Determination of Geotechnical Properties and Stability of Expansive Soil using Fly Ash

Abstract

This study was conducted to have a detailed analysis of the geotechnical properties of expansive soil and fly ash from Sipat thermal power plant. It reported the findings of laboratory studies on certain common physical and geotechnical properties. The chemical properties and morphology of the black cotton soil (BCS) and fly ash is also determined using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction test. The geotechnical test includes determining specific gravity, particle size distribution, moisture content, standard proctor test, free swell index, and Atterberg’s limit. The different compositions of expansive soil with fly ash, yellow soil, moorum, and sand are studied. BCS was evaluated with fly ash, fly ash and sand, BCS with yellow soil, and moorum and fly ash. The study also analyzed the details and results of different tests conducted on soil samples. The results showed that strength and fly ash are inversely proportional; as fly ash increases, strength decreases, and vice versa. Fly ash was added from 20 to 80 % by replacing expansive soil by weight. The results indicated that expansive soil can be stabilized by the addition of fly ash to a limit of 10 to 20 %.
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 The XRD And SEM results shows the mineral present in the FlyAsh and Expansive soil
 The geotechnical properties of Flyash and expansive soil is determined
 The OMC increases with decrease in densities
 The Particle size distribution curve shows the soil is GW soil
 
 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT