Stabilization Of Expansive Soil Using Stone Dust And Fly Ash: A Regional Study Of South Gujarat

Abstract

Expansive (black Cotton) Soils Pose Serious Challenges To Civil Engineering Structures Due To Their High Swelling And Shrinkage Behavior. This Study Focuses On Stabilizing Such Soils Using Fly Ash And Stone Dust As Economical And Sustainable Materials. Various Proportions Of Fly Ash (5%, 10%, 15%) And Stone Dust (10%, 20%, 30%) Were Added To The Soil. Laboratory Tests Including Standard Proctor Test, Atterberg Limits, And Shear Strength Tests Were Conducted. The Results Showed An Increase In Maximum Dry Density From 1589.65 Kg/m³ To 1842.89 Kg/m³ And A Decrease In Optimum Moisture Content From 21.97% To 16.23%. The Liquid Limit And Plastic Limit Were Significantly Reduced, And Shear Strength Increased From 124.86 KPa To 412.28 KPa. The Study Concludes That The Optimum Mix Of 15% Fly Ash And 30% Stone Dust Effectively Improves Soil Properties, Making It Suitable For Construction Applications.

Keywords