Optimization of coconut shell ash on the improvement of strength of clayey soil

Abstract

Due to rapid urbanization and industrialization, there has been gradual increase in the use of land for various constructional activities. This has resulted in the scarcity of the suitable land (soil) for construction. Now a days the structures are frequently build on the problematic soils. In this study, an attempt has been made to explore the possibilities of using Coconut Shell Ash to improve the favourable properties of soil. The experiment is conducted on clayey soil. coconut shell ash is used as a stabilizing agent, in this study. Alternatively, engineers try to utilize these easily available materials in the civil engineering construction based on its feasibility/suitability on their performance. Different tests were conducted on soil with varying percentage of coconut shell ash from 5% to 20%. Stabilizing the soil by adding coconut shell ash improves the soil strength and reduces swell and shrink. Extensive experimental investigations, including compaction, unconfined compression test, are to be conducted on different mix proportions of Coconut shell ash.