Strength Characteristics of Red Mud-Stabilized Black Cotton Soil for Building Foundations in Semi-Arid Zones

Black cotton soil, prevalent in semi-arid regions, poses significant challenges for construction due to its expansive nature and low bearing capacity. Concurrently, the aluminium industry generates vast quantities of red mud as a hazardous waste by-product. This study investigates the potential of red mud as a sustainable stabilizer for black cotton soil, focusing on its applicability in building foundations in semi-arid zones. The research examines the effects of varying red mud content (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, and 45% by dry weight) on the geotechnical properties of black cotton soil. Index properties, consistency limits, compaction characteristics, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) were determined through standard geotechnical tests. The addition of red mud reduced the plasticity index, increased the maximum dry density, and enhanced the CBR value of the stabilized soil. Microstructural analysis revealed the formation of cementitious compounds, contributing to the improved soil strength and reduced swelling potential. This study demonstrates the viability of red mud as an effective and sustainable soil stabilizer for black cotton soil in semi-arid regions, offering a potential solution for problematic soil management while addressing industrial waste utilization. The findings have significant implications for sustainable construction practices, particularly in regions prone to soil-related structural issues.