Stabilization of Clay Soils Using Fly Ash

Abstract

Nowadays, environmental pollution is a serious problem in the world. Thermal power plants are used in many countries to meet the energy needs of growing cities. A lot of quantity of Fly Ash is produced while this energy is generated. Using such waste materials in construction offers significant advantages over current admixtures because they are typically less costly and provides environmental protection. Therefore, in recent years, researchers have been exploring new solutions for the use of such waste materials. In this study, the effect of 2% lime and different percentages of Orhaneli fly ash added to a clay soil taken from Bursa Uludağ University campus has been investigated. By using the sieve and hydrometer analysis and Atterberg Limit tests, the soil classification has been made. The optimum water content and maximum dry density of the mixtures were determined by the normal compaction test. In order to assess the strength of the mixtures, unconfined compression tests were carried out after various curing times (3 days, 7 days and 28 days). As a result of the experiments, it was found that adding lime and fly ash into the clay soil by different percentages increases the strength of the high plasticity clay in varying ratios.