Publication Date
12-2025
Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)
10-22-2025
Type of Culminating Activity
Thesis
Degree Title
Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Department
Civil Engineering
Supervisory Committee Chair
Bhaskar Chittoori, Ph.D.
Supervisory Committee Member
Mojtaba Sadegh, Ph.D.
Supervisory Committee Member
Nick Hudyma, Ph.D.
Abstract
Ground improvement design (GID) is a vital part of constructing safe, long-lasting infrastructure. Traditionally, this is done with a chemical additive such as lime or cement that is mixed with in-situ soil to improve soil parameters such as compressibility, and strength. These stabilizers produce high amounts of carbon emissions. As a response, engineers and researchers are beginning to develop new stabilization methods using biopolymers and geopolymers in hopes of achieving comparable soil stability results as well as reduced environmental impacts.
This thesis work integrates a life-cycle analysis (LCA) and life-cycle-cost-analysis (LCCA) framework to evaluate and compare four soil stabilizer types: lime, cement, biopolymers, and geopolymers. The comparison tool assesses and compares both the costs and embodied carbon emissions associated with manufacturing/processing, material transportation, and initial construction. Numerical and visual results are generated, allowing for all categories to be easily compared with one another across the specified stabilizer. A case study has been conducted for a US-95 roadway section located in Marsing, Idaho. The results of this case study reflect positively on the use of polymers, particularly geopolymers, as a soil stabilizer. Geopolymers outperformed traditional stabilizers both in carbon emissions and overall monetary cost, reducing emissions by approximately 85% and cost by 64% relative to typical cement treatment [sic]
The developed comparison framework supports the implementation of sustainable roadway infrastructure using data-driven material selection.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.18122/td.2453.boisestate
Recommended Citation
Frost, Jillian R., "Sustainability Assessment of Ground Improvement Techniques: A Life Cycle Analysis of Lime, Cement, Geopolymers and Biopolymers for Roadway Application" (2025). Boise State University Theses and Dissertations. 2453.
https://doi.org/10.18122/td.2453.boisestate