Improvement of Black Cotton Soil Properties Using E-waste

Abstract

Soil Stabilization is the phenomenon which deals with modifying the properties of soil (Index & Engineering) to improve its performance. Stabilization is being used for a variety of engineering works either in its natural form or in a processed form. Eventually all structures rest on soil foundation where the main objective is to increase the strength or stability of soil and to reduce the construction cost. Now a day the utilization of waste products with soil has gained attention due to the increasing problems of waste management. This paper presents the results of an experimental program undertaken to investigate the effect of E-waste at different dosages on black cotton soil. Different dosages of E-waste i.e. 2%, 5% and 8% were added in the soil. The performance of E-waste stabilized soil was evaluated using physical and strength performance tests namely; Atterberg’s limit, specific gravity, compaction test, unconfined compressive test, California bearing ratio (CBR) and direct shear test. Theses test were conducted in order to evaluate the improvement in the strength characteristics of the soil. From the results, unconfined compressive strength of specimen increased with an average of 2.41 kN/m 2 for fixed dosage of E-waste. After performing direct shear test, there was an improvement in angle of friction (Ф). As the percentage of E-waste increased, Ф increased. As bearing capacity is dependent on C and Ф, it was also observed that there is an increase in bearing capacity of the soil.