Sustainable soil stabilization of expansive soil subgrades through lime-fly ash admixture

Expansive soils, known for their significant volume changes with moisture variation, pose severe challenges for construction and pavement integrity. This study investigates the stabilization of expansive subgrade soils using a lime-fly ash mixture, aiming to enhance engineering properties and reduce associated risks. Soil samples from Nashik, Maharashtra, India, were analyzed for their geotechnical properties, revealing high plasticity and expansive nature. The study utilized different proportions of lime-fly ash mixtures to assess improvements in the stabilized soils' Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR). Laboratory tests, including granulometry, SEM, and XRF, indicated significant changes in the soil's physical and chemical composition. The stabilization process showed a marked reduction in the Free Swell Index (FSI) and swelling pressure attributed to flocculation. The optimum mix ratio of 1:4 (lime: fly ash) demonstrated the most substantial improvement, with UCS increasing to 224 kPa and CBR values reaching 8%. Additionally, the elastic modulus of the stabilized subgrade showed considerable enhancement, indicating better load-bearing capacity and durability. A flexible pavement design was implemented on both untreated and treated subgrades, demonstrating a 28% cost reduction for the stabilized section. This research underscores the effectiveness of using a sustainable lime-fly ash blend in mitigating the challenges posed by expansive soils, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for road construction. The findings provide a robust framework for engineers to improve the stability and longevity of pavements on expansive soils.