Experimental study on the stabilization of soil using eggshell powder and coir fibres as a sustainable alternative

摘要

© 2019 the Author(s).Stabilization of soil can be done by using natural and waste materials instead of synthetic materials for sustainable development which will reduce the impact on the environment. This research paper deals about the experimental study on the stabilization of soil using organic waste and coir fibres of varying lengths. The organic waste taken into consideration was eggshell powder. Basic properties of virgin soil like Atterberg’s limits, Unconfined compressive strength, compaction characteristics, California bearing ratio, were determined. The soil samples were treated with varying percentages of eggshell powder and the optimum percentage of eggshell powder for the stabilization soil was determined. The CBR and UCC values showed a considerable increase in strength attainment due to the presence of Calcium Oxide in the eggshell powder. The soil was then treated with an optimum percentage of eggshell powder and varying percentages of coir fibres of different lengths (L=1cm, 1.5cm). It was observed that the soil showed considerable strength improvement with the combination of eggshell powder and coir fibre than that with eggshell powder alone. The effective use of locally available materials like eggshell powder and coir fibres and their experimental combination for the improvement of soil makes the study relevant and feasible.