Influence of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag and Cement on the Strength Properties of Lithomargic Clay

Abstract

Utilizing industrial byproducts in soil stabilization benefits the economic, environmental and social benefits. Granulated blast furnace slag is a byproduct of iron and steel industry having oxides similar to that of cement but in different proportions. This study describes experimental results achieved by the use of granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and cement in stabilizing lithomargic clay for geotechnical applications. Soil was replaced by GBFS in percentages of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50% and cement of 2, 4, 6, and 8% by dry weight of soil is added. Various experimental studies like specific gravity, Atterberg limits, compaction, UCS, CBR and triaxial compression test, were performed on samples to understand the effect of these mixes on their few index and strength properties. The study also includes an investigation on a combination of optimum percentage of GBFS with varying percentage of cement and lime on their shear parameters. The study result shows significant improvement in the strength properties of the mixes. Hence it can be concluded that lithomargic clay stabilized with GBFS and cement/lime satisfy the strength requisite to be employed in the numerous geotechnical applications. 2017, Indian Geotechnical Society.