The Influence of Keruing Sawdust on the Geotechnical Properties of Expansive Soils
John Bosco Niyomukiza (a*), Sri Prabandiyani Retno Wardani (b), and Bagus Hario Setiadji (b)
a) Masters student, Diponegoro University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
*niyojayb1992[at]gmail.com
b) Lecturer, Diponegoro University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil engineering
Abstract
Expansive soils have proved to be problematic to most Civil Engineering structures. Several researchers have tried to look for different materials which can alter the properties of these poor soils, and among them are lime and cement, which are expensive. Considering the vast quantities of sawdust produced in woodwork departments, they can be used as a secondary stabiliser, thus leading to sustainable technologies. Sawdust not only acts as a cheap stabiliser but also reduces the problem of environmental pollution caused by its poor disposal. This paper examines the geotechnical properties of expansive soil stabilised by Keruing sawdust. The sawdust was used as partial replacement of soil in the ratio of 0, 3, 5, and 7% by the dry soil weight. The investigation was done by conducting laboratory tests on both stabilised and non-stabilized soils. The results showed that Keruing sawdust significantly improved the geotechnical properties of the soil by reducing the plasticity index from 64% to 36% at 0% and 7% sawdust, respectively. The unconfined compressive strength and California Bearing Ratio also improved at 3% sawdust + 97% soil. It was concluded that Keruing sawdust, a waste material could be used as a cheap additive to the expansive soils.
Keywords: CBR; Expansive clay soil; Keruing sawdust; Stabilization; UCS
Topic: Environmental Technology