A study on soil stabilization using fly ash

Aim: The objective of this paper is to determine the optimum fly ash content at which soil behavior is improved. Soil improvement is termed as soil stabilization. Soil stabilization depends on factors such as unconfined compression, cohesion, shear load, consolidation and permeability of soil and CBR value of soil. Fly ash is a thermal waste. Nearly half of the fly ash generated is not been used, hence usage of fly ash will reduce waste. Test conducted were sieve analysis, specific gravity, standard proctor compaction, unconfined compression, direct shear, free swell index, variable head permeability and consolidation for black cotton soil. Test also was conducted on soil replaced with fly ash in the level of 5%, 10% and 15%. Among the various replacement tried out, better results were observed for soil replaced with 10% of fly ash. Beyond the 10% level of replacement a reduction in performance was observed. Hence fly ash can be used for soil stabilization up to 10% replacement.