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This paper reports the strength and durability properties of expansive soil treated with slag-based geopolymer, hydrated lime, and Portland cement. The slag content in the soil-slag mix is varied as 5%, 10%, and 20% by dry weight of soil and activated with NaOH solutions of 2 M, 6 M, and 8 M concentrations, respectively. Whereas cement and lime contents in the mix are varied as 4%, 12%, and 15%. The plasticity and compaction properties of the mixes are evaluated. Further, the unconfined compressive strength of specimens, compacted to their respective maximum dry density at optimum moisture content, is determined after 0, 3, 7, and 30 days of curing. Durability studies such as freezing-thawing, slaked durability, modified durability, and resistance to water immersion are determined on 30-days cured stabilized soil specimens. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic analysis are carried out for identifying the reaction products and microstructure of the stabilized specimens. The results indicate that the expansive soil can be effectively stabilized with slag-based geopolymer. The geopolymer stabilized soil has superior strength and durability compared to the conventional stabilizers. Geopolymer stabilized soil attains dense and compact structures with the better formation of cementitious products.
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