Utilizing Crushed Stone Waste in Stabilization of Expansive Clay for Sustainable Development

Stabilization of Expansive Clay (EC) using wastes generated during crushing of rocks and aggregates to manufacture M-Sand has been studied in this current experimental work. 2 types of Crushed Stone Waste (CSW) – Crushed Stone Sludge (CSS) waste and Crushed Stone Dust (CSD) waste were added to EC in percentages of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% by dry weight of EC to study their effect and the improvement observed on plasticity, swelling, compaction and strength characteristics of EC. It was observed that, plasticity, swelling and compaction characteristics of EC improved with the increasing quantity of CSW added to EC as an additive. Both CSS and CSD consists of non-plastic and non-cohesive silt and fine sand grains and thus can be used for complete replacement of in-situ EC. Increase in shear strength of 41% was attained for EC with 40% CSD compared to that of virgin EC. Soaked CBR strength of EC improved on addition of CSS and CSD as an additive. CSD was found to be a better additive for EC compared to that of CSS waste. Utilizing CSW as an additive in stabilization of EC will reduce the quantity of waste being dumped in open spaces, thus reducing air pollution, health hazards to living beings, averts the wastage of valuable land etc. and also enhances the engineering properties of EC thus, leading to eco-friendly and cost-effective construction.