Stabilization Characteristics of Clays Using Class C Fly Ash

Abstract

Coal-burning utilities using subbituminous coal from Wyoming typically produce fly ash, which, because of its high calcium oxide content, may be classified as Class C fly ash. These ashes are characterized by their self-cementing property and therefore can be used for soil improvement. Stabilization characteristics of clay soils blended with Class C fly ash were evaluated. Because fly ash is a by-product, uniformity of its physical and chemical properties is significant for quality control. The statistical characteristics of fly ash physical and chemical properties are obtained and compared with the data in literature. Fly ash is blended with several different clay soils of varying plasticity to study moisture-density relationships and strength behavior of stabilized soils. It is observed that the fly ash used in these experiments has a rapid hydration characteristic. Consequently, higher densities and strengths are achieved when the compaction is performed with little or no delay after the addition of moisture to clay-fly ash blends. Conversely, delayed compaction produces low densities and strength. In addition, it is observed that the stabilization characteristics are closely related to the soil mineral type and plasticity. Results also are presented for strength gain behavior with curing period for the various soil-fly ash blends.