Proctor Compaction Research Articles

Influence of Compaction Methods on Properties of Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavement Wearing Surfaces

The present study investigates the effects of different compaction methods on the properties of roller-compacted concrete (RCC) used for road pavements. The study focuses on comparing the Proctor compaction method utilizing different compaction efforts and molds (2.5 kg rammer with three layers of 56 blows and 4.5 kg with three and five layers of 56 blows, cylindrical and cube molds) with a slab compactor in static and vibratory setting. The samples produced in a slab compactor were obtained by drilling from the prepared slab. The evaluated properties of the samples included compressive strength and bulk density. The study involved a C25/30 concrete with the intention to be used in low volume roads according to national standards. The study concluded that the utilization of Proctor compaction and slab compactor with vibratory setting provided similar levels of strength performance of the RCC mixture, regardless of the shape of the Proctor compacted samples. In terms of the bulk densities, the main differentiating factor in the case of Proctor compaction was the weight of the rammer. The compressive strength of the samples was also strongly related to their bulk densities.

Using Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement in Backfilling Works Beneath the Structures

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is produced in significant amounts. Nevertheless, the use of RAP is limited due to the absence of laboratory and field performance data. This research addresses laboratory and field tests to evaluate the use of RAP and various adapted mixtures in constructions such as road-bed layers and substitution layers. Modified proctor compaction, California bearing ratio, unconfined compression test, and static plate loading tests have been conducted on RAP, a mixture of RAP and crushed stone aggregates (CSA), and RAP stabilized with cement to satisfy the objective. Results have shown that 100% RAP material is suitable for use as a sub-base material. The ability of RAP material to be utilized as a cement-treated base layer is more pronounced when it is stabilized with cement (100% RAP + 8% and 10% cement). Utilization of 100% RAP stabilized with cement has been demonstrated to be economical in comparison with 100% CSA without cement. Finally, RAP material has shown good performance as a substitution layer.

Variation of Packing Densities and Liquid Film Thicknesses in Alkali Solution and Water in Natural Pozzolan Calcium Hydroxide Pastes and Mortars

The characteristic properties of concrete depend on the quality of mortar. In order to improve the properties of hardened concrete, the mortar needs to have good performance. The property of mortar is affected by wet packing density, liquid film thickness, type and quality of binder, gradation of fine aggregates, and binder-to-fine-aggregate ratio. The commonly used alkali solutions to produce polymer mortar and concrete are cursed by carbon dioxide emissions. This study used alkali solution and water to investigate the variation of packing densities and film thicknesses on paste and mortar mixes. of natural pozzolan and calcium hydroxide at a ratio of 75P25CH and standard sand. The standard proctor compaction tools and procedures were adopted to attain the maximum values of packing density of 0.937 for mortar mixed with alkali solution, 0.919 for mortar mixed with water, 0.906 for paste mixed with alkali solution, and 0.829 for paste mixed with water. For the case of film thicknesses, the optimum values obtained were 0.548 μm for mortar mixed with alkali solution, 0.248 μm for mortar mixed with water, 0.398 μm for paste mixed with alkali solution, and 0.09 μm mixed with water. The results indicate that alkali solution produced higher packing density and liquid film thickness than water for both paste and mortar, and the packing density and liquid film thickness increase with the increase of the number of compacting blows with 9 blows to 36 blows. The study recommends the establishment of standard compaction effort and procedure.

Utilisation of Class-F fly ash in xanthan gum–amended neutral or acidic soils

Xanthan gum (XG) is an eco-friendly biopolymer with potential applications in soil amendment. However, in acidic soil environments, the pyruvate groups and glycosidic bonds in XG molecules tend to hydrolyse, thereby weakening the efficacy of soil improvement. In this study, the feasibility of utilising alkaline Class-F fly ash (FA) to assist XG in reinforcing acidic soils was evaluated through proctor compaction, unconfined compression, and one-dimensional consolidation. With the increasing soil acidities, the beneficial effect of FA on the geotechnical performances of XG-amended soils grew. The improvement in both mechanical strength and compressibility of XG-amended acidic soils might be caused by the crossing-linking of XG molecular strands and the mitigated hydrolysis of XG hydrogels due to the presence of FA. Based on the findings, it is suggested to use FA in combination with XG for treating the acidic soils and use XG alone for treating the neutral soils. The research outcomes will promote the reuse of solid waste Class-F FA in sustainable geotechnical engineering practices, for example, biopolymer-based soil amendment in acidic soils.

Optimizing Backfill Materials for Ground Heat Exchangers: A Study on Recycled Concrete Aggregate and Fly Ash for Enhanced Thermal Conductivity.

This study investigates the potential use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), fly ash (FA), and their mixture (RCA+FA) as backfill materials for shallow vertical ground heat exchangers (GHEs). Granulometric, aerometric, and Proctor compaction tests were conducted to determine soil gradation, the void ratio, and the optimal moisture content (OMC) for maximum dry density. RCA demonstrated efficient compaction at lower moisture levels, while FA required higher moisture to reach maximum density. A 10% FA addition was optimized to fill voids in the RCA soil skeleton without compromising structural stability. Thermal conductivity tests were performed using a TP08 probe in both dry and wet states. The results showed that the RCA+FA mix exhibited a notable increase in thermal conductivity at around 6% moisture content due to the formation of water bridges between particle contacts. FA, in contrast, displayed a more linear relationship between conductivity and moisture. The RCA+FA mix achieved higher thermal conductivity than either material alone, particularly near full saturation, making it a promising option for efficient heat exchange. Thermal conductivity modeling, based on the Woodside and Messmer model, confirmed the RCA+FA mix's high conductivity and estimated full saturation conductivity values with a small error. The Kersten number (Ke) was employed to predict conductivity across varying moisture levels, with results showing a strong correlation with saturation ratio (Sr).

MIX DESIGN AND LABORATORY COMPACTION METHODS OF RCCP – A REVIEW

This article analyzes the difficulties in reproducing the actual circumstances of concrete compaction with rollers in the laboratory and mix design аfeatures of RCCP (Roller Compacted Concrete Pavement). While quick and straightforward, the Proctor compaction test may not adequately reflect the field compaction achieved with rollers. Gyratory compactors simulate the movement of the rollers, providing a more realistic situation with greater accuracy. However, they are expensive and require specialized knowledge. Due to the Vibratory hammer limited application and unrealistic vibration pattern compared to rollers, it is mostly used in laboratories for sample preparation rather than compaction. A vibrating table is effective for less rigid RCC mixture combinations and provides good compaction, although it does not perfectly simulate the action of a roller. The paper also underlines the need to create a link between density and moisture content to achieve maximum RCC performance.

Compaction Characteristics of Fly Ash and Pond Ash: A Comparative Analysis

This study investigates the compaction characteristics of Fly Ash and Pond Ash, which are by-products of coal combustion in thermal power plants. Thermal power plants generate three types of ash: (a) Fly Ash, (b) Pond Ash, and (c) Bottom Ash. Fly Ash consists of fine particles carried out of the boiler with flue gases, while Bottom Ash is the residue that settles at the bottom of the boiler. In most coal plants, Fly Ash is captured using electrostatic precipitators and other filtration equipment before the flue gases are released through the chimney. Pond Ash, on the other hand, is a by-product of thermoelectric power plants, often regarded as waste material, posing significant environmental disposal challenges. The compaction characteristics of Fly Ash and Pond Ash are influenced by various factors, including specific gravity, moisture content, compaction energy, layer thickness, and mold area. In this study, Fly Ash collected from NTPC Sipat , Chhattisgarh exhibited an Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) ranging from 18% to 27% and a Maximum Dry Density (MDD) ranging from 0.90 to 1.59 gm/cc under standard Proctor compaction energy. Similarly, Pond Ash demonstrated an OMC ranging from 33% to 46% and an MDD ranging from 0.856 to 1.248 gm/cc under the same conditions. The findings indicate that variations in these factors significantly affect the dry density of both Fly Ash and Pond Ash. The study also aims to determine the geotechnical properties of these materials, providing insights into their potential applications in engineering and environmental management

Evaluation of cement-treated recycled concrete aggregates for sustainable pavement base/subbase construction

Rapid urbanization and population growth have caused a substantial rise in the generation of all kinds of waste globally. The use of recycled waste not only can replace the enormous volume of virgin materials used in construction but also alleviate environmental concerns by lowering landfilling loads. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using non-treated and cement-treated recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) in pavement base and subbase layers. A detailed study focused on the strength, durability and microstructural aspects of treated RCA. To fulfill this, experimental test program and analysis covered particle-size distribution, Los Angeles abrasion, aggregate impact value, modified Proctor compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), weight loss under wet-dry cycles, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The recycled aggregates are found to show excellent physical and mechanical characteristics in terms of abrasion and aggregate impact values. Cement treatment has shown to significantly enhance the strength and durability characteristics of RCA, rendering it suitable for pavement base/subbase layer application. RCA samples treated with a cement content of 3 % and above (by weight) are found to satisfy the minimum specified unconfined compressive strength (UCS) values of 2 MPa at 7 days of curing, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Austroads guidelines for pavement base and subbase layer applications. However, a relatively higher cement contents (5 % and 7 %) is required to meet the minimum 7-days UCS criterion of 3 and 4.5 MPa for base layer applications of low- and high- volume roads, respectively, according to Indian road standards (IRC SP 72 (2015) and IRC 37(2018)). Cement-treated samples with 2 % cement or above showed minimal weight loss after 12 alternate wet-dry cycles, which was well within the maximum permissible limit (14 %) specified in various standards for stabilized materials. Additionally, microstructural investigations have clearly showed formation of hydration products corroborating the mechanism behind strength gain with time. Findings from this study provide references to promote the use of RCA in construction of pavement base and subbase layer, contributing towards the goal of net zero set by the United Nations.

Effect of Production and Curing Methods on the Properties of Roller-Compacted Concrete: A Review

Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) exhibits many characteristics of both asphalt and rigid pavements, but their use is restricted. Many reasons led to this decision, including the fact that RCC is a type of concrete mixture that requires a specific consistency. It should be firm enough to be compacted by a roller compactor but also have enough moisture to ensure even distribution. The lab-field performance difference of RCC is another reason for decreasing its use. The laboratory RCC mixes are prepared using the modified Proctor compaction method. Subsequently, specimens are fabricated utilizing a vibratory hammer (VH) to evaluate their strength properties. Nevertheless, in the construction industry, pavement is built utilizing static, pneumatic, and vibratory rollers. Consequently, quality control is carried out by acquiring pavement samples and comparing them to laboratory samples. Each of these procedures employs different processes and energies, resulting in variations in field and laboratory behavior. In this investigation, some studies will be discussed about the RCC behavior under field and lab conditions using various design methods, such as the vibrating table (VH), vibratory table (VT), gyratory compactor (GC), and modified proctor (MP). These studies showed a difference in RCC mechanical and macroscale properties between laboratory compaction methods. For instance, VH specimens led to a higher evaluation, while GY specimens produced a less favorable estimation of the hardened properties observed in the field. While the MP and VT compacted specimens had a comparable structural arrangement to the field, they exhibited notable differences in terms of porosity and strength. Other studies revealed the essence of the curing stage in terms of RCC mechanical properties and indicated that some curing processes, like compound curing, may improve RCC performance.

Amelioration of fat clay treated with CNS and cohesionless soils

The present study evaluates the amelioration of fat clay by blending it with cohesive non-swelling soil (CNS) and cohesionless silty sandy soil (Kassu). The fat clay sample with a liquid limit (LL) of 50 and a plasticity index (PI) of 26 was collected from Narowal, while CNS and Kassu samples were procured from Lahore's outskirts. Geotechnical tests on the virgin soil indicated its unsuitability for construction. Laboratory tests, including modified Proctor compaction, unconfined compression, California bearing ratio (CBR), and one-dimensional consolidation, were performed on samples blended with 0–35% CNS or Kassu in 5% intervals. The LL and PI of fat clay decreased significantly with the addition of 35% CNS (LL: 50–32%, PI: 24 to 13) and Kassu (LL: 50–29%, PI: 24–12). The CBR value increased from 4 to 7%, making the blended soil suitable for subgrade use. Unconfined compression tests showed a strength increase from 102 to 185 kPa with 35% CNS and up to 140 kPa with 25% Kassu. Compaction tests revealed improved maximum dry unit weight and reduced optimum moisture content. Swell potential decreased from 4 to 1.2 and 0.26% with CNS and Kassu additions. Regression models predict swell pressure and ultimate swell potential. The study concludes that blending fat clay with CNS and Kassu significantly improves its geotechnical properties, with CNS being more effective in controlling swell characteristics.

Laboratory characterisation of sand-tyre mix as bedding material for buried structures

Bedding material directly interacts with buried structures and supports to sustain external loadings such as traffic and overburden soil pressure. Therefore, soil-structure interaction plays an essential role in the stability and safety of buried structures. In particular focusing on underground pipelines, the annual rate of failures in Australia is around 19 % per 100 km of pipeline and can cost millions of Australian dollars in maintenance. Of these annual failures, ground vibrations from heavy traffic and construction activities are a major cause. In order to reduce such effects of ground vibrations on buried structures, this paper presents the possible application of sand-rubber mixes as a bedding material, where rubber is sourced from recycled tyres. The performance of sand-tyre mixes with regard to the potential for vibration reduction is assessed through this experimental study which comprises of particle size distribution, standard proctor compaction, permeability test, direct shear test, California Bearing Ratio and Repeated Load Test. From these tests, it was found that sand mixed with up to 20 % recycled tyre rubber was the most suitable mix for use as a bedding material.

Compaction behaviour of a sandy road base contaminated with microplastics from vehicle tires

AbstractDisintegrated tire particles can easily be transferred into the road bases because of the abrasion of vehicle tires on roads. The fragmented tire particles that have a grain size of smaller than 5 mm can be expressed as microplastics. In order to simulate the tire chip microplastic concentration in a sandy road base and assess the effect of microplastics on the compaction degree of the road base, standard Proctor compaction tests were performed on 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 1%, 2%, 4% and 8% tire chip microplastics‐amended sandy soil by dry mass. Results showed that maximum dry unit weight (ɣdmax) of the sand increased from 16.04 to 16.99 kN/m3 as the tire chip microplastic concentration increased up to 0.4%. Further increase in the microplastic concentration resulted in a decrease in ɣdmax. Contrarily, optimum water content (wopt) decreased from 15.9 to 12.5% as a result of the tire chip microplastic addition up to a concentration of 0.4%. An additional increase in the microplastic concentration led to an increase in wopt. By considering these results, a concentration of 0.4% tire chip microplastics was found to be the optimum amount that enhanced the degree of compaction. Besides contributing to the stabilization of a sandy road base, tire chip microplastics can also be assessed in terms of environmental protection. These microplastics are forced to be stacked in the sand because of compaction. As a result, they cannot easily be transferred to water resources or agricultural products that may threaten human health and cause environmental contamination.

Improving Soft Subgrade Stability Using a Novel Sustainable Activated Binder Derived from By-Products

Soft soil concerns, due to high compressibility and low bearing capacity, prompted an investigation into stabilizing clay soil. Traditionally, binder including cement or lime has been used as stabilizers though a current requirement of alternatives is stem from environmental concerns. The study focused on the viability of using a novel binary activated blended binder composed of environmentally friendly materials, namely ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) activated by cement kiln dust (CKD). The experimental work included investigating the impact of the developed binders on the Atterberg limits, standard Proctor compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. CBR tests were conducted after 7 days of curing or soaking, while UCS and SEM analyses were conducted after 7 and 28 days of curing. A fixed binder ratio of 9% was maintained, with GGBS blended at 25%, 50%, and 75% with CKD. For comparison, samples of untreated and treated soils with unary binders from GGBS and CKD were also prepared. Results indicated that activated binders notably decreased soil plasticity and maximum dry density, while elevating optimum moisture content, CBR, and UCS, especially in later stages of treated soil and unary GGBS binder. Unary CKD binder exhibited a similar trend to activated binders. The activating of 25% GGBS with 75% CKD provided the optimum binder which increased the mechanical strengths by about 6 times than untreated soil. SEM revealed substantial formations of C-S-H and C-A-H gel, along with ettringite, intensifying with time. This research provides viable outcomes for stabilizing clay soil using environmentally friendly binders, demonstrating significant improvements in soil properties, particularly when using the binary activated blended binder consisting of GGBS and CKD.Graphical

Principle of Common Lab and In-Situ Testing With the Quality Control and the Case Studies

Testing building materials is essential for ensuring quality control in the construction field. In order to meet the necessary standards, codes, and specifications, it should adhere to the rules in the appropriate way. Soil, aggregate, and concrete are typically the materials tested. Aggregate testing, which is covered by BS 812, may also be tested in accordance with BS 1377, which regulates soil testing, to determine the particle size distribution. In accordance with the size of the soil, BS 1377 also provides standard guidelines on the test procedure for Proctor compaction. The Archimedes principle is used to determine the density by measuring the displacement of water or a related material, such as paraffin oil or sand. Moreover, the determination of the compressive strength of the concrete is regulated by BS EN 12390. The sampling procedure, standard procedure of the Proctor compaction test, visual evaluation of the compressive strength test failure modes, and the in-situ core should all be examined as described in this paper in order to guarantee the testing's high quality. The last section includes four common case studies in construction connected by the faulty cube-making process, the inconsistent compressive strength result, and the lack of coordination of construction activities. In conclusion, construction material testing is an integral part of quality assurance in construction, but it should be conducted in accordance with the standards to ensure that the materials have the necessary characteristics and properties to perform as intended.

Effect of Magnesium Chloride Solution as an Antifreeze Agent in Clay Stabilization during Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Freeze-thaw cycles significantly impact construction by altering soil properties and stability, which can lead to delays and increased costs. While soil-stabilizing additives are vital for addressing these issues, stabilized soils remain susceptible to volume changes and structural alterations, ultimately reducing their strength after repeated freeze-thaw cycles. This study aims to introduce a different approach by employing magnesium chloride (MgCl2) as an antifreeze and soil stabilizer additive to enhance the freeze-thaw resilience of clay soils. We investigated the efficiency of MgCl2 solutions at concentrations of 4%, 9%, and 14% on soil by conducting tests such as Atterberg limits, standard proctor compaction, unconfined compression, and freeze-thaw cycles under extreme cold conditions (−10 °C and −20 °C), alongside microstructural analysis with SEM, XRD, and FTIR. The results showed that MgCl2 reduces the soil’s liquid limit and plasticity index while enhancing its compressive strength and durability. Specifically, soil treated with a 14% MgCl2 solution maintained its volume and strength at −20 °C, with similar positive outcomes observed for samples treated with 14% and 9% MgCl2 solutions at −10 °C. This underlines MgCl2’s potential to enhance soil stability during initial stabilization and, most importantly, preserve it under cyclic freeze-thaw stresses, offering a solution to improve construction practices in cold environments.

A new method for rapid preparing high-strength saturated clay samples in large-scale model tests

The preparation of high-strength saturated clay samples for large-scale model tests presents a significant challenge in geotechnical engineering. The slurry consolidation method has been conventionally employed to prepare saturated clay, despite its time-consuming and labor-intensive nature. Therefore, this study proposes a rapid preparation technique for clayey soils utilizing the dynamic compaction method, enabling the facile preparation of saturated clay samples by compacting the soils from an unsaturated state. During compaction, the void ratio decreases, thereby increasing the degree of saturation and enhancing the soil strength. Critical to this method are two variables: the moisture water content and the soil density, which are determined through bench-scale compaction tests using the Proctor compaction test apparatus. These tests establish the relationships between moisture content and density, degree of saturation, and soil strength. The moisture content aligning with the target soil strength is selected as the target moisture content for model-scale soil preparation, whereas the moisture content-density relationship sets the target density value. The laboratory tests validate that the soil strength of the saturated model-size clay samples prepared using the proposed method fulfills the requisite criteria, indicating its effectiveness for rapid preparation of high-strength saturated clay samples in large-scale model tests.

Effects of oil palm mesocarp fibers on the physical and mechanical properties of expansive soils

Palm fiber is one of the favorable materials used in stabilization of soft soil in geotechnical engineering projects, nowadays due to its sustainability, less damage of environment, biodegradability, availability and cost-effectiveness in a context of widespread appeal to the world for return to nature by protecting the earth. On the other hand, expansive soils are renowned for their swelling-shrinkage property and these volumetric changes resultantly cause huge damage to civil infrastructures. Likewise, subgrades consisting of expansive soils instigate serviceability failures in pavements across various regions worldwide. This paper presents results of the laboratory evaluation of expansive soils stabilized with oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF), with a view to determine its suitability as flexible pavement construction material. The mixtures were subjected to British Standard heavy (modified Proctor) compaction energy to determine their strength characteristics. The samples were subjected to different tests to ascertain their index properties. Varying proportions of OPMF from 1% to 4% were incorporated into the soil samples and the effects were observed based on compaction and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) results. The control samples without inclusion of OPMF achieved the highest Maximum Dry Densities (MDD), the MDDs reduced linearly as the OPMF content increased. Consequently, the CBR values decreased with increase in OPMF. The reduction in MDD ranged from 20.28g/cm3, 18.5 g/cm3, 15.65 g/cm3, 12.53 g/cm3 as the OPMF increased from 1%, 2% to 3%, 4%. and the optimum moisture content remained almost unaffected due to high-absorbent nature of the fibers. With the inclusion of the OPMF, the CBR value under soaked conditions dropped from 5% to 1.8% rendering them very unsuitable for pavement subgrade. It was concluded that the presence of fiber depreciated the engineering properties of the earth materials. Direct application of OPMF in any part of road pavement has been dissuaded.

Effect of Quarry Dust in Compaction Characteristics of Loose Sandy Soil from a Local Paddy Field

Loose Soils found in locations such as paddy fields deemed as unsuitable for construction works in general. Loose sandy soil is characterized by its granular and non-cohesive structure, which results in a high porosity and low bulk density. In construction, achieving adequate compaction is essential for enhancing the load-bearing capacity and stability of the soil. Therefore, if the geotechnical properties of these soils can be improved using a waste material such as quarry dust, which is a byproduct of the construction aggregate crushing process, it can offer a significant advantage. This study aims to assess the effect of quarry dust in maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of sandy soils from a local paddy field. Quarry dust is mixed with the soil in proportions of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% & 50% by weight. Laboratory tests such as sieve analysis, specific gravity, Atterberg limit and proctor compaction tests were conducted on soil and soil – quarry dust. The results indicated that maximum dry density continues to increase with the addition of quarry dust while optimum water content reduces up to the addition of 30% quarry dust. The findings support that compaction characteristics can be improved using quarry dust which increases the suitability of the soil for construction purposes.

Comparative analysis of swelling mitigation in marl and clay soils: natural plant fibers (Alfa, jute, sisal) vs. polypropylene fiber with lime-pozzolana cement utilizing proctor compaction

This study offers a comparative assessment of two methodologies for mitigating soil swelling in marl and clay soils. The methods under investigation include the use of natural plant fibers (Alfa, jute, sisal) and polypropylene fibers in combination with lime-pozzolana cement. Laboratory tests, including Proctor compaction tests, and swell potential assessments, were conducted to assess the effectiveness of each method. The findings reveal that both natural plant fibers and polypropylene fibers, when combined with lime-pozzolana cement, effectively reduce soil swelling. The study underscores the promise of eco-friendly natural plant fibers and the durability of polypropylene fibers as viable solutions for soil stabilization. Furthermore, incorporating lime-pozzolana cement enhances both methods performance, providing an additional layer of soil stability. This research contributes valuable insights to geotechnical engineering projects dealing with marl and clay soils. It aids in the selection of suitable soil stabilization techniques, considering project-specific needs and sustainability concerns. Ultimately, this study advances the field of geotechnical engineering by promoting environmentally conscious and resilient solutions to address soil swelling in clay and marl soils.

Cement Kiln Dust as Partial Replacement of Cement for Improvement of Sabkha Soils for road application

Salt-encrusted desert flats or sabkha soil, which particularly formed in arid and semi-arid zones, have raised a noticeable concern because of low bearing capacity and high compressibility. this study is aimed to explore the feasibility of stabilizing Omani sabkha using environmentally friendly stabilizer through Cement Kiln Dust (CKD). Untreated and treated sabkha were characterized using standard proctor compaction test, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California Bearing ratio test (CBR). Results show that utilizing 7.5% binder that contained 50% Cement Kiln Dust improved the overall properties of sabkha soil and it can be used as sub-base layers.