Stabilization of Black Cotton Soil Using Wood Ash and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag

Abstract

Soil stabilization enhances the strength and durability of problematic soils. In India, diverse geological conditions make soil improvement a challenge. This study focuses on stabilizing black cotton soil by incorporating Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and wood ash. GGBS, known for its cementing ability, and wood ash, possessing pozzolanic properties, were blended in varying proportions with soil to analyze geotechnical improvements. Wood ash was used at 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight, and the best-performing percentage was combined with GGBS at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight. The optimum mix, 6% wood ash with 15% GGBS, yielded the highest Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), while the highest California Bearing Ratio (CBR) was achieved at 6% wood ash and 20% GGBS. These findings highlight effective stabilization combinations to improve black cotton soil.