Parametric Optimization of Bentonite-fly-ash Composite Core for Earthen Embankment using Taguchi Coupled Sunflower Optimization Algorithm

Abstract

A typical earthen embankment is a raised compacted wall-like structure basically consisting of an outer shell to permit seepage of minimum piping, a centrally located core, and a base drainage filter to check the flow of water through it. The earthen embankment needs a centrally stabilized clay core made off locally available puddle clay composite with coarse soil in order to store and divert storm water. In the current work, a compression moulding technique was used employed to build a low-cost composite for clay core using readily available bentonite reinforced with fly-ash. The experimental work initiated with the characterization of the locally collected soil, bentonite and fly-ash along with the micro structural investigation utilizing Scan Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX). Proctor test has been employed to stabilize clay core composite using different percentage ratios of bentonite and fly-ash according to the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array. The obtained maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) were arranged in the design of the experiment (DOE) to examine the best possible results. The experimental findings from the Taguchi optimization approach determine the optimum values of OMC and MDD. The Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine the primary factor influencing the strength of the clay core using signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. A meta-heuristic method named as Sunflower optimization technique was employed to validate the generated optimum OMC and MDD. Verified OMC and MDD results were corroborated with the impervious core properties of the existing structures.