Enhancement of the existing soil strength using the waste materials as a stabilization resource for sustainable development

Abstract

Sandy soils are widely available in the Gulf regions. The strength of the existing soil is improved by replacing the soil, field compaction, and stabilizing agents. In the study, fly ash and pet bottle strips were chosen as an admixture. Soil properties such as specific gravity, soil classification, liquid and plastic limit, maximum dry density, optimum moisture content and CBR have been studied and the soil composition is assessed by X-ray diffraction. 15%, 20% and 25% of fly ash and 0.5%, 1.5% and 4% of plastic pet bottle strips to dry weight of soil mass are added as stabilizing agents. Soil with 15 % of fly ash shows the maximum dry density with less optimum moisture content, with CBR of 18.8 % proving considerable rise in the bearing strength. Addition of 0.5% of plastic pet bottle shows the maximum dry density but the CBR is similar to the control soil.