Scanning Electron Microscope Analysis of Fly Ash, Quarry Dust Stabilized Soil

Abstract

Abstract. Soil is a complex material with different minerals present in variant proportions, since it is formed due to weathering of rocks. The proportion of mineral governs the behaviour of soils. The soils with Montimorillonite mineral are more expansive in nature. The structures build with or on these soils are prone to problems like cracking, foundation failures due to their Swelling and Shrinking behaviour. Stabilization of expansive soil using admixtures is effective way of improving the intended soil properties and strength in specific. This paper focuses on the performance of Fly Ash and Quarry Dust as admixtures to the selected expansive soil. Laboratory investigations for determining Atterberg Limits, Compaction Characteristics, Deformation behaviour and Unconfined Compressive Strength and mineralogical analysis are performed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) technique. The general behaviour of soil alone and after admixing with different percentages of Fly Ash and Quarry Dust are analyzed from laboratory test results and cross checked from Scanning Electron Microscope studies on the selected expansive soil.

A Comparative Study on Soil Stabilization Relevant to Transport Infrastructure using Bagasse Ash and Stone Dust and Cost Effectiveness

“…Blending the existing poor soil sub-grade with hydrated lime and bagasse ash managed environmental concerns through waste reduction [24]. Application of fly ash and quarry dust as admixtures exhibited significant decreases in void ratio, plasticity index, and swelling potential with shear strength increments of virgin soil [25].…”

Influence of Adding Plant Fly Ash on The Geotechnical Properties and Pollution of Sanitary Landfill Soil

“…Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the morphology of the sample of 10% plant fly ash to soil prepared in a high-magnification scanning range (200 nm). Figure 11 shows the random and compacted dense distribution of nanoparticles in the form of granular aggregations of different sizes with the appearance of other semi-spherical and rod-like formations nanoparticles, and the growth method of nanoparticles is roughly consistent with [17,18].…”

“…Figure 13 shows the random and compact dense distribution of nanoparticles in the form of granular aggregations of different sizes with the appearance of other semispherical formations. Others are similar to nanorods, and the growth method of nanoparticles is roughly consistent with [18] to [19,20].…”

The Effect of Hypo Sludge to the Compressibility of Soil

“…Water filled voids in clay act as a lubricant between each flaky, flat surfaces of the particles of clay which lowers the friction between them. Thus, resulting in a lower strength property [4].…”

“…The mix also exhibited a flocculated structure as can be seen from Figure 2c. Based on existing studies on scanning electron microscopy soil image analysis, a reduction in void ratio and a flocculated soil structure indicates high strength in soil [4].…”