Published on: 2026-08-19
Source: Novosibirsk State University –
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The production of Portland cement, which remains the main binder in the construction industry, makes a significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for an estimated 8% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. In the field of soil stabilization and road construction, geopolymer binders are a promising alternative to traditional cements. The effectiveness of their application depends on the properties of the treated soil. Scientists at the Carbon Polygon of Novosibirsk State University have identified decisive parameters and developed technological approaches that allow predicting and enhancing stabilization efficiency. The results of the work, published in the journal Applied Clay Science, create a scientific and technological foundation for the introduction of geopolymer materials into construction practice.
Geopolymers are binder materials obtained by alkaline activation of aluminosilicate raw materials. Their production is accompanied by significantly lower (up to 80%) carbon dioxide emissions compared to Portland cement. This makes geopolymers one of the most promising environmental alternatives in the construction industry. However, the transition to widespread use of geopolymers in geotechnical practice requires a systematic understanding of their behavior under various soil conditions.
The authors of the article conducted a systematic study of six model soils with controlled variation in mineral composition and organic matter content. The best results in terms of compressive strength at 28 days were obtained on stabilized geopolymer mineral soils – sandy loams and light clays (26–31 MPa). Heavy clays, despite difficulties associated with high plasticity and swelling, ultimately also developed high strength. At the same time, organic matter acted as a limiting factor: its increase consistently reduced strength indicators, and in peat soil the stabilization effectiveness was close to 2 MPa. The authors associate this with the destruction of the mineral skeleton and the suppression of structure-forming processes by organic substances, which reduce the availability of reactive components and hinder the formation of a strong binding matrix.
— Our study is a systematic assessment of the impact of soil composition on the effectiveness of geopolymer stabilization. We not only confirm its high efficiency on mineral soils but also define the limits of applicability, which is especially important for organic and peat soils. This lays the foundation for the development of domestic production of low-carbon binding materials for road construction and entry into external markets for carbon units., — notes the director of the NSU Climate Center, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Georgy Lazorenko.
The work of the scientists at the Carbon Polygon of NSU contributes to the development of low-carbon technologies, which are in demand for implementing climate projects at the global level. In 2024, the international organization Verra, the operator of the voluntary carbon market, issued the VMR0012 methodology, which officially recognizes the production of geopolymer cement as a tool for emission reduction. This allows the implementation of corresponding climate projects with the issuance of verified carbon units. Russia, possessing significant reserves of aluminosilicate raw materials, can use these developments to implement climate projects and enter global carbon markets.
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