Sustainable Geotechnics: Harnessing Bagasse Ash and E-Waste for Improving Soil Performance

Abstract

This study addresses the prevalent issue of expanding soils in India, which exhibit a propensity to shrink and swell in response to changes in moisture content. Because of their high porosity and poor permeability, expansive soils can seriously jeopardize a structure's ability to support its weight. This study was aimed to use industrial waste like Bagasse ash and processed E-waste in a different ratio. Locally available soil from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, was considered for experimental investigation. First optimum Bagasse ash content from different ratio (10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) by weight of soil is determined and then E-waste in different ratios (2.5%, 5% and 7.5%) was blended in soil. To determine enhancement in soil strength various test like California Bearing Ratio, Unconfined Compressive Strength was done. Optimum Bagasse ash content was determined as 15% and E-waste was 7.5%. Results from the experimental test indicate that the addition of E-waste combined with Bagasse ash improves soil strength in terms of CBR and UCS values. These test results will be helpful in the development and design of pavements and road construction in rural areas.