Abstract
The present experimental work briefly aimed to utilize two different waste materials; calcium carbide residue (CCR) and the locally available rice husk ash (RHA) to produce an eco-friendly binder for the use in fine-grained soil stabilization. The effect of different binary mixtures, produced by mixing CCR and RHA with different proportion, on the geotechnical properties of a fine-grained soil was investigated. For the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, the soil specimens were subjected to various curing periods (7, 21, 28 and 90 days). The microstructure of the soil treated with the optimum mixture was carried out by utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) test. Results of UCS test showed an interesting growth after the treatment of binary mixtures relative to those samples treated with only CCR. Plasticity index (PI) was found to decrease noticeably with use of CCR only while further reductions in PI were achieved after the RHA incorporation. Clear variations in the microstructure of the treated soil were revealed from SEM testing approving the creation of cementitious products. The results of the current study indicated that the wastes utilized in this investigation could be potentially used as alternatives to the conventional binders and final disposition with economic and environmental advantages.
Highlights
In areas with weak or soft soils, civil engineering projects have traditionally incorporated enhancement for the properties of the soils utilizing different methods
The significant increments may be due to the phenomenon of exchange of cations taken place between the soil clay minerals and the positive ions of calcium produced by calcium carbide residue (CCR) [21]
Further substitution of CCR with rice husk ash (RHA) led to a slight reduction in Plasticity index (PI) values which would not affect the behaviour of the treated soil against the shrinkage and swelling phenomenon
Summary
In areas with weak or soft soils, civil engineering projects have traditionally incorporated enhancement for the properties of the soils utilizing different methods. The stabilization of soil by the incorporation of RHA and lime is significantly attractive for road pavements as it reduces the cost of both construction and disposal, minimizes environmental impacts and decreases the pressure on natural resources to keep them for the important uses. It was found by Nuaklong et al [32] that the performance of recycled aggregate geopolymer was enhanced due to the inclusion of RHA by improving the microstructure and denser matrix. Research methodology and specimens preparation techniques were discussed in this part; The presentation and discussion of the results obtained from the experimental works were included in the third stage of this study; conclusions were drawn according to the noticeable findings of this research study
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