SOFT SUBGRADE STABILIZATION WITH QUARRY DUST-AN INDUSTRIAL WASTE

Abstract

Performance of Flexible Pavement depends on the functions of the component layers especially Subgrade. Subgrade is compacted layer of soil provide the lateral support to the pavement. Construction over soft Subgrade affects the performance of pavement and results in shorter life of pavement. The typical approach of stabilization of soft Subgrade is to remove the soft soil, and replace it with soil of high strength. The high cost of replacement of poor soil has caused highway agencies to assess alternative methods to construct the highway over soft Subgrade. One approach is to improve the properties of soil is with addition of the waste materials. Soil stabilization is one of the most suitable alternatives which are widely used in pavement construction. Soil stabilization technique used to improve the engineering properties of soil such as strength and stability. Quarry dust is one of the admixtures utilized for effective ground improvement technique over weak Subgrade soil deposits. In this study Quarry Dust has been selected as a Stabilizer. Laboratory tests were conducted on soil with various percentage of Quarry Dust. Atterberg limit and compaction test were carried out on both unmodified and modified soil. California bearing ratio (CBR) test was performed to determine the strength properties of the Soil–Quarry dust mixtures. Higher CBR values of soil-quarry dust mix extent their potential for use as a Subgrade for flexible pavement.