Utilisation of Recycled Glass Powder for the Stabilization of Black Cotton soil by Alkali Activation

Abstract

Black Cotton Soil forms a major soil group in India. It covers 20% of the total area of India. Due to its high swelling and shrinkage characteristics, Black cotton soil has been challenging for construction activities. To overcome the problems caused by black cotton soil, the soil needs to be stabilized. Stabilization increases the strength of soil and controls the swell and shrinks potential of soil thus improving the load bearing capacity of soil. Lime and Cement are commonly used additives in soil stabilization. The production of commonly used additives like lime and cement contributes to a higher carbon footprint. Recycled glass powder is a construction and demolition waste. Recycled glass powder is rich in Silica and Alumina, thereby on addition of an alkali; it forms a geopolymer that enhances the strength of the soil. In this study Recycled glass powder is added in the proportions of 0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, 15% and 18 % along with Sodium Hydroxide and Sodium Silicate in the ratio of 1:2.5 to the Black cotton soil to facilitate the geopolymerization reaction. The effect of Recycled glass powder based geopolymer on the strength of Black cotton soil for the curing period of 3 and 7 days is investigated. The Unconfined compressive strength of Black cotton soil increases with the increase in proportion of geopolymer up to an optimum value of 9%. With the increase in curing time the strength of Stabilized Black cotton soil increases. A Recycled glass powder based geopolymer can be used as an effective soil stabilizer.