Variation of Properties of an Expansive Soil Mixed with Quarry

Abstract — Soil is a natural aggregate of mineral particles. Soils are classified into coarse–grained and fine-grained soils. Majority of the coarse-grained soils suit for the construction activities. Problems pose to the structures raised in/on or with fine-grained soils and few coarse-grained soils due to their water absorption characteristic and thereby swelling. Swelling soils are also known as expansive soils and are known to be very weak to support the structures. Various methods of stabilizations are in usage to make the expansive soils suit according to the specifications of construction industry. A simple, cheap, effective and reliable method of stabilization is the thought of the day. To maintain sustainable environment, there is a need to utilize industrial wastes for improving the properties of soils. Hence an attempt is made in this paper to stabilize an expansive soil using quarry dust and fly ash (Investigation is carried to find the properties selected expansive soil alone and on soil-mixtures with fly ash and quarry dust. The variations in liquid limit, plastic limit, compaction characteristics and strength characteristics are critically discusse