Study on the Engineering Properties of Soil-Cement Mixed Bagasse Ash Geopolymer and Para Rubber Latex

Abstract

This study investigates the engineering properties of cement-stabilized lateritic soil incorporating bagasse ash–based geopolymer and Para rubber latex. The soil was classified as type E lateritic soil according to subbase material specifications. Bagasse ash was sieved through a No. 325 standard sieve prior to use. Test specimens were prepared by blending soil, bagasse ash, and hydraulic cement at five mix proportions by weight: 80:19:1, 80:18:2, 80:17:3, 80:16:4, and 80:15:5. An alkaline activator, used in place of water, consisted of a mixture of sodium silicate solution and 5 M sodium hydroxide solution at a ratio of 10:90. The activator-to-Para rubber latex ratios were set at 100:0, 90:10, and 80:20. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were conducted on specimens cured for 7, 14, and 28 days under soaked and unsoaked conditions. The results indicate that UCS values consistently increased with increasing cement content and Para rubber latex content for all curing conditions. For subbase applications, specimens without Para rubber latex required cement contents of 4% and 5% to satisfy strength requirements under unsoaked and soaked conditions, respectively. In contrast, specimens containing 10% and 20% Para rubber latex met the strength criteria with only 3% cement for both conditions. These findings demonstrate that the incorporation of Para rubber latex significantly enhances strength performance and enables a reduction in cement content. The optimum mixture identified in this study consisted of soil, bagasse ash, and cement at a ratio of 80:17:3 combined with 10% Para rubber latex.