Recycling and potential use of industrial cementitious waste in expansive soil stabilization: A review

Abstract Disposal of industrial cementitious waste is a major problem these days. Hence, it is very necessary to take the initiative at the disposal of these wastes in an eco‐friendly manner. Soil stabilization using cementitious industrial waste as a stabilizer is the best option. The black cotton soil tends to swell and shrink on the application of water. Many of the industrial wastes are not naturally biodegradable; disposing of them, such as fly ash, ceramic waste, silica fume, red mud, GGBS, granite waste, and metakaolin, etc., presents a significant environmental challenge in the modern world. In recent years, geopolymer has been introduced in the form of an alkaline activator solution, which is combined with cementitious waste and reduces the swell and shrink characteristics of black cotton soil. This paper reviews the potential of recycling these industrial wastes. The analysis reveals that the mechanical performance of stabilized BCS is highly dosage dependent. Based on a meta‐analysis of recent experimental data, the integration of optimal waste dosages—specifically 15–20% for GGBS and 20–30% for fly ash—yields significant geotechnical improvements. Primary performance indicators include a 150% to 280% increase in UCS and a marked rise in CBR values from 2% (untreated) to ranges between 12% and 18%, making the soil suitable for heavy‐duty subgrade applications. Furthermore, the study quantifies the mitigation of expansive characteristics, noting a 45% to 70% reduction in the FSI and swelling pressure upon the formation of cementitious C‐S‐H and C‐A‐H gels.