Clay Stabilization Using OPC and Bottom Ash as Additives

Abstract

Clay can be found in many parts of Malaysia. It is very susceptible to settlement due to its low shear strength. Therefore, stabilization is needed especially for a wide construction area. Nowadays, the use of waste materials as construction material is crucial because this practise will help to protect the environment. One of the waste material that has low economical value and less explored by researches is bottom ash (BA). This material is produced from the electric power plant. This material has pozzolanic properties which is able to substitute cement in ground improvement. The objective of this study is to determine the unconfined compressive strength of clay after stabilization with the ordinary portland cement (OPC) and BA. The disturbed soil sample was taken from Pulau Indah, Klang, Malaysia. The basic and engineering properties tests were conducted on the clay samples. Moreover, 18 samples were prepared in cylinder form for unconfined compression test (UCT). The samples were then cured for 0, 7 and 14 days in order to see the strength development over time because the pozzolanic reaction is affected by time. Therefore, the strength of the soil mix will increase with the increase in cement content and curing time. Hence, this waste material can be used for ground improvement work in order to protect the environment.