Exploratory study on argo-industrial wastes for improving geotechnical properties of expansive soil – As sustainable material

Abstract

The suitability of using Mango Kernel Ash (MKA) as fruit processing industrial waste is a cheap and satisfactory stabilizing agent for pavements laid on expansive soils in low rural roads. A research facility test program comprising an arrangement of Atterberg's limit, standard Proctor test, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Free Swell Index (FSI), and Swell Pressure tests was conducted on the untreated and treated soil samples with MKA (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%), CCR (2%, 4%, 6%) and lime (2%, 4%, 6%) by weight of soil. The application of MKA with Calcium Carbide Residue (CCR) and Lime to the soil significantly changed its properties by decreasing its plasticity and making it more workable by improving its CBR and UCS values. With the increase in MKA, and its mix combinations the increment is seen in the strength of expansive soil, and higher strength was obtained with 20%MKA and 6%CCR; which were later compared with lime instead of CCR. The results of swell pressure decrease by 1/6th of virgin soil value and the Free Swell Index also decreases. To know the microstructural orientation Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was done.