Strength behavior of clayey soil stabilized with saw dust ash

Huge quantity of saw dust is being generated worldwide due to the rapid urbanization. The disposal of saw dust in open areas or landfills is not an environment friendly solution. Utilization of saw dust as ash in geotechnical applications is likely provides a better solution. Keeping this in view, an extensive experimental study was carried out to demonstrate the soil improvement prospective of saw dust ash (SDA) by performing California bearing ratio (CBR) and unconfined compression strength tests. The experimental study has revealed that the addition of SDA results a significant increase in CBR and unconfined compressive strength. Furthermore the values of CBR obtained are within the limits recommended by the Asphalt Institute for Highway sub-base and sub-grade. Thus from the present study it is concluded that SDA, an industrial waste, is a cheap satisfactory stabilizing agent for sub-base and base course in clayey fills; although its performance can be improved by combining it with other bonding materials such as lime, and becomes an alternatives use of industrial waste to reduce the construction cost of road particularly in the rural areas of the country. © 2016, The Author(s).