Taming the Expansive: Stabilizing Black Cotton Soil with Nano-Enhanced Waste Materials

Black cotton soil, with its high shrink-swell potential, poses significant challenges for highway construction. This research investigates a novel approach to stabilize black cotton soil for subgrade applications by combining a nano-engineered chemical (Terrasil) with industrial (fly ash) and agricultural (rice husk ash) waste products. The study aims to evaluate the influence of these additives on the geotechnical properties of black cotton soil, including index properties, compaction characteristics, and strength parameters. By leveraging the synergistic effects of these materials, the research seeks to develop a sustainable and cost-effective solution for improving the engineering performance of black cotton soil while promoting the utilization of waste materials. The findings of this study will contribute to the development of more resilient and environmentally friendly highway infrastructure