Life cycle assessment of green binder for organic soil stabilization

Abstract

Increasing construction on soils with low bearing capacity is a geotechnical challenge currently faced in several parts of the world. Highly compressible organic soils require intervention to improve their mechanical behavior. In this case, mass stabilization with binder is an applicable technique, however the commercial cement used (Ordinary Portland Cement) generates environmental impacts that can be minimized with its replacement by environmentally friendly binders. Blended binders can use secondary materials from the industry (waste or by-products) and promote environmental gains. In this case, this research proposes the use of carbide lime and granulated blast furnace slag with the complement of Portland cement for the stabilization of an organic soil. A comparison of the strength obtained with the blended binder versus Portland cement is analyzed in soil stabilization. A Life Cycle Assessment is performed to verify if the proposed blended binder has environmental benefits in replacing conventional cement. Results show that the blended binder has similar capacity to stabilize the organic clay soil compared to commercial cement. The life cycle analysis showed that the use of secondary materials from industry in the composition of blended binder promotes a significant reduction in environmental impacts assessed.