International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 06 | Jun 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Improvement of Marine Clay Subgrade Using Steel Slag: A Laboratory Study on Strength and Pavement Performance Dr. D. Koteswara Rao1, Sajida Sulthana Mohammed2, Sangepu Sairam3, Palli Sridharan Karthikeya4 1Professor, Head of The Civil Engineering Department, OSD to Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University College of
Engineering Kakinada(A), JNTUK, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India
2Assistant Professor(C), Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering Kakinada(A), JNTUK,
Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India
3&4Post graduation Student, Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering Kakinada(A),
JNTUK, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India ----------------------------------------------------------------------****-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract - Marine clay is widely known for its poor 1.INTRODUCTION engineering characteristics, such as low shear strength, high compressibility, and significant volumetric changes with moisture fluctuations. These unfavourable properties make it a problematic subgrade material for pavement construction, often resulting in early pavement deterioration and increased maintenance requirements. This study presents a comprehensive laboratory investigation to assess the effectiveness of steel slag as a stabilizing agent for marine clay subgrades. Steel slag, an industrial by-product, not only offers a sustainable solution for waste utilization but also shows promise in improving the strength and durability of weak soils. The experimental program involved preparing marine clay samples mixed with varying proportions of steel slag (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% by dry weight of soil). Both treated and untreated samples were subjected to a series of laboratory tests, including Atterberg limits, Standard Proctor compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests. The results demonstrated a considerable reduction in the plasticity index, an increase in maximum dry density, and significant improvements in both UCS and CBR values with the addition of steel slag. The optimum enhancement in soil properties was achieved at a steel slag content of 30%. Furthermore, pavement design analysis based on the improved subgrade properties indicated an increased load-bearing capacity and extended pavement service life. The study concludes that incorporating steel slag is an efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective approach to enhancing marine clay subgrades, offering substantial environmental and economic advantages for flexible pavement construction.
Pavements play a crucial role in modern infrastructure and urban development. They serve several important functions and offer a range of benefits, making them an integral part of transportation and urban planning. Pavements are essential elements of influencing mobility, safety, economic development, and overall quality of life. Properly designed, constructed, and maintained pavements play a critical role in the wellbeing and prosperity of societies. A pavement is a durable, often hard, and usually flat surface that is constructed for various purposes, primarily for people and vehicles to walk or travel on. Pavements are typically made from a variety of materials, including concrete, asphalt, bricks, stones, or even compacted earth, depending on the intended use and location. They serve several functions, such as providing a safe and level surface for pedestrians, facilitating the movement of vehicles, and enhancing the aesthetics of an area. Pavements can be found in urban and rural areas, on roads, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and in various other settings. The specific design and material used for a pavement depend on factors like the expected traffic load, climate, and local construction practices. There are three types of pavements which include Rigid Pavement, Semi-Rigid Pavement and Flexible Pavement 1.1 MARINE CLAY Marine Clay is a type of clay found in coastal regions around the world. These deposits are found both in the coast and in several offshore areas. These soft deposits are termed Marine clays. India being a peninsular country has a large area coming under coastal region and also it has been the habitat for considerable percentage of population. The marine clays are widely spread over the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and some parts of
Key Words: Steel Slag, Geo-composites, Soil Stabilization, CBR, Flexible Pavement
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