Grouting seepage mechanism and reinforcement effect of alkali-activated materials in road base

A three-dimensional road model with loose and void in the base was established based on the random fractal theory. The seepage process of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) in the road base was simulated. Furthermore, variations of grouting parameters under different grouting pressure were studied, and the bearing capacity of the road base grouted with AAMs was compared based on numerical simulation and field grouting. The results indicated that the time required for the seepage pressure to reach stability is significantly shortened when the grouting pressure increases, while the von Mises stress keeps growing, the grouting pressure should be controlled at 0.6 MPa. Under the action of falling weight deflectometer (FWD) loads, the deflection value of the road decreases by 31 to 37%. The road structure reinforced by AAMs exhibits strong adaptability to heavy loads. The random seepage model can better reflect the seepage process of AAM in the road base.