Use of waste glass powder in improving the properties of expansive clay soils

Abstract

<p>Expansive soils pose a danger to the foundations of engineering structures due to their poor engineering properties. These soils are usually treated using mechanical techniques, and chemical stabilizers. However, the production of these chemicals is not friendly to the environment, thus a need to adopt waste materials. Therefore, this research investigated the efficacy of utilizing waste crushed glass to alter the engineering properties of the soil. The study's objectives were achieved by conducting experiments on non-stabilized soil, and waste glass powder (WGP) stabilized soil in the percentages of 3, 5, 7, and 9% of dry weight of the soil. The findings showed that adding glass powder to subgrade soil strengthens it and reduces its susceptibility to volume change. The highest compressive strength was obtained after mixing 7% waste glass powder with the soil, and beyond that, the strength reduced. The study found that the inclusion of 7% waste glass powder content is suitable for the stabilization of the soil possessing properties similar to the ones in the study area.</p>

Sustainable Cement Stabilization of Plastic Clay Using Ground Municipal Solid Waste: Enhancing Soil Properties for Geotechnical Applications

“…Other studies explore using glass waste materials to improve the engineering properties of problematic soils. Niyomukiza et al [36] investigated the addition of waste glass powder to expansive clay soils, finding that a 7% incorporation optimally enhances compressive strength and reduces volume changes. Woldesenbet [37] examined black cotton soil stabilization using plastic bottle waste and glass powder, achieving significant improvements in unconfined compressive strength and California bearing ratio, with the best results seen at higher ratios of these waste materials.…”