Effect of Zeolite on Clay Modified with Calcium Carbide Residue (CCR) Using Compaction as Evaluation Criteria

Abstract

Soil is used as construction material in various building and civil engineering projects to provide structural supports to foundation. It is important to state that not all soils are suitable for construction in their natural states. Problematic soils could either be expansive soil or collapsible soil which in return causes low bearing capacity in building foundation, breaking and creaking of road structures.). Building on these types of soils requires the development of techniques, such as soil stabilization, to enhance the soil. The cost of introducing these additives for stabilization of soil has also risen in recent years which opened the door widely for the development of other kinds of soil additives such as Zeolite, kaolinite, plastics etc. In this study, the effect of zeolite on clay modified with calcium carbide residue (CCR) using Compaction as evaluation criteria were investigated. Tests to determine the grain size distribution, specific gravity, liquid and plastic limits, compaction of the natural soil and its stabilization with varying percentages of 0%,5% and 10% CCR and 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% zeolite were carried out. Result showed general increase in liquid limit and plasticity index with increase in zeolite addition. The maximum dry densities were observed to be generally reducing with increase in zeolite for varied calcium carbide residue additions.