International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 11 | Nov 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON IMPROVEMENT OF EXPANSIVE SOIL TREATED WITH BAGASSE ASH AND SODIUM SILICATE T. Durgambika1, Dr.K .Ramu2 1Post graduation Student, Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering Kakinada(A), JNTUK,
Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India
2Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering Kakinada(A), JNTUK, Kakinada,
Andhra Pradesh, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract -. Expansive soils are considered problematic
and even the cracking or collapse of structural walls. To mitigate these issues, stabilization techniques are commonly employed, using materials such as lime, cement, or other chemical and industrial binders to improve the engineering properties of the soil.
due to their tendency to swell upon water absorption and shrink upon drying. This cyclic volume change often leads to severe structural damage and significant financial losses. The present study investigates the potential of industrial by-products and chemical stabilizers in improving the engineering properties of expansive soil. Bagasse Ash (BA), an agro-industrial by-product, and Sodium Silicate (SS), a chemical stabilizer, were used as additives. Bagasse Ash was incorporated at varying proportions of 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16% by the dry weight of soil, while Sodium Silicate was added at a fixed dosage. Laboratory investigations, including Differential Free Swell, Modified Proctor, Atterberg Limits, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and Triaxial tests, were conducted to evaluate the effects of stabilization. The results revealed that the combined addition of Bagasse Ash and Sodium Silicate considerably reduced the liquid limit and plasticity index while increasing the maximum dry density. A significant improvement in CBR values was also observed. The mix containing 88% expansive soil and 12% Bagasse Ash was identified as the optimum combination. Furthermore, the addition of 3% Sodium Silicate to this mix yielded the highest CBR value, indicating enhanced strength and reduced swelling potential of the soil.
1.1BAGASSE ASH Sugar Cane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) is a voluminous byproduct in the sugar mills when the juice is extracted from the cane.it is however generally used as a fuel to fire furnaces in the same sugar mill that field about ashes containing high amount of un-burnt matter, silicon, aluminum, iron and calcium oxides but the ashes obtained directly from the not reactive because of these are burnt under controlled conditions and at very high temperatures. The ash there becomes an industrial waste and poses disposal problems.
1.2SODIUM SILICATE Sodium silicate, also known as water glass or liquid glass, is a compound that consists of sodium oxide (Na₂O) and silica (SiO2) in various proportions. It is commonly represented by the formula Na2SiO3. Sodium silicate is a versatile material used in various industrial applications due to its adhesive, binding, and sealant properties. In the present study, Sodium Silicate with the chemical name of Sodium Silicate (Meta) Non-hydrate (i. e Na2SiO3.9H2O) from one of non-traditional Loba Chemie Pvt. Ltd, which is stabilizers has been used.
Key Words: Expansive Soil(ES), Bagasse Ash(BA), Sodium silicate(SS), Soil Stabilization, CBR.
1. INTRODUCTION
2. OBJECTIVE OF THIS PRESENT STUDY
Expansive soil is a type of clayey soil that undergoes significant volumetric changes with variations in its moisture content. This behavior is primarily attributed to the presence of clay minerals such as Montmorillonite, Smectite, and Bentonite. The swelling and shrinkage of expansive soils pose serious challenges in various civil engineering applications. These soils are generally characterized by high water content, high compressibility, and low bearing capacity, making them unsuitable for direct use in foundation or pavement construction. The heaving action of expansive soils can result in slope instability, pavement upheaval, driveway displacement,
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To study the properties of Expansive Soil. To access the influence of varying dosage of Bagasse Ash (4%, 8%, 12% and 16% by dry weight of soil) on strength characteristics. To find out the optimum dosage of Bagasse Ash to achieve maximum strength. To access the effect of varying dosage of Sodium Silicate( 1%, 2% 3% and 4% by dry weight of soil) on the strength properties.
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