Suitability of Bagasse Ash and Molasses for Stabilization of Expansive Black Cotton Clay Soils for Subgrade Construction in Low-Volume Rural Roads

Suitability of Bagasse Ash and Molasses for Stabilization of Expansive Black Cotton Clay Soils for Subgrade Construction in Low-Volume Rural Roads
  IJETT-book-cover           
  
© 2024 by IJETT Journal
Volume-72 Issue-4
Year of Publication : 2024
Author : Promotion Moyo, Joseph Ng’ang’a Thuo, Samuel Waweru
DOI : 10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V72I4P116

How to Cite?

Promotion Moyo, Joseph Ng’ang’a Thuo, Samuel Waweru, "Suitability of Bagasse Ash and Molasses for Stabilization of Expansive Black Cotton Clay Soils for Subgrade Construction in Low-Volume Rural Roads," International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 152-163, 2024. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V72I4P116

Abstract
The construction and maintenance of rural roads in Africa face challenges, including limited resources, unsuitable materials, and harsh conditions. Expansive black cotton clay soils prevalent in rural Africa pose challenges for low-volume road networks, damaging sub-grades, inducing soil movement, and causing cracks and failure. Soil modification techniques to improve engineering properties have limitations due to cost and negative environmental impact. Traditional lime and cement stabilization are often infeasible due to high costs and limited availability. This study evaluates sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) and molasses for sub-grade improvement in expansive black cotton clay soils to determine impacts on soil properties and road performance. Laboratory tests determined engineering properties and optimized mix proportions. Soils were treated with varying amounts of molasses (0-12%) and bagasse ash (5-20%). Physical properties and classification were evaluated. Mechanical strength was assessed through Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS) and CBR testing. Results showed that soils are highly plastic, classifying as A-7-6(21). The optimum molasses content was 8%. Treated soil strength significantly increased, with treatments of 8% molasses and 10-15% bagasse ash yielding the greatest improvements, surpassing design standards. The free swell potential is significantly reduced. Findings confirm that bagasse ash-molasses blends effectively modify clay properties, indicating potential for rural roads. The optimal 8% molasses and 10% bagasse ash mixture achieved a 7-day soaked CBR of 12.5% and UCS of 475kPa. Based on these laboratory results, further field trials are recommended. This low-cost approach has significant potential for sustainably improving road infrastructure and transportation access in remote agricultural communities across Africa and similar contexts.

Keywords
Black cotton clay soil, Road subgrade, Sugarcane bagasse ash, Sugarcane molasses, Stabilization.

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