Browsing by Author "Chakraborty, Sayantan"

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Alkali-Activation Potential of Sandstone Wastes with Electric Arc Furnace Slag as Co-additive
(Springer, 2023-12) Bhunia, Dipendu; Chakraborty, Sayantan
Electric arc furnace slag (EAF) and sandstone waste (SW) are two of the most abundantly generated industrial wastes whose utilization as precursors and supplementary cementitious materials has not been exhaustively studied. The current research study comprehensively investigates the effects of incorporating varying proportions (0–90%) of re-melted EAF as a co-additive on the engineering properties of elevated (80 °C) and ambient (30 °C) cured alkali-activated SW-based binders. Extensive laboratory tests were conducted to assess the physio-mechanical and durability performance of the resulting alkali-activated materials (AAM). Detailed mineralogical and microstructural characterization of SW, EAF, and alkali-activated samples was carried out using sophisticated analytical techniques. Results advocated that irrespective of the curing temperatures, SW-based AAM showed improved setting behavior, compressive strength, water absorption, and porosity characteristics with the increment of EAF at all substitution levels due to the concomitant development of CASH-CSH-NASH gel phases. Overall, it can be inferred that EAFs as a pozzolanic material successfully augmented the properties of SW-based alkali-activated binders, providing an efficient solution for disposal and negative environmental impacts associated with industrial wastes.
Application of Wicking Geotextile for Pavement Infrastructure on Expansive Soil
(Springer, 2021-08) Chakraborty, Sayantan
Problematic soils cover a majority of North Texas, which are primarily characterized by high plasticity and expansive nature. Moisture intrusion plays a pivotal role in determining the long-term performance of such soils when subjected to repetitive axle loading. Highways constructed on such subgrade often fail to perform satisfactorily due to rutting, cracking, and differential movements during the seasonal moisture variation. Calcium-based stabilizers are traditionally used by existing practitioners to treat such problematic subgrade. However, treatment with calcium-based stabilizers fails to perform suitably over the pavement life due to durability and leaching problems. Besides, treatment with calcium-based stabilizers involves significant construction delay and has a detrimental impact on the environment. As an alternative to these shortcomings, a newly available geotextile with a wicking ability has been used to construct a test section in North Texas. The geotextile layer, installed at the interface of the base and subgrade layers, performs a two-fold function. Besides the primary function of providing separation and reinforcement to the subgrade, the wicking ability of this geotextile helps moisture redistribution within the pavement layers. The performance of the pavement section was closely monitored using several sensors. Initial observations suggest that the geotextile can suitably redistribute the moisture within the subgrade. The pavement section showed an improved resilience to deformation from traffic load as compared to the control section.
Book cover Book cover Advances in Transportation Geotechnics IV pp 583–594Cite as Inverse Analysis of a Failed Highway Embankment Slope in North Texas
(Springer, 2021-09) Chakraborty, Sayantan
Expansive clayey soils undergo significant volumetric changes, and desiccation cracks develop due to wetting and drying cycles. The presence of desiccation cracks changes the soil's hydro-mechanical properties and allows rapid infiltration of rainwater to the underlying deeper layers. The abrupt increase in moisture content and swelling reduces the soil's peak strength to fully softened strength. Consequently, these slopes experience shallow failures that are approximately parallel to the slope surface. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of weathering cycles by studying the failed highway embankment slope located in Denison, Texas. The experimental laboratory studies, including direct shear test, fully softened strength test, soil water characteristic curve, and soil hydraulic conductivity tests, were conducted on samples that were collected from scarp of the failed slope. A comprehensive inverse analysis was conducted using a finite element method-based software package. The analyzed results suggest that the surficial slope failure was attributed to (i) the formation of desiccation cracks, (ii) increase in soil permeability, (iii) reduction in shear strength, and (iv) the formation of the perched water table in the weathered surficial soil during intense rainfall events.
Comparison of Earthquake-Induced Pore Water Pressure and Deformations in Earthen Dams Using Non-Linear and Equivalent Linear Analyses
(ASCE, 2020) Chakraborty, Sayantan
Earthquake excitations often cause an increase in pore water pressure in contractive sands resulting in liquefaction, which can lead to catastrophic consequences. Therefore, it is imperative to assess the earthquake-induced excess pore water pressure and deformations to evaluate the post-earthquake serviceability of the important structures such as earthen dams. The analyses are usually performed using the equivalent linear method or the non-linear method. The purpose of this research is to evaluate and compare the excess pore water pressure and associated deformations predicted using these two methods of analyses. Two numerical models of a typical zoned earthen dam were subjected to two earthquake time-history data with significantly different frequency contents to comprehend the differences in the outcome. The analyses results are similar for dams with dense sand shells when subjected to low-intensity earthquake excitations with the predominant frequency significantly different from the first natural frequency of the structure.
Effect of Constant Energy Source on Coherence Function in Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves (SASW) Testing
(Springer, 2018-07) Chakraborty, Sayantan
The quality and acceptability of a waveform data collected during spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) testing is judged based on the coherence function over the measured range of frequencies. However, many trials and repetitions are required during SASW testing to obtain data with acceptable coherence value (>0.95). This makes the test time-consuming, and in most cases, only small portion of the collected data that satisfies the acceptable coherence criteria can be used for analysis. In this research study, an attempt was made to study the effect of using an impact source of constant energy on the coherence function as compared to the use of traditional handheld hammers. Laboratory experimental studies were performed on sandy clay soil bed filled in a metal box of dimensions 1.5 m × 0.61 m × 0.45 m. Also, a series of field tests were performed to validate the applicability of the laboratory findings. In both laboratory and field testing, a 2.5 kg hammer was used with height of fall as variable parameter. Two sets of tests were performed. One with random height of fall that is similar to current practice and the other with fixed height of fall of 0.13 m to simulate impacts with same energy conditions. Test results depicted that unlike the conventional procedure of testing, the use of constant energy of impact leads to coherence close to 1 over a significantly large frequency bandwidth. This research highlights the effect of using constant and varying impact energy on coherence value over a wide range of frequencies obtained during SASW testing.
Effect of geomaterial variability on seismic response analyses of earthen dams
(Elsevier, 2022-02) Chakraborty, Sayantan
In a recently completed research study, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) seismic response analyses were performed on a hydraulic fill earthen dam located in north Texas, USA. Analysis results obtained from both methods were compared to study and address the influence of geomaterial variability on the seismic response of heterogeneous earthen dams such as hydraulic fill dams. For evaluating the material variability within the dam, twenty-eight piezocone penetration soundings (CPTu) were conducted along the crest of the dam. These CPTu soundings, along with the available laboratory test results, were utilized to represent various scenarios that depict geomaterial variability within the dam for numerical modeling and seismic response analysis. In the first scenario, limited subsurface investigation information obtained from six CPTu soundings distributed along the dam crest was considered to develop the numerical models. In the second scenario, all the twenty-eight CPTu soundings were utilized to model the same dam using extensive site characterization test results. The first natural frequency, earthquake-induced crest accelerations, and shear stresses of the dam segments were computed from 2D and 3D numerical analyses for both scenarios of site characterization results. Results indicated that a 3D analysis might be more appropriate than a 2D analysis for studying the seismic response of a heterogeneous earthen dam, especially when extensive site characterization information is available to model the dam for numerical analyses. Overall, the findings of this study emphasize the impact of geomaterial variability on seismic response analyses of heterogeneous earthen dams and will enable engineers to assess the conditions that warrant a comprehensive 3D analysis.
Establishing a Threshold Sustainability Index for a Geotechnical Construction
(ASCE, 2018) Chakraborty, Sayantan
Sustainability studies in geotechnical engineering have focused on life cycle assessment (LCA) of materials and construction processes to quantify the environmental and socio-economic impacts of construction. However, in the absence of a threshold or allowable value depicting the degree of sustainability, a comprehensive assessment of the system sustainability is infructuous. This paper demonstrates a framework to establish a threshold sustainability index for a geotechnical construction. The approach is illustrated through a subgrade stabilization project for a low-volume road (LVR) in Arlington, TX, involving treatment with lime and cement. The subgrade soil was an expansive (high plasticity) clay, having a low to moderate soluble sulfate concentration. The methodology incorporates a multi-criteria assessment of resource use, environmental impact, and socio-economic consequences. The framework designates the threshold sustainability index (IT-Sus) for a particular project, besides providing a pictographic representation of the different sustainability elements.
Evaluating the Performance of Wicking Geotextile in Providing Drainage for Flexible Pavements Built over Expansive Soils
(Sage, 2021-03) Chakraborty, Sayantan
The longevity and performance of a pavement section depend on the characteristics of the subgrade soil. A majority of the pavements in North Texas, U.S., are constructed on expansive soils. The deterioration of the pavement performance because of rutting, cracking, and differential heaving is a regular phenomenon in the regions predominantly distributed with expansive soils. The pavements, particularly those built for low-volume traffic conditions, experience distress because of the high swelling and shrinkage characteristics of the underlying problematic soils. Geosynthetics have been traditionally used to improve such poor subgrades because of their many benefits, such as ease of installation, and ample mechanical and hydraulic properties. In the last decade, a newly available wicking geotextile, with a moisture redistribution capacity, has been developed to improve the performance of pavements constructed over expansive and frozen soils. In this study, small-scale laboratory and full-scale field studies were conducted to comprehend the wicking ability of this innovative geotextile in an expansive soil environment. Full-scale test sections were constructed with reclaimed asphalt pavement aggregate and traditional crushed stone aggregates in the base layer near North Texas. Details of the construction and instrumentation procedure are discussed in this paper. A comparative study between the performance of the pavement sections subjected to traffic loads and moisture intrusion was also performed. Furthermore, the rutting life of the sections, estimated using a linear elastic model, was compared and validated using the in situ data. The observations during the initial phase indicated that the wicking geotextile has the potential to improve the long-term pavement performance.
Evaluation of Rock Slope Stability Using 3-Dimensional Data Analysis
(ASCE, 2020) Chakraborty, Sayantan
The performance and maintenance of an infrastructure asset depend on the stability of adjacent structures. In this study, rail line passing through rock cut is selected to analyze the stability of the rock slopes. Generally, two-dimensional slope analysis is used to evaluate the stability of slopes owing to its simplistic and widely used approach. Three-dimensional understanding of the slope behavior is necessary to estimate the factor of safety of slopes with complex geometry. Method of columns which is an extension of method of slices, considered for most two-dimensional analyses, was used in this study to conduct three-dimensional stability analysis which requires comprehensive slope geometry data. Limitations of present traditional methods arising out of their inability to access hard-to-reach areas on the steep rock slopes have created a need for adopting new technologies. The advancement in lightweight compact sensors complimenting the robust unmanned aerial platforms have found their applications in remotely conducting qualitative and quantitative assessments of infrastructure assets. The research presented in this study discusses an approach that involves the use of aerial platform coupled with close range photogrammetry techniques to collect comprehensive rock slope data. Three-dimensional stability analysis using commercially available software was conducted by using generalized Hoek-Brown (HK) failure criterion to represent the true failure envelope of rock mass. The global minimum factor of safety of the surfaces on the rock slope was identified using Morgenstern-Price stability analysis method. This approach has resulted in significant savings in data collection time and cost, but also provided comprehensive idea about the stability of rock slopes for a given set of material properties.
Experimental Studies and Sustainability Assessments of Quarry Dust for Chemical Treatment of Expansive Soils
(ASTM, 2023-08) Chakraborty, Sayantan
Civil infrastructure constructed on expansive soils undergoes distress and loss of serviceability because of damage caused by moisture-induced volumetric changes. Traditional stabilization methods that employ calcium-based stabilizers are widely used mitigate the volume change-related distresses, but they increase the carbon footprint and emission of greenhouse gases during production and construction stages, compromising the treatment’s sustainability. This research study was designed to use silica-rich waste products, such as a quarry dust admixture with a calcium-based stabilizer, to enhance the performance of problematic soils and improve the sustainability of the system. An array of engineering tests, including unconfined compressive strength tests before and after moisture conditioning, one-dimensional free swell tests, and linear shrinkage tests, were performed on untreated and treated soils. Test results showed that the utilization of quarry dust as a co-additive significantly improved the strength and durability of the soil and reduced the shrink-swell potential to a greater extent than lime treatment alone. The sustainability assessment was then performed, which showed that the application of quarry dust can be considered a sustainable alternative that helps reduce the geoenvironmental problems related to handling and stockpiling waste products in landfills. Overall, silica-rich waste products have the potential to be appropriate and sustainable additives that work well with a traditional calcium-based stabilizer to modify expansive soil.
Forensic Analyses and Rehabilitation of a Failed Highway Embankment Slope in Texas
(Sage, 2021-03) Chakraborty, Sayantan
A comprehensive investigation was designed and conducted to identify the potential causes of failure of a highway embankment slope in Texas and evaluate the effectiveness of lime treatment to rehabilitate the failed slope. Highway slopes built with high plasticity clays often experience shallow slope failures after exposure to repeated wet–dry weathering cycles. Lime stabilization generally reduces the swell–shrink potential, enhances the engineering properties of problematic clayey soils, and can potentially prevent surficial slope failures. However, exposure to wet–dry cycles can negate some of the benefits of lime treatment and therefore a study was conducted to address the use of this lime treatment to stabilize embankment slopes. Extensive laboratory tests were conducted to study the effect of weathering cycles on the degradation of hydro-mechanical properties of untreated and lime-treated soils. Rainfall-induced slope stability analyses were performed to investigate the probable causes of slope failure and evaluate the stability of lime-treated surficial slope. The optimum stabilizer dosage and treated layer thickness required for the slope rehabilitation were determined based on laboratory tests and numerical analysis results. The stability analysis results indicate that the degradation of surficial soil’s hydro-mechanical properties and the development of a perched water table during prolonged rainfall possibly caused the slope failure. The post-treatment increase in shear strength properties, reduction in moisture fluctuations recorded by embedded moisture sensors, and the presence of newly installed underlying drains are expected to prevent recurrence of surficial slope failures. Salient results from this study are covered in this paper.
A Framework for Assessment of Sustainability and Resilience in Subgrade Stabilization for a High-Volume Road
(National Academy of Sciences, 2018) Chakraborty, Sayantan
Sustainability studies for civil infrastructure have primarily focused on methods and tools for quantifying resource consumption, environmental consequences, and socio-economic implications of a project. On the other hand, resilience analyses are based on the attributes of robustness and adaptiveness of the system. This study presents a multi-criteria analysis-based framework for a combined evaluation of sustainability and resilience of a civil infrastructure. The individual metrics (impact categories) are quantified, and a combined sustainability and resilience index ICSR is introduced to assess the sustainability and resilience of a high-volume road construction project in Texas. The pavement was constructed on sulfate-rich expansive clays, and the subgrade was stabilized with materials such as lime and fly ash. The framework offers flexibility to the user in attaching weights to an impact category based on its relative priority in the analysis. A pictographic representation of both sustainability and resilience elements could be effected through this framework.
Geomaterial Characterization and Stability Assessment of Hydraulic Fill Dams
(ASCE, 2021-02) Chakraborty, Sayantan
In this research study, the stability of a hydraulic fill dam located in a newly declared seismically hazardous zone in north Texas was evaluated, incorporating the effect of geomaterial variability existing in the dam. Hydraulic fill dams exhibit highly variable geomaterial conditions due to the method of construction and are prone to stability issues during earthquakes. Hence, a comprehensive study was needed to account for such variations in geomaterial properties and assess the stability of the dam rather than performing routine analysis using representative geomaterial properties for the shell, core, and foundation of the dam. Cone penetration tests were performed on the dam to study geomaterial properties and their variabilities. These results were used to develop three-dimensional (3D) visualization models using kriging analysis. The geomaterial properties obtained from the visualization models were subsequently used in the slope stability analyses. The developed visualization models depicted the variation of geomaterial properties within the dam. The use of the visualization models has led to the development of an innovative approach for performing stability analyses of earthen dams with high geomaterial variability.
Geotechnical Visualization and Three-Dimensional Geostatistics Modeling of Highly Variable Soils of a Hydraulic Fill Dam
(ASCE, 2022) Chakraborty, Sayantan
Traditional interpretation and interpolation techniques have been extensively used in conjunction with geotechnical in-situ teststo evaluate subsurface conditions; however, these approaches, when applied at highly variable geomaterial sites, can lead to high uncertaintiesand inaccurate subsurface characterization. This paper presents the application of a proposed framework that combines geotechnical in-situ testdata and a geostatistical modeling approach with visualization techniques to provide an advanced three-dimensional (3D) site characterizationand visualization of an aging hydraulic fill dam. There were 66 cone penetration tests (CPT) performed along the crest, downstream, andupstream sides of the hydraulic fill dam and properties, such as the soil behavior type index (Ic), effective friction angle (φ0), and undrainedshear strength (Su), were determined using traditional CPT data correlations. Univariate statistics performed on the properties revealed highvariability in the hydraulic fill dam configuration. Anisotropic semivariogram models were developed to incorporate the spatial variability andthe directional anisotropy of soil properties in the proposed site characterization approach. A 3D kriging interpolation was then performedbased on the anisotropic semivariograms to generate 3D geotechnical visualization models of theIc,φ0, andSuof the geomaterials encounteredin the dam. Validation studies were performed by comparing the 3D interpolated soil properties with the ground-truth measured values obtainedfrom laboratory tests. The visualization models based on a geostatistical interpolation approach can facilitate the identification of criticalzones within the dam that could be susceptible to geotechnical hazards. This paper highlights a novel approach combining the in-situ data,3D interpolation kriging analyses, and visualization techniques to evaluate the soil configuration within highly heterogeneous sites such ashydraulic fill dams and mine-tailings sites
Ground improvement studies on problematic soils: innovative materials with sustainable applications
(Springer, 2024-10) Chakraborty, Sayantan
Chemical stabilization of problematic sulfate-rich soils is a considerable cause of concern even to this day for geotechnical and transportation engineering practitioners. With the advent of innovative materials and technologies, researchers have tried to incorporate them into ground stabilization practices. However, the application of novel materials is often met with apprehension when the concept of long-term durability and sustainability of construction is weighed upon. The researchers at Texas A&M University have been studying innovative stabilization methods to address some of the prevailing problems of traditional stabilization methods. Application of metakaolin-based geopolymers and novel silica-based admixtures with Ca-based treatments to improve problematic soil properties is presented in this paper. Micro-mechanical behavior of the stabilized soils was investigated using both engineering and mineralogical studies. Engineering studies included strength, stiffness, moisture-susceptible durability, and free swell strain tests. Additionally, X-ray diffraction studies and scanning electron microscope imaging were performed to understand the microstructural behavior of the treated geomaterials. Sustainability benefits of the stabilizers were assessed using a unified framework, which subsumed the effects of embodied energy for production, environmental impacts, and socio-economic impacts of the treatment. The engineering and microstructural studies showed that the new stabilization methods provided more durable geomaterials as compared to traditional treatments. Sustainability assessments showed that new stabilization methods could be considered as a potential alternative if the production cost is significantly reduced. Overall, this keynote paper provides new insights into innovative stabilization methods, which may be of enormous benefit to geotechnical and transportation engineering practitioners.
Impact of curing time on moisture-induced damage in lime-treated soils
(Taylor & Francis, 2018-04) Chakraborty, Sayantan
Long-term performance of pavement sections depends on the structural integrity and strength of its individual layers. Clay-rich soils do not often meet the structural requirements needed to perform as an effective subgrade material. Among the different in situ techniques available to enhance the engineering properties of these clay-rich soils, lime stabilisation is the most preferred alternative. Although lime treatment improves the strength properties of clay-rich soils due to sustained pozzolanic reactions, the intrusion of external water can deter the benefits of stabilisation processes. The objective of this study was to identify the possible causes of strength and durability loss in lime stabilised subgrade soil during moisture exposure and determine the effect of curing period on the extent of moisture-induced damage incurred. Reasons for immediate strength loss observed in stabilised materials when exposed to moisture conditions were also investigated as part of the study. Thermal analysis techniques, such as differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal analysis and thermo-gravimetric analysis were used in identifying and quantifying the calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) phases precipitating in lime-treated soils and also to determine the water retention properties of these cementitious materials. Results suggest the inherent affinity and water holding capacity of the precipitated C–S–H phases are partially responsible for the deterioration in strength properties observed in stabilised layers exposed to water, especially during early curing periods. As curing proceeds, the increased suction potential created by the C–S–H phases is counteracted by a higher matrix strength. This phenomenon causes a reduction in external water movement and associated strength loss in stabilised layers.
Impact of different hydrated cementitious phases on moisture-induced damage in lime-stabilised subgrade soils
(Taylor & Francis, 2017-04) Chakraborty, Sayantan
Durability is a major concern for all stabilised materials as it can reduce the structural capacity of pavement layers. One of the primary factors influencing the long-term performance of stabilised subgrade layers is moisture. The structural properties of these engineered materials starts to deteriorate with ingress of external water. The detrimental effect of soaking depends on the level of pozzolanic reaction achieved by the stabilised layer prior to water intrusion. Although the affinity for water is reduced after stabilisation, some amount of water is held within the matrix by the precipitated Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C-S-H) phases due to their inherent water adsorption capacity. The extent of damage in turn depends on the type and concentration of different cementitious phases due to the structural, compositional and morphological differences. This study tries to determine the type of hydrated cementitious phase that is more resilient to moisture-induced damage. Results indicate the presence of C-S-H II phase to be beneficial for durability of lime-treated soil when compared to C-S-H I phase.
Impact of Variation of Small Strain Shear Modulus on Seismic Slope Stability Analysis of a Levee: A Sensitivity Analysis
(ASCE, 2018) Chakraborty, Sayantan
In this research, a sensitivity analysis was performed to study the effect of variation in maximum shear modulus (Gmax) values of different layers of a levee structure on the seismic response and stability of the levee slopes. The analysis was implemented by systematically varying the Gmax values of the different layers to simulate the effect of possible variation in estimated Gmax values obtained from in-situ/laboratory tests and correlation equations. The Gmax values of the layers were altered in two ways: variation in (1) individual layers; and (2) group of layers; thus, simulating the effect of incorrect estimation in Gmax values of a particular layer and a group of layers, respectively. The levee was subjected to the acceleration time-history data of two earthquakes with considerably different predominant frequencies. It was observed that the inaccurate estimation of Gmax values, especially for the deeper layers, significantly affects the natural frequency and peak crest acceleration. Moreover, a prominent change in the factor of safety of slopes under seismic loading conditions was observed with variation of Gmax values for the near resonance condition. The effects were pronounced when the Gmax values were varied for a group of layers, rather than individual layers.
Improvement of Strength and Volume-Change Properties of Expansive Clays with Geopolymer Treatment
(Sage, 2021-03) Chakraborty, Sayantan
Expansive soils are conventionally treated with chemical stabilizers manufactured by energy-intensive processes that significantly contribute to carbon dioxide emissions globally. Geopolymers, which are synthesized from industrial byproducts rich in aluminosilicates, are a viable alternative to conventional treatments, as they are eco-friendly and sustainable. In this study, a metakaolin-based geopolymer was synthesized, and its effects on the strength and volume-change behavior of two native expansive soils from Texas, with a plasticity index over 20 were investigated. This paper elaborates on the geopolymerization process, synthesis of the metakaolin-based geopolymer, specimen preparation, and geopolymer treatment of soils. Comprehensive material testing revealed two clays with a plasticity index over 20. They were each treated with three dosages of the metakaolin-based geopolymer and cured in 100% relative humidity for three different curing periods. The efficiency of geopolymer treatment was determined by testing the control and geopolymer-treated soils for unconfined compressive strength (UCS), one-dimensional swell, and linear shrinkage. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) imaging was performed on the synthesized geopolymer, as well as on the control and geopolymer-treated soils, to detect microstructural changes caused by geopolymerization. A significant increase in UCS and reduction in swelling and shrinkage were observed for both geopolymer-treated soils, within a curing period of only 7 days. The FESEM imaging provided new insights on the structure of geopolymers and evidence of geopolymer formation in treated soils. In conclusion, the metakaolin-based geopolymer has strong potential as a lower-carbon-footprint alternative to conventional stabilizers for expansive soils.
Influence of activator ratios and concentration on the physio-mechanical and microstructural characteristics of the geopolymers derived from sandstone processing waste
(Springer, 2024-03) Bhunia, Dipendu; Lahoti, Mukund; Chakraborty, Sayantan
Natural stones have been utilized to meet various needs of human civilization since ancient times. The exploitation of any resource is associated with the production of redundant materials called wastes. Sandstone waste (SW) is one such waste obtained during the industrial processing of sandstones. Due to its siliceous composition, extensive yield, and disorganized dumping, noxious conditions related to land and human health are promoted. However, the lack of comprehensive engineering studies, mineralogical analysis, and design methodologies associated with the utilization of sandstone processing wastes restricted their applicability only to fillers or partial substitutes with pozzolans and traditional cement in meager volumes. In the past, limited efforts have been made to utilize SW as a construction entity, particularly for binding purposes. Thus, to enhance the scope of its utilization, a comprehensive investigation has been performed in this research to transform sandstone waste into a novel construction material by geopolymerization. Mix design tailoring and laboratory tests were implemented to understand the effects of sodium hydroxide concentration and sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio on the dissolution and physio-mechanical characteristics of SW-based geopolymers. The activator-to-binder ratio was restricted to 0.4 to obtain pastes with sufficient workability without hindering the properties of the matrix. Besides, a high temperature-curing regime was selected based on SW's crystallographic and reactivity analysis. Subsequently, a total of 48 samples were prepared and tested at the curing age of 28 days. Detailed characterization of SW and SW-based geopolymer samples was performed using optical, X-ray, and infrared spectroscopies aided by electron imaging and thermogravimetric techniques. SW-based geopolymer samples showed compressive strengths in the range of 6-12 MPa, ~2 to 3 times higher than those obtained in previous experimentations. Phase analysis and microstructural examinations confirmed SW's participation in geopolymerization. Overall, it could be advocated that geopolymerization is an innovative approach for solving issues related to the disposal and re-utilization of SW, extending its possible application to the fields of cement mixes, wall tiles, mortars, and masonry as per the commendations of ASTM and ACI committee.