Performance evaluation of expansive clay subgrade stabilized with synthetic rubber

Abstract

Abstract In our everyday lives, transport plays an important part. An important necessity for the building of pavements is the existence of a decent subgrade. Soil stabilization is the process of improving the physical qualities of the soil in order to enhance its strength, durability etc. Soil stabilization gives an option to enhancing its strength and capacity to carry load. The many ways utilized to stabilize the soil Subgrade. However, the carbon footprint for most of the chemical stabilizations is enormous, which made researchers to find some sustainable alternatives. Present study focuses on the applicability of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), a synthetic rubber, which is an easily accessible adhesive that may be used to improve the characteristics of soil. Soils combined with chemical stabilizer (SBR) in varied percentages have been tested for Standard Proctor Test, and California Bearing Ratio Test. As a consequence of the stabilization, the OMC was lowered and MDD of the soil increased. The results were satisfactory till the addition of 12% chemical, which means that SBR can be used as a stabilizer for improving the properties of expansive clay subgrade