Improving the properties of soil using rice husk ash and lime as an additive

Abstract

This project study involves the experimental investigation of the effectiveness of rice husk ash RHA as a pozzolan to enhance on the engineering properties of insitu soils. Soil was first classified and it was identified to be an A-4(41) soil type therefore the soil was silty using AASHTO classification system. The effect of the quantity of the RHA on insitu soil geotechnical properties i.e. plasticity index, linear shrinkage, compaction and strength characteristics were investigated with respect to unconfined compression strength test, California bearing Ratio (CBR) test and Atterberg limit test. The properties of untreated insitu soil was first investigated and then the RHA was added in proportion of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12% by weight respectively in the insitu soil. With the help of graphs, a comparison between the strength of the insitu soil alone and a combination of RHA was made and the optimum mix percentage was determined. Conclusion, recommendations, appendices and references were also included.