Effective Use of Pozzolanic Materials for Stabilizing Expansive Soils: A Review

Abstract

Abstract Soils have a detrimental impact on engineered structures, such as pavements and foundations, are often referred to as problematic or challenging soils. These soils encompass various types, including but not limited to the expansive soil, the damage arises from inadequate or unfavorable engineering characteristics, including low shear strength, excessive compressibility, and substantial volume alterations. Expansive soils, in particular, pose a considerable challenge due to their susceptibility to the shrink-swell phenomenon when interacting with water. Addressing these challenges requires implementing various soil treatment or stabilization techniques, including mechanical and chemical techniques. The decontamination techniques that incorporate sustainability principles receive preference for their use of environmentally friendly materials and their attempts to reduce the consumption of natural resources. Pozzolanic materials have been meticulously selected in this comprehensive analysis for discussion and thorough consideration as effective chemical stabilizers. The chosen pozzolanic materials encompass a range of options, including agricultural waste, conceptual waste, industrial, and byproducts. These options may include ashes derived from agricultural waste and various types of calcined clay. A wide array of materials in civil engineering contributes to the construction process. These materials comprise egg ash, sugarcane straw ash, rice husk ash, silica fume, fly ash, blast furnace slag, cement, and lime. In a broader context, using pozzolanic materials to stabilize expansive soils is crucial in mitigating swelling and Atterberg’s limits while enhancing compaction and strength parameters. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge the wide range of percentages associated with the use of pozzolanic materials as stabilizing agents.