Innovative soil stabilization: boosting the strength of clay shale with asphalt emulsion and Bledug Kuwu mud

This study investigates the effects of asphalt emulsion and Bledug Kuwu Mud (BKM) on the stabilization of clay shale soil, a problematic material commonly used in civil engineering applications. The soil was treated with 8% asphalt emulsion and varying percentages of BKM (6%, 10%, 14%, and 18% by dry weight). Index properties such as Atterberg limits, specific gravity, particle size distribution, and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) were evaluated to assess the effectiveness of the stabilization process. Results showed a significant reduction in plasticity, with the Plasticity Index (PI) decreasing from 42% in untreated soil to 19% with the highest BKM content. The specific gravity of the stabilized soil increased slightly, indicating improved compaction. These findings suggest that the combination of asphalt emulsion and BKM effectively improves the engineering properties of clay shale soil, making it more suitable for use in construction projects where soil stabilization is required. The results demonstrate the potential of BKM as a sustainable and cost-effective stabilizing agent, especially for regions where such materials are abundantly available.