Geotechnical Properties of Expensive Soil Improved with Alkali Activated Brick Dust

Abstract

Expansive soils have susceptibility to shrinking and swelling with the change in moisture content. These soils are worldwide problem and possess challenges for geotechnical engineers. The most common and economical technique for improving the properties of these soils is utilizing admixtures. In this study, the effect of alkali-activated brick dust on the geotechnical properties of expensive soil was examined. The brick dust was activated with Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) and added to the soil at 30%, 40% and 50% by weight. Sieve analysis, Atterberg limits, compaction test, swelling index and unconfined compressive strength were carried out for the untreated and alkali-activated treated expensive soil. The liquid limit and shrinkage limit of untreated soil and soil treated with 30%, 40% and 50% alkali-activated brick dust are 39,33,30 and 29 respectively. Furthermore, the unconfined compressive strength of 231Kpa, 348Kpa , 464Kpa and 510 Kpa were achieved for the untreated and soil treated with 30%, 40% and 50% alkali-activated brick dust respectively. Based on the findings of the study, increasing the percentage of alkali-activated brick dust with soil tends to reduce the liquid limit and swelling index and increase the compressive strength. The improvement in soil properties was more prominent for the expensive soil treated with 40% alkali-activated brick dust. It can be concluded from the results that expensive soil can be improved successfully by alkali-activated brick dust. The utilization of brick dust in soil improvement can reduce project costs, solve dumping issues, and will bring sustainability to ground improvement.