Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cement Stabilized Soil Using Industrial Wastes Including Optimization of Polypropylene Fiber

Abstract

This Study is focused on suitability of industrial wastes in cement stabilized soil. The investigation is based on Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests. Experimental work is carried out to compare the UCS of cement stabilized soil specimens with different proportion of industrial wastes like Iron ore tailing, Quarry dust, Fly ash and Bagasse ash. The mix proportion is designed such that clay content is maintained at 10.5% for fine grained soil and density of 17.5 kN/m3. It is observed that the mix comprising industrial wastes and fiber have improved the mechanical properties compared to cement stabilized soil. Fiber addition has improved post peak behavior of soil specimen. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) microstructure images depict soil particle flocculation, leading to an increase in compressive strength and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) studies suggest the use of industrial wastes with natural soil helps in strengthening of soil cement stabilization, as well as to minimize the environmental pollution.