Abstract
Clays generally have a low strength and capacity, and additives are usually used to stabilize them. In recent years, using fly ash to stabilize soil has decreased environmental pollution while also having an economic benefit. The objective of this study is to perform a comparative investigation on the effect of class C and class F fly ashes on geotechnical properties of high-plasticity clay using the Atterberg’s limit, compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and unconfined compressive strength tests. The results showed that with an increase in the amount of fly ash, there was a decrease in the maximum dry density and an increase in the optimum moisture content. Moreover, an addition of fly ashes of up to 25% caused a reduction of the liquid limit and plasticity index, and an increase in the maximum unconfined compressive strength and CBR. Lengthening the curing time had a positive impact on the unconfined compressive strength of the soil. The soil samples with class C fly ash were seen to possess more efficient geotechnical properties as compared to class F fly ash.
Highlights
Suitable ground for engineering projects has decreased due to population growth, and sometimes, in-situ soil is not appropriate for construction
The objective of this study is to perform a comparative investigation on the effect of class C and class F fly ashes on geotechnical properties of high-plasticity clay using the Atterberg’s limit, compaction, California Bearing Ratio, and unconfined compressive strength tests
It can be seen that the liquid limit (LL) and plasticity index (PI) of clay decreases when increasing fly ash classes F and C
Summary
Suitable ground for engineering projects has decreased due to population growth, and sometimes, in-situ soil is not appropriate for construction. Insufficient bearing capacity, excessive settlement, liquefaction potential, slope instability, and swelling potential are common problems of soils. Soil stabilization using additives is one of the soil amendment methods, improving the properties and strengthening it. Cement is one of the most usual additives for soil stabilization [1,2], with its production having many challenges in terms of energy and environment. The production of one ton of Portland cement emits approximately a ton of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere [3]. Some studies have found several solutions for reducing the short- and long-term effects on the environment [4,5]
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