Improvement of properties of black cotton soil by using construction and demolish waste
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Full Text |
Pdf
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Author |
Madhira Sandeep, V. Sree Lakshmi and K. Yateesh
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e-ISSN |
1819-6608 |
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On Pages
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987-1003
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Volume No. |
20
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Issue No. |
13
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Issue Date |
October 15, 2025
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DOI |
https://doi.org/10.59018/0725116
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Keywords |
black cotton soil, montmorillonite clay, soil stabilization, construction and demolition (C&D) waste, swelling and shrinkage, expansive soil, structural instability.
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Abstract
Black cotton soil, characterized by its high montmorillonite content, is widely distributed across India and poses considerable challenges for civil engineering applications due to its expansive nature, low shear strength, high plasticity, and poor bearing capacity. These properties lead to significant volume fluctuations with changes in moisture content, resulting in problems such as differential settlement, foundation cracks, and structural instability. The need for sustainable and cost-effective stabilization techniques has led to the exploration of alternative materials, particularly those that align with the principles of waste utilization and environmental conservation. This study investigates the effectiveness of powdered construction and demolition (C&D) waste as a stabilizing agent for black cotton soil. The C&D waste, comprising pulverized concrete and plaster debris, was mixed with the native soil in varying proportions of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight. A comprehensive suite of geotechnical tests, including the Modified Proctor Compaction Test, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) Test, and Direct Shear Test, was conducted to evaluate changes in compaction behaviour, strength, and overall soil performance. The experimental results revealed a consistent improvement in soil properties with increasing C&D content. Maximum dry density showed a notable increase, while the optimum moisture content decreased across all treated samples. The UCS value rose substantially from 87 kPa for untreated soil to 192 kPa with 15% C&D waste, indicating enhanced load-bearing capacity. Similarly, shear strength improved significantly, reinforcing the stabilizing potential of the waste material. These findings highlight that the incorporation of C&D waste not only addresses the engineering limitations of black cotton soil but also supports sustainable construction practices by reducing environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency. This study concludes that C&D waste is a viable, eco-friendly, and economically beneficial alternative to traditional stabilizers, offering a dual advantage of soil improvement and effective solid waste management.
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