Utilization of fly ash, lime sludge and polypropylene fiber as stabilizers to enhance soil properties

Abstract

Constructed structures on soils undergo different kinds of failures such as settlement etc. at an early stage. This gives rise to the importance of stabilization of weak soils using different techniques, in order to make the soil suitable for construction by enhancing its load bearing capacity, shear strength and other properties. The tests (liquid limit, plastic limit, specific gravity, compaction test, CBR and direct shear test) were initially carried out for the standard soil and the results were noted. Further we add the admixtures in the soil i.e. Fly Ash, Lime Sludge, Polypropylene fiber and an experimental program was undertaken to investigate the effects of these admixtures on the compaction and strength properties of soil. The tests conducted were compaction tests, CBR and direct shear test. The results were compared and the optimal percentages of different admixtures corresponding to the maximum strength were figured out. Fly ash was added up to 40% at an increment rate of 10%. Lime sludge was added up to 20% at an increment rate of 5%. Polypropylene fiber was added up to 1% at an increment rate of 0.25%. The experimental investigation of soil treated with these admixtures not only resulted in the positive outcome from the perspective of soil stabilization but it also considered the disposal issues of these waste materials and was completed within the economic limits.