Effect of GGBS on Strength Characteristics and Stability of Pond Ash Mixed Soil Embankment

Abstract

The increased usage of coal by thermal power plants results in enormous volumes of pond ash. Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) is produced in huge quantity in iron industries and is mostly utilised in the cement industry. Despite the fact that these industrial by-products have a wide range of applications, it is still conceivable to investigate the alternate mode for batch usage. The present study explores the effectiveness of GGBS in modifying the strength characteristics of a soil-pond ash mix. Pond ash was mixed with soil at 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%, and strength behaviour were determined by analysing compaction characteristics, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), bearing ratio behaviour, and shear strength parameters. The effect of GGBS addition in various amounts on the strength properties of pond ash-soil mix was also observed at various curing periods. Stability analysis was also conducted using limit equilibrium based GEOSLOPE software to evaluate the Factor of Safety (F) and stability of stabilized soil embankment. It was found from the test results that the addition of GGBS to the pond ash-soil mix improved the strength behaviours. With the inclusion of GGBS, the curing period was extended, which resulted in a substantial improvement in strength properties. Substantial improvement in factor of safety and stability of embankment was also observed by adding GGBS in pond ash-soil mix. Outcome of present study demonstrates an alternative approach for effective and safe utilization of GGBS and pond ash at optimum proportions.