Dataset for "Scale-up effects in alkali-activated soil blocks"

Data collection method:

The experimental approach and methodology is fully described in the accompanying article "Scale-up effects in alkali-activated soil blocks" .

Technical details and requirements:

For XRD (Figs. 1, 3, 4): Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were taken with a Bruker D8 Advance diffractometer using Cu Kα (λ = 1.54060 Å) X-radiation using a step size of 0.02 °(2θ). For the precursor soil and act-120h samples, a different Bruker D8 Advance diffractometer was used with monochromatic CuKα (λ = 1.540598 Å) X-radiation and a step size of 0.016 °(2θ). Patterns were corrected for specimen height shift by calibrating to the most intense quartz reflection (101) at 26.6 °(2θ), and normalised to the most intense reflection in each respective pattern. Phase identification was done using Bruker EVA software. For measuring specimen mass (Fig. 7): The mass change behaviour of the block specimens was measured after curing, and after 7 days ageing time. Average values and standard deviations were calculated for ≥4 measurements for each series. For measuring UCS (Fig. 10): Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) testing was done at 7 ±1 days ageing time, using a TUN600 Universal Testing Machine. At least four block specimens were tested for each series. The frogs on both sides of each block specimen were filled in with a mix of Plaster of Paris and <1.18 mm sieved sand to create a level surface. For measuring particle density (Fig. 11): Particle density was measured by He gas displacement using a Micromeritics Accupyc 1330. Before measurement, powder samples were heated at 150°C under vacuum for 1 hour.

Methodology link: