Technical and environmental assessment of an alternative binder for low traffic roads with LCA methodology

Abstract

Currently, low traffic roads in most countries are made up of unpaved roads; therefore, to increase the bearing capacity and durability of soils, using stabilizers such as lime and portland cement is required. In this paper, the results obtained from the addition of alternative binder materials based on industrial by products such as alkali activated coal ashes that work as soil stabilizers with sustainability criteria and are assessed through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); this process is approached from the preparation, packaging and storage of binder material, its activation and finally the application in test sections obtaining unconfined compressive strengths of the order of 2 MPa; which represented an increase in resistance above 300% for the same soil without stabilization. © 2017, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.