Enhancing subgrade properties of black cotton soil through the combined use of sugarcane bagasse ash and ceramic waste powder

Abstract

This study explores the potential of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SBA) and Ceramic Waste Powder (CWP) in enhancing the poor black cotton (BC) soils, known for their swelling and shrinking tendencies due to high clay content. BC soils can compromise construction stability when exposed to moisture. The research involves mixing BC soil with varying proportions of SBA and CWP: 2.5% SBA and 5% CWP, 5% SBA and 10% CWP, 7.5% SBA and 15% CWP, and 10% SBA and 20% CWP. Laboratory tests show that higher SBA and CWP ratios reduce plasticity, free swell index, and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) in the soil. This indicates that SBA and CWP additions mitigate soil plasticity and swelling. Moreover, parameters such as Maximum Dry Density (MDD), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and unconfined compressive strength improve as SBA and CWP content increases, indicating enhanced soil strength. Laboratory findings support using up to 7.5% SBA and 15% CWP for effective subgrade soil stabilisation. A Plaxis 2D model confirms that these proportions significantly enhance pavement subgrade stability. In summary, this study demonstrates the positive impact of SBA and CWP on BC soils, reducing plasticity and swelling and improving soil strength. Using specific proportions of SBA and CWP effectively enhances subgrade soil stability, as verified by Plaxis 2D modelling.