Sustainable Management of Sugarcane Press Mud Waste as a Ternary Additive in Cement-Lime Stabilization of an Expansive Soil

Abstract

: Sugarcane Press Mud (SPM) is a waste generated from the sugar industry. India generates about 12 million tonnes of SPM annually and hence, needs effective management. The present study delves into the use of SPM as a ternary blend in cement-lime stabilization of an expansive soil. An expansive soil was stabilized using a combination of 4.5% lime (determined from the Eades and Grim pH test) and a fixed cement content of 1%. The effect of the stabilization was studied by casting cylindrical specimens of dimensions 38 mm x 76 mm and curing them for periods of 7, 14 and 28 days. This process was modified by blending it with SPM as a ternary additive up to 5% in increments of 1%. The optimal dosage of SPM was evaluated for enhanced strength gain which was then subjected to a wet-dry cycle to understand the effect of variation in moisture content. The results of the investigation revealed that cement-lime stabilization of the soil was significantly better than lime stabilization alone. 1% SPM was found to be the optimal dosage required for maximum strength gain. Based on the results, it was concluded that ternary blending of SPM can potentially be beneficial in soil stabilization.