Optimization of sisal fibre and rice husk ash usage on lateritic soil for construction of roadway

Abstract

In the construction field, various stabilization techniques prevail that deploy diverse natural and synthetic materials. In the present study, the viability of utilizing sisal fibre (SF) and waste material, i.e. rice husk ash (RHA) on the properties of lateritic soil for construction of roadways have been investigated. Different geotechnical tests like Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) test, Compaction test and preliminary test are being performed on the 21 samples with different proportions prepared for the research work. It has been determined that the maximum dry density (MDD) is found to be 1.94 mg/m3 for the virgin soil at 20% RHA and 30% SF content and decreased to 1.70 mg/m3 when RHA and SF content were 0% and 30% respectively. Also, there was an increment of 116 kN/m2 for virgin soil to 145 kN/m2 when SF and RHA content were 40% & 10% respectively; even there was an increment of optimum moisture content (OMC) from 10.83% to 20.83% at 0% RHA and 30% sisal fibre content. Hence, the admixtures reinforced with soil will enhance the engineering properties of lateritic soil and providing an economical as well as eco-friendly method of soil stabilization.