Effect of Salinity on Alkali Earth Metals and Zeolites Stabiliser

A laboratory investigation was carried out to determine the effect of saline water with high TDS on alkali earth metals and zeolites stabilizer. This complex chemical compound is manufactured by Powercem Southern Africa under the trade name Roadcem. The compound is reputed to have been successfully utilized in many parts of the world in cement stabilization of several types of problematic soils to produce unique engineering solutions. One of the documented reports is that the additive can be used successfully with saline materials. The performance of Roadcem compound in improving the Engineering properties of Kalahari Sands was tested under laboratory conditions. Kalahari Sand and saline water samples were collected from Tsabong in South West Botswana. The results achieved showed an enhanced Engineering strength for the moulded specimens treated with Roadcem additive. Surprisingly better results were achieved with the saline water mixture and Roadcem with cement stabilised Kalahari Sand. The results of the work show potential for development of field trials with road authorities and future research work.