement columns has been extensively utilized to increase the bearing capacity of soft soil under embankment. However, using ordinary Portland cement results in a significant carbon footprint. An eco-friendly and sustainable method of stabilizing soft soils is the use of industrial waste-based geopolymer. Transportation safety design necessitates a thorough understanding of the bearing capacity of geopolymer stabilized soil column (GPSC)-supported road embankments on soft soil foundations. In this study, a 1g laboratory embankment model test on soft ground improved with end-bearing GPSCs was conducted. The laboratory result was validated through FEM analysis using PLAXIS 3D. Furthermore, a parametric study was conducted to study the effect of area replacement ratio on both end-bearing and floating GPSCs improved soft ground under embankment loading. The laboratory model test was predicted well from finite element analysis. Moreover, it was found that a higher area replacement ratio is needed in the case of floating GPSCs in order to improve load-bearing capacity.
