Performance of Geotechnical Properties of Fly Ash and Quarry dust Mixtures for use in Highway Embankments with Varying

Abstract

Road network plays a crucial role in promoting social, economical and cultural development of a region. Construction of infrastructure over a weak or a soft soil is highly risky in terms of geo-technical setbacks like differential settlements, poor shear strength and high compressibility. Poor sub-grade conditions will result in inadequate pavement support and ultimately brings down the pavement life. Hence, highway construction over the soft clayey sub-grades is the most common challenge encountered by highway engineers. To address the problems posed by clays, the sub-grade is either replaced by better quality material or treated with additives. However, replacement is advantageous only at shallow depths. The effectiveness of the additive depends on the type of soil and the amount of additive used. The load bearing capacity of clayey soil can be improved by adopting various techniques like soil stabilization, introducing reinforcement etc. Soil stabilization involves improving the soil properties by blending soil with various cementing agents to produce sustainable pavements. The present study is carried out to assess the improvement in the performance of clayey sub-grade stabilized with Fly ash and Quarry dust in varying percentages. In this comparative study laboratory tests such as Atterberg's limit, Compaction test, CBR were carried out for both treated and untreated clayey soil. In view of its benefits, soil stabilization has gained importance in construction engineering.