Effect of Textile Effluent on Geotechnical Properties of Expansive Soil for Flexible Pavements

Dr.R.Kumutha, Dr.K.Vijai, S.Naga Priya, R.Rajapriya, P.Sindhusri

Soil stabilization can be done in a number of ways. Chemical stabilization methods are highly effective when compared with mechanical stabilization. But the cost of the chemicals makes the process to be a costly one. The present experimental work studies the feasibility of using textile effluent for the stabilization of black cotton soil. Soil sample taken for the study is highly plastic and requires stabilization. Textile effluent from the local industries is to be disposed after several stages of treatment to minimize the environmental risk. Textile effluent is found to be alkaline and also has the cations that can be utilized in chemical stabilization of clayey soil. Different percentages of textile effluent are added to the soil sample and observations are made for the changes in the properties of soil such as plasticity index, swell index, Unconfined Compressive Strength and California Bearing Ratio. The swelling, plasticity and strength characteristics are considerably increased with addition of effluent. From the observation of geotechnical properties 100% of effluent is observed to be optimum for use in practical purposes. Treatment with effluent is recommended for the improvement of clayey sub grade.