Stabilization of Alluvial Soil by using Boiler Feed Ash

Abstract

The feasibility of using industrial wastes, boiler feed ash (BFA) (rice husk-based) from an oil mill for soil stabilization was studied. The waste material is produced as an industrial by-product in the boiler of the oil mill; the waste contains silica compound up to 85%, hence it can be used as a stabilizing agent. The effects of adding BFA on Proctor's density, Atterberg’s limits, soil plasticity and the CBR value of a soil were studied. Addition of BFA effectively improved the engineering properties such as CBR but there is some effect on water requirement for attaining OMC. The results suggested that the BFA can be effectively used as a stabilizing agent for the clayey black cotton soil. Tests were conducted on soils and soil-fly ash, precipitated silica mixtures prepared at optimum water content of 13%. Addition of fly ash resulted in appreciable increases in the CBR value of the soil. For water content, 13% wet of optimum, CBR value of the soils are found in varying percentages such as 10, 20 up to 60%. Increment of CBR value is used to reduce the thickness of the pavement and increasing the bearing capacity of soil.