Development and application of geothermally derived silica grout for carbon-neutral soil stabilization

The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, driving the need for sustainable construction materials that can mitigate environmental impacts. This study introduces a novel carbon-neutral grout, Colloidal Silica Recovered from Geothermal Fluids (CSRGF), developed using...

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Main Authors: Taichi Terui, Toshiyuki Motohashi, Shigeo Sasahara, Shinya Inazumi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-07-01
Series:Case Studies in Construction Materials
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525000968
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author Taichi Terui
Toshiyuki Motohashi
Shigeo Sasahara
Shinya Inazumi
author_facet Taichi Terui
Toshiyuki Motohashi
Shigeo Sasahara
Shinya Inazumi
author_sort Taichi Terui
collection DOAJ
description The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, driving the need for sustainable construction materials that can mitigate environmental impacts. This study introduces a novel carbon-neutral grout, Colloidal Silica Recovered from Geothermal Fluids (CSRGF), developed using silica extracted from geothermal fluids, a byproduct of geothermal energy production. CSRGF grout is specifically designed to enhance soil stabilization in construction projects while minimizing its environmental footprint. The formulation incorporates colloidal silica with specialty water glass, which not only improves mechanical durability, but also significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to traditional silica-based grouts. To evaluate the performance of the CSRGF grout, extensive testing was conducted on its key properties, including liquefaction resistance, unconfined compressive strength, water sealing capabilities and environmental safety. The results indicate that CSRGF grout exhibits a significant improvement in liquefaction resistance and compressive strength while maintaining low viscosity and controlled gelling times, which are essential for effective soil penetration and stabilization. In addition, the production process of CSRGF grout is consistent with carbon neutrality goals, contributing to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. This innovative material not only represents an advancement in soil stabilization technology, but also aligns with the broader goal of reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry, thereby supporting global sustainability initiatives and promoting more sustainable construction practices.
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publishDate 2025-07-01
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series Case Studies in Construction Materials
spelling doaj-art-fcb5546faa7f4384b5326be5d82ea5282025-01-24T04:45:11ZengElsevierCase Studies in Construction Materials2214-50952025-07-0122e04297Development and application of geothermally derived silica grout for carbon-neutral soil stabilizationTaichi Terui0Toshiyuki Motohashi1Shigeo Sasahara2Shinya Inazumi3Obayashi Corporation, Tokyo 108-8502, JapanOsaka Bousui Construction Co. Ltd., Osaka 543-0016, JapanFuji Chemical Co. Ltd., Osaka 534-0024, JapanShibaura Institute of Technology, College of Engineering, Tokyo 135-8548, Japan; Corresponding author.The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, driving the need for sustainable construction materials that can mitigate environmental impacts. This study introduces a novel carbon-neutral grout, Colloidal Silica Recovered from Geothermal Fluids (CSRGF), developed using silica extracted from geothermal fluids, a byproduct of geothermal energy production. CSRGF grout is specifically designed to enhance soil stabilization in construction projects while minimizing its environmental footprint. The formulation incorporates colloidal silica with specialty water glass, which not only improves mechanical durability, but also significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to traditional silica-based grouts. To evaluate the performance of the CSRGF grout, extensive testing was conducted on its key properties, including liquefaction resistance, unconfined compressive strength, water sealing capabilities and environmental safety. The results indicate that CSRGF grout exhibits a significant improvement in liquefaction resistance and compressive strength while maintaining low viscosity and controlled gelling times, which are essential for effective soil penetration and stabilization. In addition, the production process of CSRGF grout is consistent with carbon neutrality goals, contributing to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. This innovative material not only represents an advancement in soil stabilization technology, but also aligns with the broader goal of reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry, thereby supporting global sustainability initiatives and promoting more sustainable construction practices.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525000968Carbon-neutral constructionChemical groutingCO2 emissions reductionLiquefaction resistanceSoil stabilizationSustainable construction materials
spellingShingle Taichi Terui
Toshiyuki Motohashi
Shigeo Sasahara
Shinya Inazumi
Development and application of geothermally derived silica grout for carbon-neutral soil stabilization
Case Studies in Construction Materials
Carbon-neutral construction
Chemical grouting
CO2 emissions reduction
Liquefaction resistance
Soil stabilization
Sustainable construction materials
title Development and application of geothermally derived silica grout for carbon-neutral soil stabilization
title_full Development and application of geothermally derived silica grout for carbon-neutral soil stabilization
title_fullStr Development and application of geothermally derived silica grout for carbon-neutral soil stabilization
title_full_unstemmed Development and application of geothermally derived silica grout for carbon-neutral soil stabilization
title_short Development and application of geothermally derived silica grout for carbon-neutral soil stabilization
title_sort development and application of geothermally derived silica grout for carbon neutral soil stabilization
topic Carbon-neutral construction
Chemical grouting
CO2 emissions reduction
Liquefaction resistance
Soil stabilization
Sustainable construction materials
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525000968
work_keys_str_mv AT taichiterui developmentandapplicationofgeothermallyderivedsilicagroutforcarbonneutralsoilstabilization
AT toshiyukimotohashi developmentandapplicationofgeothermallyderivedsilicagroutforcarbonneutralsoilstabilization
AT shigeosasahara developmentandapplicationofgeothermallyderivedsilicagroutforcarbonneutralsoilstabilization
AT shinyainazumi developmentandapplicationofgeothermallyderivedsilicagroutforcarbonneutralsoilstabilization