Soil Stabilization using Ceramic Waste: an Experimental Study

The main aim of this experimental analysis is to understand the effectiveness of ceramic waste (CW) in stabilizing the clayey soil. The effect of adding various CW percentages (۵%, ۱۰%, ۱۵%, ۲۰%, ۲۵%, and ۳۰%) on the geotechnical properties of clayey soil is evaluated by performing a series of laboratory tests like the Atterberg’s limit test, compaction test, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, California bearing ratio (CBR) test, and swelling pressure test. Micro-structural analysis including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy are carried out on untreated and treated clay-ceramic composites. The results obtained indicate that the incorporation of ۳۰% ceramic waste in clay soil increase the maximum dry unit weight (γmax) from ۱۷.۲۰ kN/m۳ (CL + ۰% CW) to ۱۸.۲۵ kN/m۳ (CL + ۳۰% CW). The unconfined compressive strength of clayey soil increases with the addition of ceramic waste. A maximum UCS of ۲۱۷ kPa is obtained with ۲۵% ceramic content, beyond which it starts decreasing. Similarly, increasing trend in CBR results is observed with an increase in the ceramic waste content. The increment in CBR is approximately ۱۵۲% (unsoaked condition) and ۱۴۲% (soaked condition). At the same time, the addition of ceramic waste in clay soil reduces the Atterberg limits, optimum water content (ωopt), and swelling pressure. “It can be concluded from the experimental study that CW can be used as a sustainable alternative soil stabilizer.

Keywords:

Ceramic waste , Stabilization , Maximum dry unit weight , UCS , Clayey soil