Soil stabilization using waste “Bagasse ash and lime”: A review

Abstract

Sugarcane, with an annual global production of over 1907 million tons, is cultivated in approximately 110 countries worldwide. India alone generates around 376 million tons of sugarcane each year. The processing of sugarcane in alcohol and sugar factories results in the generation of sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) as a byproduct. SBA contains a considerable amount of silica, which, when introduced to soil, reduces its plastic behavior without altering its engineering properties. Soil stabilization is a critical technique employed to enhance and improve soil characteristics, thus strengthening it for construction purposes. Soils exhibiting plastic behavior are generally unsuitable for construction activities and require stabilization. Chemical stabilization is achieved using various materials or waste products with cementitious properties, such as bagasse ash and lime. This review paper presents a thorough examination of the numerous research efforts conducted in the field of soil stabilization, utilizing lime and SBA as admixtures in varying proportions. The findings of these studies indicate that SBA not only improves the performance of the stabilized soil but also reduces the overall material cost in most cases. Therefore, the valorization of SBA in the production of soil blocks presents a genuinely cost-effective and environmentally sustainable waste management solution.