Stabilization of expansive soil using bagasse ash & lime

Abstract

The Expansive soil collected from Addis Ababa, Bole sub city, classified as an A-7-5 soil on the AASHTO classification was stabilized using 3% lime, 15% bagasse ash and 15% bagasse ash in combination with 3% lime by dry weight of the soil. The effect of the additives on the soil was investigated with respect to plastcity, compaction and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests.

The results obtained indicate an increase in optimum moisture content (OMC) and CBR value; and a decrease in maximum dry density (MDD) and plasticity of the soil for all additives. But there was also a tremendous improvement in the CBR value when the soil is stabilized with a combination of lime and bagasse ash. This shows a potential of using bagasse ash as admixture in lime stabilized expansive soil.

Keywords: Expansive soil, bagasse ash, lime, plasticity, compaction and strength characteristics