International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 12 | Dec 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Experimental Investigation on the Combined Effect of Marble Dust Powder and Sodium Silicate on Engineering Properties of Expansive Soil P.Sri AASHISH1, Dr. K. Ramu 2 1
Post graduation Student, Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering Kakinada(A), JNTUK, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India 2 Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering Kakinada(A), JNTUK, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India -----------------------------------------------------------------------***------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - Expansive soils such as Black Cotton Soil pose
behavior. When water is absorbed, the soil undergoes substantial volume expansion, and during dry seasons, it experiences severe shrinkage and cracking. These cyclic volumetric changes pose serious challenges to civil engineering structures, including pavements, foundations, pipe lines, canal linings, and embankments.
major challenges in geotechnical engineering due to their high swelling–shrinkage behavior, low strength, and moisture sensitivity. This study investigates the combined effect of marble dust powder, an industrial waste by-product, and sodium silicate, a chemical binder, on the stabilization of Black Cotton Soil. The primary objective is to evaluate improvements in plasticity characteristics, swelling potential and engineering strength parameters such as Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR).
1.1 Marble Dust Powder Marble dust powder is a finely divided waste material generated during the cutting, shaping, polishing, and processing of marble stones in the construction and decorative stone industries. With rapid growth in marblebased industries worldwide, large quantities of this waste are produced, often leading to serious environmental concerns such as soil contamination, air pollution, and improper landfill usage. Due to its high calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) content, marble dust possesses physical and chemical characteristics that make it a valuable additive in civil engineering applications.
Marble dust powder was added to the soil at varying percentages to utilize its calcium-rich composition for pozzolanic reactions, while sodium silicate was introduced as a liquid stabilizer to enhance bonding and reduce micro-voids. Laboratory tests including Atterberg limits, standard Proctor compaction, free swell index, UCS, and soaked/unsoaked CBR were conducted. The results indicate a significant reduction in plasticity and swell index with increasing marble dust content, while sodium silicate further improved cementation and early strength gain. The combined treatment produced denser soil matrices, higher maximum dry density, reduced optimum moisture content, and substantial enhancement in loadbearing capacity. Overall, the dual stabilization technique demonstrates an effective, economical, and environmentally friendly method for improving the engineering properties of expansive soils, making it suitable for subgrade and foundation applications.
1.2 Sodium 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.
Keywords: Expansive Soil (ES), Marble Dust Powder (MDP), Sodium Silicate.
2. OBJECTIVE OF THIS PRESENT STUDY To study the properties of Expansive Soil. To investigate the effect of Marble Dust Powder as a stabilizing material. To access the effect of varying dosage of Sodium Silicate( 1%, 2% 3% 4%5% by dry weight of soil) on the strength properties. ● ●
1. INTRODUCTION Black Cotton Soil, classified as an expansive soil, is one of the most problematic geomaterials encountered in geotechnical engineering. Predominantly found in the central, western, and southern regions of India, this soil is characterized by its dark color and high content of montmorillonite, a clay mineral known for its exceptional swelling and shrinkage
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