Experimental Studies on Utilization of Blast Furnace Slag for Cohesionless Soil

Abstract

In the present state, utilization of various waste materials in different geotechnical application is increase manifold. All the waste materials possess different characteristics depending upon its raw materials and processing techniques. Utilization of these waste materials needs greater concern of its properties and compatibility with parent material. Out of many waste materials available, blast furnace slag is one of them. Blast furnace slags are by-products of metallurgical processes. It is glassy material, vesicular textures, typically with sand-to-gravel-size particles can be converted into powder form as well as particular desire size particles. In this paper, experimental work has been carried out on cohesionless soil with utilization of BFS to improve its properties for various geotechnical applications. Based on the literature review, it was evident that no much experimental work had been done on cohesionless soil as compared to cohesive soils. Therefore, attempt has been made to check the effect of utilization of BFS in cohesionless soil with various proportions of BFS mixed with cohesionless soil. Experimental results indicate positive outcome in terms of soil improvement for cohesionless soil with utilization of BFS. This research is very much useful for utilization of this waste material for soil improvement especially for cohesionless soil with poor characteristics for many geotechnical applications. Utilization of this waste material will also solve many environmental issues related to its stockpiling and dumping which ultimately protect the environment.