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Utilization of Bagasse Ash and Lime Sludge for Construction of Flexible

Pavements in Expansive Soil Areas

Article  in  Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering · January 2012

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 Utilization of Bagasse Ash and Lime
Sludge for Construction of Flexible
Pavements in Expansive Soil Areas

Akshaya Kumar Sabat

Associate Professor
Department of Civil Engineering
ITER, SOA University, Bhubaneswar-751030,India
email:akshayasabat@yahoo.co.in

ABSTRACT

The combined effects of two industrial wastes, bagasse ash and lime sludge on compaction
characteristics, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), soaked California bearing ratio (CBR)
and swelling pressure of an expansive soil have been discussed in this paper. Effects of
molding water content and compaction delay on soaked CBR of bagasse ash, lime sludge
stabilized expansive soil have also been discussed. From cost analysis, it has been found that
these wastes can be utilized in strengthening the subgrade of a flexible pavement in expansive
soil areas with a significant amount of saving in cost of construction.
KEYWORDS: Expansive soil, bagasse ash, lime sludge, Soaked CBR, UCS.

INTRODUCTION
India is the second largest sugar producing country in the world. It has 20% of the total sugar
industry in the world and accounts for about 15% of the global production (Solomon 2011).
Bagasse is one of the prominent wastes produced during the manufacture of sugar. It is a fibrous
matter remained after extraction of juice from sugar cane. Sugar industry in India produces about
90 MT of bagasse per year (Pappu et al. 2007). The bagasse is used as a fuel in the same sugar
industry for generation of steam and electricity. The ash produced in this process is called as
bagasse ash which possesses the properties of a pozzolanic material (Janjaturaphan and Wansom,
2010; Paya et al.; 2002). Lime sludge is another waste produced from the paper manufacturing
industries. One of the main constituents of lime sludge is lime. Bagasse ash and lime sludge are
disposed unscientifically which not only takes a lot of valuable space near to the industry for their
disposal but also create a lot of geoenvironmental problems.

- 1037 -
 Vol. 17 [2012], Bund. H 1038

Construction of flexible pavements in expansive soil areas is a great problem because of the
cyclic swell-shrink behavior and low strength of the soil. Flexible pavements constructed on
expansive soil subgrade not only necessitate frequent repair and maintenance but also their cost of
construction is very high, due to high thickness of pavements. Hence improvement of subgrade is
required for construction of flexible pavements in expansive soil areas. The positive effects of
addition of industrial wastes like fly ash, rice husk ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag,
cement kiln dust etc. to expansive soil with and without a binder ( Pandian and Krishna
,2003;Nalbantoglu, 2004;Misra et al.2005;Sharma et al.,2008;Sabat and Nanda ,2011; Cokca et
al.,2009 ; Moses and Saminu, 2012 ) have been well documented in literature. Bagasse ash and
lime sludge can be added (bagasse ash as a pozzolanic material and lime sludge as a binder) to
improve the engineering properties of expansive soil, so that it can be used as a subgrade for
construction of flexible pavements.

Srivastava et al. (1997) had studied the microstructure and fabric of fly ash and lime sludge
stabilized expansive soil through SEM analysis. Osinubi and Thomas (2007) had studied the
influence of three compactive efforts (British standard light, British standard heavy and West
African standard) on strength properties of bagasse ash treated black cotton soil. Osinubi et al.
(2009) had also studied the effect of bagasse ash on different engineering properties lime
stabilized expansive soil .Ijimidiya and Osinubi (2011) had studied the attenuative capacity of
compacted black cotton soil treated with bagasse ash. However no literature is available regarding
the combined effects of bagasse ash and lime sludge on different engineering properties of
expansive soil.

The objective of this paper is to study the combined effects of bagasse ash and lime sludge on
Maximum dry density (MDD), Optimum moisture content (OMC), UCS, soaked CBR and swelling
pressure of an expansive soil. The effects of molding water content and compaction delay, on soaked
CBR of the bagasse ash and lime sludge stabilized expansive soil have also been studied. An economic
analysis has been done to study the cost effectiveness of these wastes in strengthening the subgrade of a
flexible pavement.

EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME

Materials
The materials used in the experiments are expansive soil, bagasse ash and lime sludge. The
geotechnical properties of the expansive soil used in this study are: sand size -18%, silt size-26%,
clay size - 56%, specific gravity - 2.61 ,liquid limit - 60%, plastic limit - 32%,shrinkage limit -
11%, swelling pressure -128kN/m2, OMC - 21%, MDD - 16.1 kN /m³, UCS - 58KN/m² and
Soaked CBR - 1.98%.Bagasse ash was collected from a sugar industry and lime sludge from a
paper industry, located in India. The Bagasse ash and lime sludge both were air dried, grounded
to smaller size of particles then sieved through a 425µ IS Sieve and stored in air tight containers
throughout the experiment. The major chemical compositions of the bagasse ash are: SiO2 -
67.74%, Al2O3 - 6.84%, Fe2O3 – 3.84%, CaO - 4.3% etc. The major chemical compositions of the
lime sludge are: CaO-48%, SiO2 - 6.54%, AI2O3-1.15%, Fe2O3 – 1.2%, etc.
 Vol. 17 [2012], Bund. H 1039

Testing procedure
Different samples/mixes of expansive soil -bagasse ash-lime sludge were prepared, in which
the amount of bagasse ash was varied from 0 to 16 percent by dry weight of soil in steps of 4
percent and lime sludge from 0 to 20 percent by dry weight of soil in steps of 4 percent. Standard
Proctor compaction tests, UCS tests, soaked CBR tests were conducted on these soil samples,
swelling pressure tests were conducted on some selected samples. Each sample was cured for 7
days before conduction of any tests, in a humidity chamber at 320C temperature and 97%
humidity.
Tests were conducted as per the relevant Indian standard Codes. The soaked CBR tests were
conducted after soaking the samples for 4 days. The different samples for CBR,UCS and swelling
pressure were prepared at its corresponding OMC and MDD .To study the effect of molding
water content on soaked CBR, different samples(having optimum proportion of bagasse ash and
lime sludge ) were prepared by compacting it at MDD (corresponding to OMC value) but having
different molding water contents i.e. at OMC, dry and wet (90%, 92.5%, 95%, 97.5%, 100%,
102.5%, 105%, 107.5%, 110%) of OMC. The samples then were cured for 7 days and then
soaked in water for 4 days before conduction of any tests. To study the effect of compaction
delay on soaked CBR, the CBR samples were prepared after mixing bagasse ash, lime sludge
and expansive soil at optimum proportion ,required quantity of water (OMC) was mixed with it,
compaction (standard Proctor) was done at 0,1,2,3, and 4 hours of mixing , then the samples
were cured for 7 days and after curing they were soaked for 4 days before testing.

ANALYSIS OF TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Fig.1 shows the variation of MDD with different percentage of bagasse ash and lime sludge.
Increasing the percentage of addition of bagasse ash the MDD of soil goes on decreasing. It is
attributed to the lower value of specific gravity of bagasse ash (2.14) as compared to soil (2.61).
With increase in percentage of addition of lime sludge to each expansive soil-bagasse ash mixes
the MDD value further goes on decreasing, decreases to a value of 13.4 kN/m³, when 20% lime
sludge is added to expansive soil stabilized with 16% bagasse ash.
Fig.2 shows the variation of OMC with different percentage of bagasse ash and lime sludge.
Increasing the percentage of addition of bagasse ash the OMC of soil goes on increasing. With
increase in percentage of addition of lime sludge to each expansive soil-bagasse ash mixes the
OMC value further goes on increasing, increases to a value of 29.7%, when 20% lime sludge is
added to expansive soil stabilized with 16% bagasse ash.
Vol. 17 [2012], Bund. H 1040

20

0% Lime Sludge
19 4% Lime Sludge
8% Lime Sludge
18 12% Lime Sludge
16% Lime Sludge
17 20% Lime Sludge
MDD ( kN/m )
3

16

15

14

13

12
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Bagasse Ash ( % )

Figure 1: Variation of MDD with percentage of Bagasse ash and Lime sludge

32

30

28

26
OMC ( % )

24

22
0% Lime Sludge
4% Lime Sludge
20
8% Lime Sludge
12% Lime Sludge
18 16% Lime Sludge
20% Lime Sludge
16
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Bagasse Ash ( % )

Figure 2: Variation of OMC with percentage of Bagasse ash and Lime sludge
 Vol. 17 [2012], Bund. H 1041

120

100

80
UCS ( kN/m2)

60
0% Lime Sludge
4% Lime Sludge
8% Lime Sludge
40 12% Lime Sludge
16% Lime Sludge
20% Lime Sludge
20
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Bagasse Ash ( % )

Figure 3: Variation of UCS with percentage of Bagasse ash and Lime sludge

Fig.3 shows the variation of UCS with different percentage of bagasse ash and lime sludge.
UCS of soil goes on increasing, up to 8% addition of bagasse ash, further addition of bagasse
ash decreases the UCS of the soil. Increase in percentage of addition of lime sludge to each
expansive soil-bagasse ash mixes, the UCS value further goes on increasing, increases to a
value of 117 kN/m², when 16% lime sludge is added to expansive soil stabilized with 8% bagasse
ash. There is 102% increase in UCS of the soil compared to the neat soil. Further addition of lime
sludge decreases the UCS value of expansive soil-bagasse ash mixes. Increase in strength of the
soil may be due to pozzolanic reaction between lime present in lime sludge and alumina and silica
present in bagasse ash –expansive soil mixes. Reduction in strength occurs due to carbonation
reactions which occurs due to the presence of excess lime to react with insufficient silica and
alumina present in bagasse ash-expansive soil mixes.
Fig.4 shows the variation of soaked CBR with different percentage of bagasse ash and lime
sludge. Similar trends were observed as was observed with UCS tests. Soaked CBR value
increases to a value of 6.1% when 16% lime sludge is added to expansive soil stabilized with
8% bagasse ash. There is 208 % increase in soaked CBR value of the soil as compared to neat
soil. The reason of increase in soaked CBR value is same as that discussed in analysis of UCS test
results.
 Vol. 17 [2012], Bund. H 1042

Soaked CBR ( % ) 5

2 0% Lime Sludge
4% Lime Sludge
8% Lime Sludge
1 12% Lime Sludge
16% Lime Sludge
20% Lime Sludge
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Bagasse Ash ( % )

Figure 4: Variation of Soaked CBR with percentage of Bagasse ash and Lime Sludge

Fig.5 shows the variation of swelling pressure of 8% bagasse ash stabilized expansive soil
with different percentage of Lime sludge.

120

100
Swelling pressure (kN/m )
2

80

60

40

20

0
0 5 10 15 20
Limes sludge(%)

Figure 5: Variation of swelling pressure of 8% Bagasse ash stabilized expansive soil

with percentage of lime sludge

By addition of 8% bagasse ash to expansive soil the swelling pressure of soil decreases to
100 kN/m2. With the addition of different percentage of lime sludge to this expansive soil-bagasse
ash mix, the swelling pressure value further goes on decreasing, decreases to a value of 18kN/m²,
when 16% lime sludge is added and 14 kN/m² when 20% lime sludge is added. The reduction in
 Vol. 17 [2012], Bund. H 1043

swelling pressure occurred because of the pozzolanic reaction developed between silica and
alumina present in bagasse ash – expansive soil mixes with the lime present in lime sludge. This
reaction results, strong bond between the soil particles, which prevents the swelling of soil.

Effect of molding water content on SOAKED CBR of bagasse

ash and LIME sludge stabilized expansive soil
The effect of molding water content on soaked CBR without compaction delay has been
shown in Fig.5. Soaked CBR has highest value (6.1%) when the sample is prepared by
compacting it at OMC. By compacting the sample either dry or wet side of OMC, the soaked
CBR value decreases. When the sample was prepared by varying equal amount of moisture
content on both sides of OMC, CBR value is less on dry side than on wet side of the
corresponding point. The soaked CBR values reduces to 3.6% when compacted at 90% of OMC
and 3.8% when compacted at 110% of OMC.A sample prepared by compacting it on dry side of
OMC has a higher swelling potential than a sample prepared by compacting it on wet side of
OMC, hence reduction in strength of the soil occurred.

6.5

6.0

5.5
Soaked CBR (%)

5.0

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.0
90 95 100 105 110
Molding water content ( percentage of OMC)

Figure 6: Effect of molding water content on Soaked CBR

Effect of Compaction Delay on Soaked CBR of Bagasse

Ash and Lime Sludge Stabilized Expansive Soil

The effect of compaction delay on soaked CBR of bagasse ash and lime sludge stabilized
expansive soil has been shown in the fig 7.It has been found that compaction delay has significant
effects in reduction of CBR values. The CBR value reduces to 3.2% from 6.1% when the
compaction delay was 3 hours, after 3 hours the reduction is almost constant to a value of
3.1%.When compaction is delayed cementitious bonds develop between soil –bagasse ash - lime
sludge mixes hence, some compactive energy is lost in breaking these bonds which results,
decrease in CBR values of the stabilized soil.
 Vol. 17 [2012], Bund. H 1044

6.5

6.0

5.5
Soaked CBR (%)

5.0

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.0
0 1 2 3 4
Compaction delay in hours

Figure 7: Effect of compaction delay on Soaked CBR

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
To study the cost effectiveness of the utilization of bagasse ash and lime sludge in
stabilization of expansive soil an economic analysis has been done. A flexible pavement has been
designed here, based on the guidelines provided by the IRC 37-2001(Guidelines for the design of
flexible pavements) with the soaked CBR values of both the stabilized and unstabilized expansive
soil, taking the length of the pavement = 1 km, width =3.5 m and a cumulative traffic = 10
million standard axles (msa).
The soaked CBR of the soil is 1.98%, as per IRC 37-2001 for CBR value less than 2% the
design should be based on the subgrade CBR value of 2% and a capping layer of 150mm
thickness of material with a minimum CBR value of 10% shall be provided in addition to sub
base. As per this code for the data given above:
(I) Total pavement thickness =850 mm.
(a) Wearing course – Bituminous Concrete (BC) =40 mm
(b) Binder course – Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) =100mm
(c) Granular Base – Wet mix Macadam (WMM) =250 mm
(d) Granular Sub-base = 460 mm
(II) Capping layer (CBR value > 10%) = 150mm
According to the schedule of rates -2010, Government of Odisha, India, the cost of pavement
per m2 area, in Indian Rupees is found out to be Rs. 1794/-.
The soaked CBR value for the expansive soil stabilized with optimum proportion of bagasse
ash (8%) and lime sludge (16%) is 6.1%.Taking 2/3rd value i.e.4% as designed CBR value and
taking same data as taken in unstabilized soil, as per IRC 37-2001:
 Vol. 17 [2012], Bund. H 1045

(I) Total pavement thickness =700 mm

(a) Wearing course –BC =40 mm
(b) Binder course -DBM =80mm
(c) Granular Base –WMM =250 mm
(d) Granular Sub-base= 330 mm
(II) No Capping layer is required as the soaked CBR value is more than 2%.
According to the schedule of rates -2010, Government of Odisha, India, the cost of pavement
per m2 area in Indian Rupees is found out to be Rs. 1518/-, which includes the cost of
transportation of the wastes from a distance of 20 km, grinding and mixing of bagasse ash and
lime sludge with the soil. The cost of pavement per m2 area is found out to be Rs. 1545/-, if the
cost of transportation will be from a distance of 50 km.
From the analysis of rate it is found that there will be saving of 15.4% per m2 area of the
pavement if the transportation of the wastes will be from a distance of 20 km. The saving in cost
per m2 area of the pavement will be 13.9% if the transportation of the wastes will be from a
distance of 50 km.

CONCLUSIONS
The following conclusions are drawn from this study:
 The addition of bagasse ash to expansive soil decreases the MDD and increases the OMC
of the expansive soil irrespective of the percentage of addition of bagasse ash. Addition
of lime sludge to each expansive soil-bagasse ash mixes decreases the MDD and
increases the OMC of the expansive soil irrespective of the percentage of addition of lime
sludge.
 The UCS and soaked CBR are observed to have maximum values corresponding to the
mix having proportion of, soil 76%,bagasse ash 8% and lime sludge 16%.The optimum
proportion of soil: bagasse ash: lime sludge is found to be 76:8:16.
 The swelling pressure goes on decreasing with addition of both bagasse ash and lime
sludge. The swelling pressure of expansive soil having bagasse ash 8% and lime sludge
16 % is found to be 18 kN/m2, which will not create problems for flexible pavements.
 The variation in molding water content reduces the soaked CBR value of the bagasse ash,
lime sludge stabilized expansive soil substantially, hence the bagasse ash, lime sludge
stabilized expansive soil should be compacted at OMC to get maximum strength.
 Delay in compaction reduces the soaked CBR value of bagasse ash, lime sludge
stabilized expansive soil significantly hence, delay in compaction should be minimized if
not avoided.
 The industrial wastes, bagasse ash and lime sludge can be utilized for strengthening the
subgrade of flexible pavements in expansive soil areas with a significant amount of
saving in cost of construction.
 Vol. 17 [2012], Bund. H 1046

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