Effective utilization of waste materials for soil stabilization

Abstract

Construction of structures over problematic soils possesses difficulties like foundation cracks, sinking of foundation and upheaval due to moisture. Problematic soils possess weak stability and it will result in weak foundation support. Finally it affects the foundation stability and its life span. In this study, bagasse ash and plantain fibre were used as stabilizer. Bagasse ash can use as economical soil stabilizer and can resolve the waste management problem in large scale. The replacement of plantain fibre in expansive soil is sustainable waste management. Bagasse ash and plantain fibre have been added as binder and reinforcement respectively. To evaluate the performance of problematic soil with stabilizer, the addition of 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, and 3% of dry soil by weight, the unconfined compression tests were carried out. Index properties were determined for soil and stabilizers. This study focus on the geotechnical improvement of problematic soils using bagasse ash and plantain fibre shows significant changes in the compressive strength of the expansive soil.