Study of Compaction Characteristics of Soil with the Addition of Slate Mining Waste

Abstract

Objectives: This paper brings out the results of an experimental programme carried out at National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur to evaluate the effectiveness of using slate quarry waste for soil stabilization by studying the compaction characteristics of various proportions of slate waste in native soil, as a pre-requirement to reach at soil-slate mix for shear strength and settlement testing for use as a sub grade material for foundations of structures and pavements. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Disturbed sampling of soil was done and was classified according to Indian Standard Soil Classification System (ISSCS), using Liquid limit and Plasticity index. Slate waste was sampled and Sieve analysis was performed. Light compaction tests were performed in order to get the Maximum Dry Density and Optimum Moisture content of soil with slate mining waste in various proportions. Findings: The soil was found to have liquid limit and plastic limit of 46.0833% and 26.1570 % respectively. According to ISSCS, Soil was found to be clay of medium compressibility. Slate waste with cu and ccof9.04 and 0.67 respectively was utilized for the study. The Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) and Maximum Dry Density (MDD) was found to be 24.989% and 1.497 g/cc, 32% and 1.95g/cc for soil and slate waste respectively. Variation of OMC and MDD with slate waste (%) added was analysed. The results show that the addition of waste material has increased the OMC as well as the MDD. An increase in MDD depicts a stable soil. The increase in OMC is due to the water absorption of slate waste. Application/Improvements: These results can be further used for study of strength, settlement behaviour, and slope stability of the soil-slate waste mix. It can be utilized for economics in pavements and improvement of Sub grade of pavements and buildings.