A Review on Stabilization of Expansive Soil using Cement, Rice Husk Ash and Waste Plastic

Abstract

Expansive soils have the property of undergoing volume changes due to several factors which in turn leads to the failure of structures being built upon it. It becomes a serious problem when roads are constructed on such expansive soil. Some failures are even vital and dangerous. Hence it is necessary to control the volume changes in such soils by stabilizing them with various additives. The additives are such that they are sustainable as well as eco-friendly. A review of the effect of such sustainable substances like cement, rice husk ash and waste plastic is carried out in this paper. Cement has been widely used as a stabilizing material in soil as it increases the compressive strength of soil through the hydration process. The products of hydration are bogus compounds and calcium silica hydrate gel plays a major role in strength contribution. Rice husk ash is produced by the burning of rice husk which is produced in rice mills. Million tons of rice husk ash is being produced in India which needs to be effectively used in various fields. Rice husk ash has a high silica content and pozzolanic property which reduces volume fluctuations in soil. Although most plastic is fully recyclable, tons of plastic are being deposited which is a major threat to the environment. So, it will be very helpful if this waste plastic is used for stabilizing expansive soil. Hence this paper reviews the effect of each material in stabilizing the soil. The cumulative impact of these ingredients is also examined.