Durability of GGBS based alkali-activated binder treated peat through wetting-drying cycle

This research is aimed at investigating the effect of wetting-drying (N-WD) cycles on pH, electrical conductivity, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and mass loss of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS)-NaOH stabilised sapric, fibric, and haemic peat. The ordinary Portland cement stabilised peats were selected as control samples for comparison. The microstructure of GGBS-NaOH stabilised peats before and after N-WD cycles were analysed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The pH, electrical conductivity decrease with increasing N-WD cycles. The GGBS-NaOH-treated peats exhibits higher UCS values of 3.1, 4.2, and 1.2 times more than cement-treated sapric, fibric, and haemic peats respectively. The FESEM micrographs reveal the presence of smooth and dense cementitious materials before N-WD cycles, and the presence of microcracks after N-WD cycles. Further, the FTIR confirms the presence of physical water in cavities of treated peats after N-WD cycles.