Clayey Soil Stabilization Using Rice Husk Ash & Perlite

Abstract

Clayey soils, characterized by their high plasticity and low strength, pose significant challenges in construction and geotechnical engineering. This study investigates the efficiency of rice husk ash (RHA) and perlite as sustainable stabilizers for improving the engineering properties of clayey soils. Rice husk ash, an agricultural by-product, and perlite, a volcanic glass, were utilized in varying proportions to treat the soil. A comprehensive suite of laboratory tests, including Atterberg limits, Light compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), was conducted to evaluate the mechanical and physical properties of the stabilized soil. The results demonstrated that the addition of RHA and perlite significantly enhanced the soil’s strength and reduced its plasticity. The optimal mix of 9% RHA and 8% perlite yielded the highest UCS values, indicating a substantial improvement in load-bearing capacity and stability. The formation of cementitious compounds, such as calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), during addition of RHA and Perlite contributed to the soil’s enhanced strength and durability. The study concludes that the combined use of RHA and perlite is an effective, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient method for clayey soil stabilization, offering a promising alternative to traditional stabilizers like lime and cement. This approach not only addresses the challenges of weak clayey soils but also promotes the sustainable utilization of industrial and agricultural waste materials.