Effect of micro sized quarry dust particle on the compaction and strength properties of cement stabilized lateritic soil

Abstract

Laboratory investigation on the effect of micro sized quarry dust on engineering behaviour of cement stabilized lateritic soil was carried out. The specific concentration was on the effective way of curtailing, managing and disposing solid wastes generated from quarry activities by incorporating them as admixture in cement amelioration protocol of weak lateritic soil bound for sustainable subgrade material. In airfield, embankment, railways, pavement foundation structures, special attention/consideration/interest is continually laid on how moisture percolation affect the bearing capacity or strength of the subgrade layer. The quarry dust of 0 to 10 % was admixed with cement of 0 to 8 %, both in step increment of 2% by dry weight of the soil forming a combination matrix of twenty‐five test specimens in an amelioration protocol. The test results show that quarry dust admixture steadily improved the plasticity index of cement stabilized soil through the reduction in plasticity index. The maximum dry density in most part of the test, improved with increase in percentage stabilizers blend for the individual corresponding optimum moisture content of the treated soil. The mechanical properties (California bearing ratio and unconfined compressive strength) of cemented lateritic soil increased significantly with increase in the micro sized quarry dust stabilizer. The resistance to loss in strength showed that more than 80 % durability values was recorded. The SEM/EDS analysis of the optimally stabilized specimen in contrast to untreated soil established the development of calcite as C‐S‐H and C‐(A)‐S‐H. The formation of C‐S‐H and C‐(A)‐ S‐H which was also confirmed through the FTIR and XRD test was responsible for strength development.