Compaction performance analysis of alum sludge waste modified soil

Sustainable construction is one of the ultimate requirements of the engineering field. Addition of waste materials not only contribute to the improvement of the density of soils but also help in the enhancement of its strength properties. In the field, compaction is achieved by compactors and rollers, which consumes a lot of energy for this purpose. In this study, two methods related to compaction energy have been applied to study the relation of compaction energy with the strength of soil before and after addition of alum sludge as a soil stabilizer. An advanced Artificial Neural Networks (ANN5) technique has been applied with reference to the addition of alum sludge percentage, plasticity index, specific gravity, optimum moisture content, maximum dry density, AASHTO classification, USCS classification, and group index. It was found that soil strength can be improved even at a low compaction energy level of 600KN-m/m(3) by the addition of optimum percentage of 8% alum sludge as a soil stabilizer. So, roller compaction effort can also be reduced by addition of this soil stabilizer to save compaction cost i.e. saving of roller fuel consumption and rental cost as well. This study will not only help in environment-friendly construction but will also manage finance by utilization of optimum compaction energy in the mega projects.Shah, SAR (reprint author), Pakistan Inst Engn & Technol, Dept Civil Engn, Khanewal Rd, Multan 60000, Pakistan. [email protected]

Performance Evaluation of Sustainable Soil Stabilization Process Using Waste Materials

The process of soil stabilization is a fundamental requirement before road infrastructure development is possible. Different binding materials have been used worldwide as soil stabilizers. In this study, water treatment waste (i.e., alum sludge (AS)) was used as a soil stabilizer. Alum sludge can work not only as a low-cost soil stabilizer but also can solve the problem of waste management at a large scale. Utilization of alum waste can be a sustainable solution and environmentally friendly exercise. Thus, in consideration of the pozzolanic properties of alum, it was applied as a binder, similar to cement or lime, to stabilize the soil with the addition of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of dry soil by weight. To analyze the resulting improvement in soil strength, the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test was conducted in addition to three other tests (i.e., particle size analysis, Atterberg’s limits test, and modified proctor test). The soil bearing ratio was significantly improved from 6.53% to 16.86% at the optimum level of an 8% addition of alum sludge. Furthermore, the artificial neural networks (ANNs) technique was applied to study the correlations between the CBR and the physical properties of soil, which showed that, at 8% optimum alum sludge, maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, and plasticity index were also at maximum levels. This study will help in providing an eco-friendly soil stabilization process as well as a waste management solution.</jats:p

Performance Evaluation of Sustainable Soil Stabilization Process Using Waste Materials

The process of soil stabilization is a fundamental requirement before road infrastructure development is possible. Different binding materials have been used worldwide as soil stabilizers. In this study, water treatment waste (i.e., alum sludge (AS)) was used as a soil stabilizer. Alum sludge can work not only as a low-cost soil stabilizer but also can solve the problem of waste management at a large scale. Utilization of alum waste can be a sustainable solution and environmentally friendly exercise. Thus, in consideration of the pozzolanic properties of alum, it was applied as a binder, similar to cement or lime, to stabilize the soil with the addition of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of dry soil by weight. To analyze the resulting improvement in soil strength, the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test was conducted in addition to three other tests (i.e., particle size analysis, Atterberg&rsquo;s limits test, and modified proctor test). The soil bearing ratio was significantly improved from 6.53% to 16.86% at the optimum level of an 8% addition of alum sludge. Furthermore, the artificial neural networks (ANNs) technique was applied to study the correlations between the CBR and the physical properties of soil, which showed that, at 8% optimum alum sludge, maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, and plasticity index were also at maximum levels. This study will help in providing an eco-friendly soil stabilization process as well as a waste management solution