Influence of Granite Cutting Waste Addition on the Geotechnical Parameters of Cohesive Soil

The current study analyzes the effect of granite cutting waste addition on the properties of cohesive soil. Representative samples of cohesive soils were collected from the Mansehra and Balakot areas of Hazara, Pakistan and their major geotechnical properties determined following the standard ASTM procedures. The determined properties include the Atterberg limits, i.e. Liquid Limit (LL), Plastic Limit (PL), Plasticity Index (PI), and Maximum dry density, Optimum moisture contents, Un-confined compressive strength, Activity and Expansion. Both the soils are classified as active soils possessing high expansion capacity and low strength due to the presence of Ca-montmorillonites. Following an increment of 5%, up to 25% streaks of cutting waste from Susalgali and Baffa granites were added to the Mansehra soil and Balakot soil respectively. A thorough analysis of the test results reveals a continuous decrease in the Atterberg limits, optimum moisture contents and expansion capacity, and increase in the maximum dry density and overall strength of both the soils with increasing amounts of the added granite cutting waste streaks. The reduction in Atterberg limits, optimum moisture contents and expansion capacity reflects the low activity and lower absorption capacity of the added granite. Besides, the concomitant increase in strength and maximum dry density of the treated soils suggests suitability of granite waste addition as a potential means for enhancing bearing capacity and reducing settlement issues in civil engineering.