Investigation into the engineering properties of marble dust and river sand stabilized black cotton soil for subgrade construction

Abstract

Expansive soils such as black cotton soils undergo volumetric changes when exposed to moisture variations consequently resulting into premature failures of civil engineering infrastructure founded on them. To avert this effect, subgrade construction are characterised by excavation to spoil and chemical stabilization; all of which are expensive. Therefore, there exists an imperative need to come up with strategies to counteract the high traditional subgrade construction materials by seeking effective, innovative and environmentally sustainable materials. Approximately, over 500kg of destructive waste marble dust is generated daily during block cutting and polishing at Irata marble quarry site which is under a mining concession for 20years with effect from 2013. Also, over 2,000,000m3 of river sand has silted seasonal rivers in Nakapiripirit district causing flush floods when heavy rains fall. However, use of solid wastes such as marble dust and sand for black cotton soil treatment in Uganda are limited due to lack of research, awareness and technical specifications although they have been explored in advanced countries. 0.00