A Comparative Case Study on Various Admixtures Used for Soil Stabilization

Abstract

Soil stabilization is a technique in which we alter the soil to enhance the properties by using thermal, electrical, mechanical and chemical processes. However, the thermal and electrical processes of soil stabilization are rarely used. Nowadays, the chemical process of soil stabilization is in much use. In this, some known admixtures like rice husk, plastic waste, vetiver grass, fly ash, lime, etc., are used that change the physical and chemical properties of soil and make it more suitable for which the same is done. This review paper discusses the importance and scope of recent trends in soil stabilization. This paper also seeks to investigate various existing methods of soil stabilization and also presents a comparative case study of soil stabilization techniques using rice husk, fly ash and vetiver grass. The reviewer has examined the most suitable admixture among these and henceforth provided excellent quality of stabilized soil. Research and findings of this paper based on experiments like Atterberg limit, Proctor compaction test, California Bearing Ratio (C.B.R.) test, unconfined compressive strength test shear strength, etc., will help engineers to choose the best method to stabilize soil for various construction purposes. It is investigated that fly ash is the best admixture for soil stabilization under the consideration of cost optimization. Also, soil stabilization of black cotton soil with rice husk is best for the rice-producing region where rice hush ash (R.H.A.) is available at a low cost.