Soil Stabilization of Shrinkage Soils Using Molasses

Abstract

Expansive soils are active clays that pose problem to civil engineering structures. This is caused by structural and volume instability in the soil mass due to swelling and shrinkage characteristics triggered by moisture variation. These soils are found in widespread areas in the world. Several researches have been done and various methods and techniques have been proposed and developed for stabilization of expansive soils to improve engineering properties. During construction, the removal of expansive soils and replacement with suitable fill material is an appropriate method in areas where abundant suitable fill materials are available nearby. However, at places of limited suitable fill material within economical distance and if large thickness of poor sub-grade soil to be replaced occurs, the method is not suitable. The most commonly used technique is chemical stabilization with cement and lime. These chemicals are most effective when used on site with very controlled moisture of hydration and site-specific techniques.