Use of Recycled Construction and Demolition (C&D) Wastes in Soil Stabilization

Abstract

With the growing construction sector, there is a constant rise in wastes generated by both construction and demolition activities. According to an estimate by Building Material Promotion Council (BMPTC), 150 million tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) wastes are generated in India annually. However, the official recycling capacity is a meagre6, 500 tonnes per day (TPD) - just about 1 percent. This paper examines the properties of Black cotton soil and investigates the use of recycled C&D wastes in soil stabilization of black cotton soil. This research focuses on the inexpensive and eco-friendly nature of C&D wastes as an admixture for soil stabilization. The tests were performed using different proportions of recycled C&D wastes in the proportions: 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%, to increase the strength of black cotton soil. California Bearing Ratio (CBR) showed an increase from 2% to 18.09%, Maximum Dry Density (MDD) showed a decrease from 2.107 g.cc-1 to 1.69 g.cc-1, and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) showed a variation and increased from 15% to 18.09% with the addition of 25% C&D wastes.