Rice Husk-Based Stabilization of Black Cotton Soil: A Sustainable Approach for Construction

Authors

Prof. Lalit Arya, Prof. Hemant Kumar Badode, Prof. Ankur Rathore, Atharva Agnihotri, Adityaraj Singh

Abstract

Black cotton soil, also known as expansive clay soil, poses significant engineering challenges due to its high shrink-swell potential and poor load-bearing capacity. This research investigates the effectiveness of using rice husk, a byproduct of rice milling, as a sustainable stabilizing agent for black cotton soil. The study aims to assess the engineering properties of stabilized soil mixtures and evaluate the potential of rice husk as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for soil stabilization in construction projects. A comprehensive literature review examines previous studies on soil stabilization techniques, focusing on the mechanisms by which rice husk improves soil properties, including reducing plasticity, increasing shear strength, and enhancing drainage characteristics. The experimental methodology involves collecting soil and rice husk samples, preparing stabilized soil mixtures with varying rice husk content, and conducting laboratory tests to evaluate compaction characteristics, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and unconfined compressive strength (UCS).Results from laboratory tests demonstrate that the addition of rice husk leads to improvements in soil density, CBR values, and UCS values, indicating enhanced stability and load-bearing capacity of the stabilized soil. The discussion interprets these findings in the context of the study's objectives, highlighting the practical implications for construction projects, such as road embankments, foundations, and slope stabilization. The conclusion summarizes the key findings and emphasizes the advantages of using rice husk as a sustainable alternative to traditional stabilizing agents. The research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on soil stabilization techniques and provides valuable insights for engineers and practitioners seeking cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions for managing black cotton soil in construction projects.

Keywords

Black Cotton Soil, Rice Husk, Soil Stabilization, Sustainable Construction, Engineering Properties, Expansive Soil.

Rice Husk-Based Stabilization of Black Cotton Soil: A Sustainable Approach for Construction. Prof. Lalit Arya, Prof. Hemant Kumar Badode, Prof. Ankur Rathore, Atharva Agnihotri, Adityaraj Singh. 2024. IJIRCT, Volume 10, Issue 2. Pages 1-6. https://www.ijirct.org/viewPaper.php?paperId=2404067