Effect of Crushed Concrete Dust on Geotechnical Properties of Expansive Soil

Abstract

Crushed concrete dust (CCD), a by-product of the concrete demolition and recycling industry, has emerged as a promising material for soil stabilization due to its abundant availability and environmental sustainability. The current study stabilized expansive soil with 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% of CCD (by dry weight of soil). Consistency limits, differential free swell (DFS), compaction characteristics, California bearing ratio, and unconfined strength were examined for these mix proportions. The test results showed that the optimum moisture content decreased and maximum dry density increased with the inclusion of CCD. The plasticity index and DFS of the soil were reduced with increased CCD content, whereas the strength properties of the soil-CCD mixes significantly improved. With the addition of alkali material, the strength properties of the soilCCD mix were further enhanced due to a better reactivity of CCD.