The influence of Keruing Sawdust on the geotechnical properties of expansive Soils

Abstract

Expansive soils have proved to be problematic to most Civil Engineering structures. Several researchers have tried to look for different materials which can alter the properties of these poor soils, and among them are lime and cement, which are expensive. Considering the vast quantities of sawdust produced in woodwork departments, they can be used as a secondary stabilizer, thus leading to sustainable technologies. Sawdust not only acts as a cheap stabilizer but also reduces the problem of environmental pollution caused by its poor disposal. This paper examines the geotechnical properties of expansive soil stabilised by Keruing sawdust. The sawdust used as partial replacement of soil in the ratio of 0, 3, 5, and 7% by the dry soil weight. The investigation was done by conducting laboratory tests on both stabilised and non-stabilized soils. The results showed that Keruing sawdust significantly improved the geotechnical properties of the soil by reducing the plasticity index from 64% to 36% at 0% and 7% sawdust, respectively. The unconfined compressive strength and California Bearing Ratio also improved at 3% sawdust + 97% soil. It concluded that Keruing sawdust, a waste material could be used as a cheap additive to the expansive grounds.