Effectiveness of Pozzolanic Leaf Ashes and Plastics on Geotechnical Characteristics

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the geotechnical characteristics of three soils by adding waste plastics and a mixture of leaf ashes. The soil stabilizers used in the study are the plastics strips from waste plastic file folders and a mixture of ashes from five naturally occurring pozzolanic leaves in Sri Lanka. The plastics used in this study have a width of 5 mm and aspect ratios of 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the weight percentages 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8. The mixture of leaf ashes used is in the weight percentages 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. The investigated geotechnical characteristics of the soils include the improvement of maximum dry density (MDD), optimum moisture content (OMC), soaked California bearing ratio (CBR), shear strength parameters, plastic index (PI), and Atterberg limits. The results suggest that the optimum improvement in soaked CBR and MDD can be achieved by adding 2% plastics and 6% leaf ash mixture into the soils. Shear strength parameters and PI can also be improved.

Utilization of Nano Silica and Plantain Leaf Ash for Improving Strength Properties of Expansive Soil

“…Another study indicated that utilizing carbon fiber and up to 3% nano silica increases the shear strength parameters of silty soil [60], while the study carried out by Inim et al [61] analyzed how a 5% increment in bamboo leaf ash increased both the cohesion and the frictional angle value. Meanwhile, another study utilized up to 2% leaf ash with plastic and analyzed the improvement in the shear strength parameters of soil [62]. The addition of plantain leaf ash and nano silica is advantageous for expansive soil, enhancing its engineering properties [4].…”

Effectiveness of Silica Fume Eggshell Ash and Lime Use on the Properties of Kaolinitic Clay

“…Kaolinite is the primary mineral component of kaolinitic clay [1]. Meanwhile, Kaolinitic clay contains a significant proportion of kaolinite minerals [2]. Kaolinitic soil is a challenging soil type commonly encountered in construction projects, known for its problematic properties related to changes in moisture levels [1][2][3].…”

“…Meanwhile, Kaolinitic clay contains a significant proportion of kaolinite minerals [2]. Kaolinitic soil is a challenging soil type commonly encountered in construction projects, known for its problematic properties related to changes in moisture levels [1][2][3]. These soils are characterized by a range of engineering characteristics and weaknesses, which include significant sediment retention, low shearing strength, insufficient plasticity, excessive compressibility, dispersion, enlargement, erosion, or vulnerability to environmental factors [4][5].…”

“…Furthermore, previous researchers have also focused on the utilization of pozzolan in the manufacture of composite cement. Examples of pozzolans include igneous ash [6] and leaf ash [2], which are noteworthy as supplementary cementitious materials due to their high silica content, ready availability, and evident pozzolanic properties. Nevertheless, the plentiful supply of waste in the agro-degradable sector has caught the interest of scientists as a possible means to improve soil quality [12].…”