Strength and Durability Characteristics of Soil Modified with Inorganic Oxide-Based Stabilizer

Abstract

The present research work aimed at investigating the effects of an inorganic oxide-based stabilizing additive (IOSA) on strength and durability characteristics of low-plastic soil from Powai (P-soil) and high-plastic soil from Nasik (N-soil). IOSA content was varied as 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 % by the dry weight of soil. Initially, the effect of IOSA on physicochemical properties of soil was investigated. Plasticity, as well as the swelling index of both soils, was found to be decreasing with an increase in IOSA content. Subsequently, the effect of IOSA on various strength parameters of soil (compressive, California bearing ratio, tensile, and flexural strength) was investigated, and significant improvement in corresponding properties was observed. Finally, the effect of IOSA on durability characteristics was evaluated. IOSA addition improved the durability characteristics of both soil types. However, depending upon the degree of plasticity of parent soil, a minimum amount of IOSA (6 % for P-soil and 8 % for N-soil) was found to be essential for satisfying the durability criteria. Overall, IOSA addition was found to be very helpful in improving the physicochemical, strength, and durability characteristics of the considered soil types.