Stabilization Of Expansive Soil Research Articles

Parameters controlling the expansive behavior of bentonite-kaolin mixtures stabilized with alkali-activated waste

Expansive soils can cause large-scale damage to the infrastructure. Soil stabilization with Portland cement and lime has been widely utilized as a solution to this problem. However, these stabilizers are non-renewable and energy-intensive. Alkali-activated binders are alternatives with lower carbon dioxide emissions. This research evaluated an expansive soil stabilization with an alkali-activated binder produced from sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), hydrated eggshell lime (HEL) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Free-swelling tests alongside a statistical analysis evaluated the influence of dry unit weight (12.5 and 14.5 kN/m3), binder (4 and 10%) and moisture content (19.7 and 24.7%) and curing time (0 and 7 days) on the stabilized mixtures. A four factors factorial design with duplicates and central points was outlined. To better understand the NaOH and SCBA influence over the soil expansion additional tests were performed. In general, an increase on the studied factors reduced swelling, especially binder content. However, the alkali-activated cement presented no clear correlation between higher density and higher expansion. Swell reduced from 13.8% (12.5 kN/m3 and 19.7% moisture) and 8.8% (12.5 kN/m3 and 24.7% moisture) to 2.5% and 0%, respectively, after 7 days and 10% binder addition for the alkaline cement. For Portland cement, swell reduced from 13.8% (10.2 kN/m3 and 22.5% moisture) and 12.5% (10.2 kN/m3 and 27.5% moisture) to 1.8% and 1%, respectively, after 7 days and 4% binder addition. Samples containing NaOH expanded less than samples molded with only water. Finally, the alternative binder might be a viable option to replace Portland cement for expansion control.

Stabilization of Expansive Soil Mixture Using Human Hair Fibre (Biopolymer)

Expansive soils sensitivity to volumetric change is one of the well-known challenges in the field of geotechnical engineering. Various attempts have been made by researchers to solve this problem. Current research presents the effect of human hair fibers on the behavior of expensive soils. A reconstituted soil of 80% kaolin as raw material and 20% bentonite with different percentages of human hair (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%) was used. The microstructure of the formulations was characterized by studying the interactions between soil and human hair using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microstructure of the formulations was characterized by studying the interactions between soil and human hair using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, swelling parameters, compressibility and shear strength were also examined. The results of this study indicate that the inclusion of human hair fibers significantly improves the properties of the expansive soil mixture. These results open up new prospects for the stabilization of expansive soils.

Bioengineering solutions for expansive soil stabilization using waste materials: An experimental evaluation

Municipal solid waste incineration ash is the outcome/product of bioengineering science. The incineration or burning of municipal solid waste (MSW) reduces the volume of this biomass by 90%, and the residual ash can be used in several applications. In this study, the potential of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) ash and calcium carbide residue (CCR) waste for stabilization of expansive soil has been experimentally evaluated. The abnormal shrink–swell characteristics of expansive soils pose several problems for civil engineering structures when these soils are used for construction in their original form. The study presents an experimental set-up to determine the best combination of additives to achieve the most favorable technical characteristics of expansive soil for civil engineering activities. The percentage of expansive soil has been kept fixed at 60% of the total weight of the mix for varying ratios of stabilizing agents. The optimization of the stabilizing materials is based on the highest strength parameters of the mix achieved for a particular ratio of additives and soil. The two stabilizing agents are waste materials, and their disposal through landfilling has become costly due to a scarcity of space and handling mechanisms. The values of strength parameters, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and split tensile strength (STS) of a treated mix are found to be highest for a unique combination of 60% lime stabilized expansive soil and 20% MSWI ash and an equal quantity (20%) of CCR. The cumulative effect of adding the best mix of additives to soil and curing time depicts an improvement of 526.03% in UCS and 463.41% in STS of the mix compared to one day and 28 days of curing time. There is scope for further study, such as adding some fibers to the finalized mix to reinforce the soil mix.

Stabilization of Expansive Soil using Silica Fume and Lime

Structures built on soft clays frequently encounter stability and settlement issues owing to the high compressibility, low shear strength, and poor permeability of such clay types. These characteristics often result in bearing capacity failure and excessive settlement, posing significant challenges to construction projects. Therefore, the study investigates the strength enhancement of expansive clay soil with the inclusion of various percentages and combinations of silica fume (SF) and lime (L). Hence, the mechanical characteristics of various mix ratios of SF and L are examined via the standard Proctor, and unconfined compressive strength (UCS). The samples were treated for 1, 7, 14 and 30 days and examined under the UCS tests. The experimental results show that the strength of the expansive clay significantly rises with the inclusion of SF and L at dissimilar mix ratios and curing days. The mixture of SF and L resulted in a significant strength increment of the kaolinite clay soil up to 80.22%.

A review on innovative approaches to expansive soil stabilization: Focussing on EPS beads, sand, and jute

Abstract Expansive soils pose major geotechnical challenges due to significant volume changes. This research investigates an innovative stabilization approach using sand, expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads, and jute fibres to enhance the properties of expansive soil. The purpose is to utilize the unique characteristics of these admixtures to restrict swelling potential and improve strength and load-bearing capacity. Experimental testing quantified improvements through parameters like unconfined compressive strength (UCS), swelling pressure, California bearing ratio (CBR), compaction characteristics, and Atterberg limits. Soil samples were prepared with individual and combined admixtures at optimum proportions and extensively tested after proper curing. Quantitative results indicated that including sand, EPS beads, and jute fibres increased the soil’s UCS by 41, 29, and 23%, respectively. The swelling pressure, on the other hand, decreased by 14, 18, and 11%, respectively. Maximum improvements were achieved with combined admixtures: UCS increased by 65%, swelling pressure reduced by 23%, and CBR improved from 5 to 6.5%. Regression analysis indicated a strong correlation (R 2 = 0.96) between admixture proportions and resultant UCS. The key achievements are effective swelling control, a marked increase in shear strength parameters, and synergy between admixtures in enhancing expansive soil properties. This sustainable stabilization method using industrial by-products presents a promising solution for constructing stable civil structures even in problematic expansive soil regions.

Evaluation of Locally Available Calcined Clay-Based Geopolymer for the Stabilization of Expansive Soils

Geopolymers (GPs) have been effectively used as an alternative to traditional calcium-based stabilizers for treating problematic expansive soils over the last decade. However, the high cost of precursors and limited availability of traditionally manufactured GPs pose significant challenges for commercial implementation. Utilizing locally available sources to manufacture GPs could address such limitations and promote sustainable development. A research study was designed and implemented to evaluate the efficacy of locally available calcined clay-based GP stabilizers to improve the performance of expansive soils and the results were compared with lime-treated and untreated soils. An array of laboratory studies was conducted using two natural clayey soils and two types of GPs to assess improvements in several engineering properties, including unconfined compressive strength before and after capillary soaking, resilient moduli, and moisture-induced strains. Supplemental microstructural studies using X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscope imaging were conducted to identify the mineralogical changes and detect the precipitation of new reaction products. The engineering studies demonstrated that the application of GP significantly enhanced the strength, durability, and stiffness while reducing the swelling and shrinkage strains in the GP-treated soils. Microstructural analysis revealed that the precipitated GP gels effectively coated the soil particles and provided a uniformly bonded GP–soil matrix that enhanced the engineering performance. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding with respect to the potential of using locally available calcined clay-based GPs as a sustainable and durable alternative in enhancing the engineering properties of expansive soils for the long-term performance of transportation infrastructures.

Comparative analysis of laboratory unsoaked CBR values between micromaterials and limestone nanomaterials in expansive soil stabilization

This decade, a lot of soil stabilization research, especially expansive soils, uses nano materials. This is because many regions in Indonesia have expansive clay soil types, one of which is in Cilin Village, Bandung City, West Java Province. Expansive soils have low soil carrying capacity in high water table conditions. This condition surrounded the building above it. Disadvantages due to low carrying capacity of expansive soil, stabilization is needed to increase soil carrying capacity. It's just that the procurement of micro materials is very expensive. For this reason, this paper will explain the effectiveness of nano materials when compared to micromaterials. The main focus that will be discussed in this paper is how to compare the value of laboratory unsoaked CBR between micromaterials and quicklime nanomaterials in expansive soils. The research was conducted at the Bandung State Polytechnic Laboratory. This study used a stabilization method by adding 2% lime to each particle size. The procurement price of nanomaterials is Rp. 2,500,000 and micromaterials Rp. 1,500,000. The CBR test result obtained is native soil is 8.49; mixed soil 2% lime micromaterial is 9.01; and the soil mixture of 2% lime nanomaterial is 9.22. The difference in CBR value is only 0.21, so the more effective result is the unsoked condition of adding 2% lime micromaterial at a cheaper price.

Stabilization of Expansive Soils Using Non-conventional Waste Stabilizers: A Review

Stabilization of Expansive Soils Using Non-conventional Waste Stabilizers: A Review

Stabilization of Expansive Soils Using Flyash

Abstract: Soil plays an essential role in the construction of any civil engineering structure. It must be able to withstand the loads without breaking down. In some areas, the soil may not be strong enough to withstand the incoming loads. To address this, there are many methods of soil stabilization available, but some of these methods, such as chemical stabilization, lime stabilization, etc., can have an adverse effect on the soil's chemical composition. In this paper, we will be looking at the effects of fly ash on the strength gain of an expansive clay soil when combined with different percentages of fly ash, such as 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%. We will also be looking at tests to determine the strength gain of the soil with and without fly ash. The results of the laboratory study will show that adding fly ash to the expansive clay soil reduces the soil's plasticity index and increases its MDD. The expansive clayey soil's strength characteristics have improved.

Expansive soil improvement using industrial bagasse and low-alkali ecological cement

Cement is the primary material used for mitigating expansive soil hazards due to its easy availability and relatively low cost. However, the most commonly used ordinary Portland cement renders the soil strongly alkaline after treatment, and the development of cracks in the soil is not effectively controlled under the influence of wet-dry cycles following cement stabilization. These two drawbacks significantly impact both the ecological environment and the strength of the cement-stabilized expansive soil. This study innovatively proposes an improvement to the method of cement stabilization of expansive soil by incorporating low-alkali ecological cement and industrial sugarcane bagasse (a byproduct of sugar production). After assessing the basic physical properties of the expansive soil, it was improved by mixing with industrial bagasse and low-alkali ecological cement. Through experiments on dry-wet cycles, soil-water characteristic curve tests, direct shear tests, and electron microscopy scans, we explored the enhancement of the expansive soil. Our focus was on the development of cracks, soil moisture migration patterns, changes in shear strength, and microstructural alterations. The following conclusions were drawn from the experiments: i. Compared to the method of ordinary Portland cement stabilization, the pH of expansive soil improved by low-alkali ecological cement combined with industrial sugarcane bagasse is more suitable for plant growth. ii. The unique tubular structure of industrial sugarcane bagasse provides elastic space for soil deformation, inhibiting the development of soil cracks. iii. The water retention capacity of expansive soil significantly increases after improvement with low-alkali ecological cement and industrial sugarcane bagasse. Within the range of matrix suction for plant growth, soil moisture changes more slowly, providing a more stable water supply for plants. iv. The combination of 1.2% industrial sugarcane bagasse and 7% low-alkali ecological cement exhibits the highest shear resistance, maintaining strength exceeding that of untreated expansive soil after five wet-dry cycles. v. SEM analysis confirms the effectiveness of industrial sugarcane bagasse and low-alkali ecological cement in improving expansive soil. This study improved the widely used cement stabilization method for expansive soil in practical engineering applications. Additionally, it introduced an additional utilization pathway for industrial bagasse residue waste. This research provides a new direction and reference for the combination of waste utilization and natural disaster management in the treatment of expansive soil hazards.

Utilization of Nano Silica and Plantain Leaf Ash for Improving Strength Properties of Expansive Soil

This study investigates the effect of nanosilica and plantain leaf ash on the sustainable stabilization of expansive soil. This study conducted various strength tests, including Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), direct shear, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests, to analyze the enhancement of mechanical properties by adding nano silica and plantain leaf ash. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was conducted to investigate the interaction mechanism between the soil and the combination of nano silica and plantain leaf ash. Three different combinations of plantain leaf ash were utilized, ranging from 5% to 15%, alongside nano silica ranging from 0.4% to 1.2%. The reinforced soil’s compressive strength, shear strength, and bearing capacity were assessed through UCS, direct shear, and CBR tests. The results demonstrated significant improvements in compressive strength, up to 4.6 times, and enhancements in cohesion and frictional angle, up to 3.3 and 1.6 times, respectively, at 28 days. Moreover, the addition of nano silica and plantain leaf ash led to increased bearing capacity and reduced soil swelling potential, contributing to the overall stability and strength improvement in expansive soil. The SEM test results demonstrate that maximum bonding and compaction occur when 1.2% nano silica and 15% plantain leaf ash are added to the soil.

Pine cone ash stabilization of expansive soils

<p>The use of appropriate waste materials to stabilize problematic soils, such as expansive soils that are responsible for geotechnical damage, is a common practice in geotechnical engineering. This study presents the use of pulverized ash from the combustion of pine cone (PC) waste as a stabilizing agent to improve the engineering properties of expansive soils. A series of laboratory tests were carried out to examine the effect of different percentages of pine cone ash (PCA) content (3%, 5%, 7%, and 10%) on the Atterberg limits, swelling potential (Sp), linear shrinkage, compressibility, and unconfined compressive strength (qu) of naturally occurring swelling soils and the PC ash-treated soils. The results showed that PC ash contents of 5% and 7% contributed to a significant reduction in the swelling and shrinkage potential and an improvement in the coarsest texture, brittleness behavior, compaction properties, and compressive strength of the treated soils. Conversely, PC ash contents below 3% and above 7% showed minimal changes in the index and engineering properties of the PC ash-treated soils. In particular, the PC ash content of 5% resulted in optimal mitigation of the poor properties of the treated soils. The use of pine cone ash as a stabilizing agent represents a suitable and complementary subgrade soil material for expansive soils on which lightweight structures are built.</p>

Environmental, economic, and social impacts of sugar cane bagasse and eggshell wastes for soil stabilization.

Sustainability is a core topic for all sectors including geotechnical engineering (e.g., design of foundations, earthworks structures, and pavements for major infrastructure and building projects). Despite being comprised of environmental, economic, and social pillars, most sustainability studies in this area have focused on the first. Furthermore, social impacts and the three pillars integration are little explored. As a result, there is a lack of systemic and holistic assessments of innovative geotechnical alternatives. This research advances in this area by performing a complete sustainability assessment and integration of the environmental, economic, and social pillars of two expansive soil stabilization alternatives: (i) sugar cane bagasse ash combined with hydrated eggshell lime alkali-activated by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and (ii) Portland cement. Individual analyses were carried out to determine the environmental, economic, and social impacts, and the single sustainability index. Alkali-activated binder dosages showed higher impacts in 4 out of 10 environmental categories. For both binders, high-density/low-binder dosages contributed to environmental and economic sustainability as they require lower quantities of raw materials and diesel for materials transportation. The total costs of alkali-activated binder dosages ($189.79 and $154.45) were higher than that of Portland cement ($72.49 and $54.04), mainly due to the high cost of NaOH acquisition. However, the alkali-activated binder dosages implied lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and thus lower social cost of CO2. The alternative binder presented a higher positive social impact. The alkali-activated high-density/low binder dosage is the most sustainable soil stabilization strategy.

Expansive Soil Stabilization Using Steel Factory Dust

One of the geotechnical-engineering roles is soil stabilization, because it affects the long-term strength and functionality of structures. For suitability and durability of expansive soils for construction projects, shear strength, bearing capacity and other characteristics can be enhanced through the stabilization process. This study is focused on the effects of steel factory dust (SFD) as an additive on the improvement of the undesired geotechnical properties of expansive soil (CH soil). A series of laboratory tests were conducted on intact and treated samples. SFD was added by 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% to the dry soil. The conducted tests are consistency, specific-gravity, modified Proctor compaction, swelling-pressure and -percent and unconfined compression tests. The addition of SFD reduced the values of liquid and plastic limits, plasticity index, modulus of elasticity and allowable bearing capacity. Significantly, the 10% SFD addition significantly reduced swelling percent and pressure by 26.8% and 25.4%, respectively while notably increasing the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) from 475 MPa to 629 MPa. SFD was found to be a successful waste material in improving expansive soil by using 10% as the best addition percent, which usefully saves the environment. KEYWORDS: Expansive soil, Stabilization, Steel factory dust, Swelling, Unconfined compressive strength. INTRODUCTIO

Improvement of the Bearing Capacity and Swelling of Ciampel Expansive Soil using Waste Foundry Sand

Road construction on expansive soil often suffers damage because of large shrinkage properties due to changes in water content. This study aims to analyze the bearing capacity and swelling of expansive soils stabilized using WFS as an effort to find solutions for improving expansive soils by utilizing local materials based on industrial waste. In this study, the soil was mixed with waste foundry sand as an additive material with a concentration of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% of the soil dry weight. Tests carried out included Compaction, California Bearing Ratio, and Swelling Potential based on ASTM standards. The soil stabilized with 10% WFS showed a significant increase in CBR value with changes of 64.89% (unsoaked) and 438.69% (soaked) to the original soil CBR value. WFS 10% in the soil was able to suppress the expansion value of the expansive soil by 93.16% to the swelling value of the original soil. WFS content of 10% in the soil can be recommended as an expansive soil stabilization material because it can increase the bearing capacity of the soil and reduce the level of swelling of the soil.

Stabilization of expansive soil for highway embankment: a critical review

Stabilization of expansive soil for highway embankment: a critical review

A Comprehensive Review on Methods, Agents and Durability Factors for Stabilization of Expansive Soils

Expansive soils cover a huge portion of the total land area in the world. They absorb water and expand, then shrink when they dry out. The volume change exerts pressure on engineering structures causing deformations, cracks, and movement of walls. This has a detrimental ef- fect on serviceability and reduces the service life of structures constructed on expansive soil. Therefore, stabilizing expansive soil is important to lessen the negative characteristics of the soil and improve its general toughness and durability. This paper provides an overview of the methods of soil stabilization, stabilizing agents, testing of stabilized soil, and factors that have an impact on the durability of stabilized soil. The most common stabilizing agents which in- clude lime and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) are studied. In addition, eco-friendly stabi- lizers like calcium chloride, sodium chloride, and modern stabilizers like geopolymers, zeo- lites, and nanomaterials are thoroughly discussed in the paper and potential areas for further research are also recommended. The study shows that the type and amount of stabilizer used, as well as the method of soil stabilization employed determines the extent of soil improvement.

Utilization of Coffee Husk Ash on the Geotechnical Properties of Gypsum-Stabilized Expansive Clayey Soil

Expansive clayey soils (CSs) expand and become softer as moisture content increases, but they get harder and stronger as they dry out. The earth’s swelling and shrinkage characteristics under varying moisture conditions make roads built on expansive CS, in particular, vulnerable to early degradation. In this investigation, coffee husk ash (CHA), gypsum, and a blend of the two additives (G-CHA) were used in experimental tests to treat expansive CS. This study aims to evaluate experimentally the potential of expansive soil stabilization using different additives: CHA, gypsum, and a combination of gypsum and CHA. Five different percentages of CHA (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%), three percentages of gypsum (3%, 6%, and 9%), and variable percentages of their combinations were used to stabilize the soil for pavement subgrade application. Atterberg limits, compaction, linear shrinkage (LS), swelling, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests were performed on treated and virgin soil specimens at 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56-day curing times. Results showed that CHA additives effectively reduced the plasticity, LS, and swell potential in addition to increasing the maximum dry unit weight, UCS, and CBR. It was determined that the UCS and CBR values for the 6% stabilized gypsum soil increased by 28.95% and 19.54%, respectively, and reduced by 41% of the plastic index parameter after the addition of 15% CHA. Based on the evaluation of the results, an optimum mixture of 6% gypsum and 15% CHA (SG6C15) stabilized soil can be used in pavement subgrade applications as it achieved the minimum strength target. The performance of CHA-treated samples as subgrade material is superior to that of untreated virgin soil. Because of the stronger subgrade, smaller pavement layers result in a thinner pavement structure.

Influence of bagasse ash on the compressive strength of lime reconstituted expansive soil by Advanced Machine Learning (AML) for sustainable subgrade and liner construction applications

The utilization of expansive soils for the construction of landfill liners and subgrade facilities without stabilization leads to volume changes due to seasonal change between wet and dry. This necessitated the industrial- and agro-industrial-based waste materials reconstitution of expansive soils to fulfil sustainability requirements for the builtenvironment. In this research paper, multiple datasets were collected from mixes of bagasse ash (BA) and lime (Lm) blend reconstituted expensive soil and deployed in the training and validation interface of advanced machine learning (AML) techniques to predict the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the treated soil for their usein landfill liner and subgrade application. The relative importance values for each input parameter were evaluated, such as compaction parameters (MDD and OMC), plastic limit (PL), LL, Lm, and BA. The results of all developed models were observed and collected. The relations between calculated and predicted values show that the GP produced a parametric line of fit expression of y = 0.999 × with performance indices as MAE 14.80 kPa, MSE 400.7 kPa, RMSE 20.00 kPa, and R2 of 0.950, EPR produced a parametric line of fit expression of y = 0.992 × with performance indices as MAE 11.6 kPa, MSE 270.9 kPa, RMSE 16.50 kPa, and R2 of 0.963, and ANN produced a parametric line of fit expression of y = 0.997 × with performance indices as MAE 4.26 kPa, MSE 30.8 kPa, RMSE 5.55 kPa, and R2 of 0.996. The results show that the ANN outperforms the GP and the EPR having produced the least error values, the highest coefficient of determination (R2) and zero outliers beyond the ± 25% performance fit envelop and can be concluded that BA has a remarkable influence in the stabilization of expansive soils and its utilization.

Stabilization of Expansive Soil Using Marble Powder and Phosphoric Acid against Physical Properties and SEM-EDS Tests

The Gedebage region faces a myriad of challenges, including road deformations, swelling of roads and bridges, and cracks in drainage foundations, buildings, and asphalt concrete. To address these issues, a comprehensive analysis of soil physical properties was conducted at the POLBAN soil mechanics laboratory, along with chemical tests at the POLMAN laboratory. The primary objective was to understand the physical properties and mineral composition of Gedebage soil and develop effective soil management strategies. Soil stabilization was employed as a method to enhance infrastructure resilience in Gedebage. Marble powder waste (MPW) was utilized in varying concentrations (2.5%, 4%, 5.5%, and 7%) along with 4% phosphoric acid (PA) to optimize the solution. MPW filled soil pores and improved cohesion, while PA reduced moisture content, enhanced particle bonding, increased load-bearing capacity, and minimized soil volume changes. Initial soil tests revealed a high plasticity index (PI) of 54.20%, indicating Gedebage, expansive clay soil nature with significant potential for expansion and plasticity. The AASHTO classified it as "A-7-6", and the USCS classified it as "CH." Stabilization experiments demonstrated that the most effective combination was the original soil + 7% MPW + 4% PA, resulting in a PI of 16.03% and an activity level (Ac) of 0.48. AASHTO classified this combination as "A-2-6," and the USCS as "CL." Furthermore, MPW oxygen, silica, and aluminum content exhibited potential for pozzolanic reactions, while PA reacted with soil mineral cations likes: Ca, Fe, Al dan Phosphor, forming a water-resistant layer. MPW and PA effectively improved the expansive clay soil's ability to withstand moisture-induced changes. This study serves as a foundation for further investigations into the mechanical properties of Gedebage soil, focusing on bearing capacity and stability, using MPW and PA in civil and infrastructure foundation applications.