COMPARATIVE STUDY OF STABILIZATION OF EXPANSIVE SOIL USING MICROSILICA AND RICE HUSK ASH

Abstract

The engineering properties of expansive soils may need to be improved to make them suitable for construction using some sort of stabilization methods. Stabilization of pavement subgrade having expansive soils has traditionally relied on treatment with lime, cement, or waste materials such as microsilica. Most transportation agencies, however, are hesitant to specify these non-traditional stabilizers without reliable data to support vendor claims of product effectiveness. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the engineering properties of expansive soils when blended with microsilica and Rice husk ash. Utilizing some of these materials as alternative materials for the construction in no doubt is a best solution. Hence an attempt is made to justify the use of microsilica and RHA for stabilization of expansive soil. This paper highlights the effectiveness of using these materials in the treatment of soil. Laboratory test results presents the influence of different mix proportions of microsilica and rice husk ash on compaction, strength and swelling nature properties of soil.