Experimental Study to Investigate Dune Sand Improvement by Adding Fine Waste Materials

Abstract

Dune sands are poorly graded collapsible soils lacking fines. This experimental study explored the possibility of sustainable invigoration of fine waste materials in dune sand to improve the geotechnical properties. The fine wastes used in this study are reservoir sediments and marble waste powder. The fine waste powder was mixed with dune sand at different percentages (5, 10, 25, 50%) to study the gradation, void ratio and, compaction characteristics. A machine has been manufactured to elucidate the maximum void ratio using a developed and manufactured linear-axis 3D clay printer arm. The geotechnical properties of sand-waste mixes delineated in this study reveals the enhancement in compaction and gradation characteristics of dune sand. According to the results, the binary mixture of dune sand with 25% of marble waste and 50% of reservoir sediment gives the highest maximum dry density. Thus, for improving dune sand’s geotechnical characteristics, the addition of fine marble waste and reservoir sediment to the dune sand is an environment-friendly solution.