Use of Construction and Demolition Waste Material for Soil Stabilization

Abstract

Soil stabilization is the method of modifying and improving soil engineering properties. Properly stabilized soil exhibit better bearing capability, shear strength, density and lower permeability, plasticity and shrink-swell characteristics. Soft and expansive soil is grave threat to the existence and safety of the structures constructed over and underneath it. The availability of a suitable stabilizer, which can modify and strengthen the characteristics of weak soil, is vital for the safety and longevity of the structures. It is essential to use such a stabilizer which is cheap, easily available and environment-friendly. Construction and demolition (C&D) debris are solid wastes accessible at construction sites at nominal cost. This study mainly investigates the changes in the soil behaviour, precisely the strength characteristics, on mixing the C&D wastes by replacing the original soil with 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of the C&D debris respectively. The results demonstrated that up to certain extent the strength characteristics improved. The C&D debris utilization can help in environmental protection and prevention of land and water pollution, which can contribute towards the goal of sustainable development.