Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

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Materials Today: Proceedings

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Soil stabilization using waste ‘‘Bagasse ash and lime”: A review

Mohd Adnan a, Sanjeev Kumar a,⇑, Nikhil Garg a, Keerat Kumar Gupta a, Sourav Kumar Das b
a
Dept of Civil Engineering, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, India
b
Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur, India

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Sugarcane, with an annual global production of over 1907 million tons, is cultivated in approximately 110
Available online xxxx countries worldwide. India alone generates around 376 million tons of sugarcane each year. The process-
ing of sugarcane in alcohol and sugar factories results in the generation of sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) as
Keywords: a byproduct. SBA contains a considerable amount of silica, which, when introduced to soil, reduces its
Agro-Waste plastic behavior without altering its engineering properties. Soil stabilization is a critical technique
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) employed to enhance and improve soil characteristics, thus strengthening it for construction purposes.
Lime
Soils exhibiting plastic behavior are generally unsuitable for construction activities and require stabiliza-
Soil Stabilization
Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS)
tion. Chemical stabilization is achieved using various materials or waste products with cementitious
Sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) properties, such as bagasse ash and lime. This review paper presents a thorough examination of the
numerous research efforts conducted in the field of soil stabilization, utilizing lime and SBA as admix-
tures in varying proportions. The findings of these studies indicate that SBA not only improves the per-
formance of the stabilized soil but also reduces the overall material cost in most cases. Therefore, the
valorization of SBA in the production of soil blocks presents a genuinely cost-effective and environmen-
tally sustainable waste management solution.
Copyright Ó 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 2nd International Con-
ference on Recent Advances in Modelling and Simulations Techniques in Engineering and Science.

1. Introduction sugarcane is crushed [5]. In cogeneration boilers, cane bagasse is

Rapid growth in industrial development across the globe neces-
sitated the demand for infrastructure facilities like airports, sea-
ports, roads, dam, and residential buildings. For these enormous
projects, proper safety is at the utmost priority for which selection
of good soil is important to avoid structural failure in the form of
fissures, settlement, etc. [1-3]. In India, expansive soil covers
almost 20% of the landmass. Due to its alternative shrinkage and
swelling behavior, several research have been carried out to study
its behavior and enhance its properties to guard and increase the
life of the structure constructed above them[4]. In the lab, tests
were conducted on expensive soil by varying quantities of admix-
tures i.e., lime and SBA to make the soil more stable. The bagasse
ash is one such mineral admixture that is quite easily available
as India being a leader in sugarcane production. Bagasse Ash is
generated when bagasse residues are burned after sugarcane juice
is extracted. About thirty percent of wet bagasse is obtained when
⇑ Corresponding author.
E-mail address: er.sanjeevkr@gmail.com (S. Kumar).
utilized as a biofuel to create steam, allowing for the generation
of electricity and the production of sugar [2]. SBA is burnt at
around 500 degrees Celsius to achieve the highest calorific value
[6].
Globally, the production of bagasse ash has reached significant
proportions due to the widespread nature of the sugar industry.
Bagasse ash, a byproduct generated during the combustion of sug-
arcane bagasse for energy production, has been disposed of in open
areas, leading to a host of environmental and health concerns. This
method of disposal, which is not environmentally sustainable, has
given rise to numerous alarming consequences that demand
immediate attention. The ash particles, when left exposed in open
areas, can easily become airborne and negatively impact the respi-
ratory health of individuals in the vicinity. Furthermore, the ash
can serve as a breeding ground for various pathogens, contributing
to the spread of illnesses within local communities. In addition to
health concerns, the open disposal of bagasse ash has detrimental
effects on the environment. During precipitation events, rainwater
percolates through the ash, carrying with it various contaminants.
As this polluted water infiltrates the soil, it can contaminate

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.05.018
2214-7853/Copyright Ó 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 2nd International Conference on Recent Advances in Modelling and Simulations Techniques
in Engineering and Science.

Please cite this article as: M. Adnan, S. Kumar, N. Garg et al., Soil stabilization using waste ‘‘Bagasse ash and lime”: A review, Materials Today: Proceedings,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.05.018
M. Adnan, S. Kumar, N. Garg et al. Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

groundwater resources, posing a threat to both human health and lization, and chemical stabilization. These are being explained
ecosystems. In light of these concerns, it is essential to develop and below.
implement sustainable disposal techniques and explore the poten-
tial utilization of bagasse ash in other industries. By addressing this
2.1. Mechanical stabilization
issue proactively, we can mitigate the adverse effects of bagasse
ash disposal on both the environment and human health [7].
Mechanical stabilization is a soil stabilization method that
Lime and SBA are used together to strengthen the geotechnical
involves physical processes such as compaction or tamping using
characteristics of expansive soil as SBA contains Al2O3, SiO2, CaO,
equipment like rollers or rammers. The aim of this method is to
Quartz, and cristobalite along with the presence of carbon is also
increase the soil’s load-bearing capacity and improve its stability
reported [6,8]which after chemically reacting with water generates
by reducing its porosity and increasing its density [22]. Another
a cementitious bond among the particles of soil [1]. Hydrated cal-
technique for mechanical soil stabilization involves blending vari-
cium aluminate & calcium silicate are produced when clay contain-
ous soil particles to ensure proper particle dispersion. This method
ing soluble silicate& aluminate comes in contact with lime. As a
can be achieved by adding or subtracting different soil particles to
result, a true crystallization bond with bagasse ash is formed which
achieve the desired particle size distribution. This process ensures
is called a pozzolanic reaction and this brings a rise in both com-
that the soil particles are evenly distributed and compacted, result-
pressive resistance and frost resistance [1]. The Table 1. list out
ing in improved soil stability. Large dirt compactors with vibrating
the various important minerals which have been identified by var-
steel drums are commonly used for mechanical soil stabilization.
ious researchers in their studies which help in soil stabilization.
These machines use a combination of weight and vibration to com-
In conclusion, the combined application of lime and sugarcane
pact and stabilize the soil [23].
bagasse ash (SBA) presents a promising approach to enhancing
Compaction, soil reinforcement, the addition of graded aggre-
the geotechnical properties of expansive soils. This review paper
gate materials, mechanical remediation, and other methods are
aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the chemical
also commonly used for mechanical soil stabilization. Compaction
reactions involved, the role of pozzolanic reactions, and the result-
involves the use of heavy equipment to compress the soil and
ing improvements in mechanical properties of soil, thereby high-
reduce its volume. Soil reinforcement involves the use of materials
lighting the potential of this eco-friendly and sustainable
such as geotextiles or geogrids to improve the soil’s strength and
solution for soil stabilization.
stability. The addition of graded aggregate materials can improve
the soil’s drainage and stability, while mechanical remediation
involves the use of machines to remove contaminants or improve
the soil’s structure [24].
2. Soil stabilization techniques
Overall, mechanical soil stabilization is an effective method for
improving soil properties and enhancing its performance in con-
Soil stabilization refers to the process of modifying the physical
struction projects. The choice of the appropriate mechanical stabi-
and chemical properties of soil to enhance its engineering perfor-
lization method depends on several factors such as soil type,
mance and make it suitable for use in construction projects. The
moisture content, and the intended use of the stabilized soil.
primary goal of soil stabilization is to increase the soil’s strength,
Proper execution of mechanical stabilization methods can signifi-
reduce its shrink-swell potential, and enhance its load-bearing
cantly reduce the risk of soil failure and ensure the success of con-
capacity, thereby improving its overall performance in situ. There
struction projects.
are several methods of soil stabilization that can be employed to
achieve these objectives. These methods mainly include mechani-
cal stabilization, Geotextile and fabric stabilization, electrical stabi- 2.2. Geotextile and fabric stabilization

Geotextiles are synthetic materials with pores such as polyethy-

Table 1
Minerals present in SBA.
Authors
Faria et al. [9]
Aigbodion et al. [10]
Frias et al. [11]
Umamaheswaran et al [12]
Schettino et al. [13]
Tonnayopas et al [18]
Martirena Herńandez et al. [8] and
Rodriduez-Diaz et al. [14]
James et al. [2]
Torres Agredo et al. [15]
Madurwar et al. [16]
Alav́ez-Ramirez et al. [8]
Ganesan et al. [17] and Bahurudeen
et al. [6]
Souza et al. [18], Julphunthong [19],
Sua-Iam et al. [20], Sales et al. [21]
and Teixeira et al. [18]
Mineral identifies in Bagasse ash
Cristobalite, calcium phosphate,
Potassium carbonate, quartz,
mullite, hematite
Titanium dioxide, moissanite,
cliftonite, quartz
Gibbsite, cristobalite, kaolinite,
mullite, graphite, iron oxide, quartz
Calcite, quartz
Mullite, hematite, calcium
phosphate, potassium carbonate,
cristobalite, quartz
Feldspar, microcline, calcite, Quartz
Calcite, cristobalite, quartz
Calcium carbonate, cristoblite,
quartz
Ferric oxide, calcite, cristobalite,
Quartz,
Amorphous silica
Carbon, cristobalite, Quartz
Cristobalite,Quartz
Quartz
2
lene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, and nylons, that are commonly
used in soil stabilization. Geotextiles are typically very strong and
provide excellent reinforcement to the soil. They are used in a vari-
ety of applications, including erosion control, soil stabilization, and
drainage. Geotextiles are made by weaving or knitting synthetic
fibers together to create a fabric that is strong, durable, and resis-
tant to damage from UV rays and chemicals. These materials are
designed to allow water to pass through while retaining soil parti-
cles, thus providing effective filtration and drainage capabilities. In
soil stabilization applications, geotextiles are often used to rein-
force the soil and improve its strength and stability. This is
achieved by placing a layer of geotextile material over the soil
and then covering it with a facing skin element, such as concrete
or asphalt. The geotextile provides a stable foundation for the fac-
ing skin, preventing it from sinking into the soil and ensuring that
it remains in place. In some cases, metallic strips are used in com-
bination with geotextiles to provide additional reinforcement to
the soil. The metallic strips are typically anchored or tied back to
keep the facing skin element in place and provide additional stabil-
ity to the soil [25,26].
Overall, geotextiles are a highly effective and efficient method
of soil stabilization, providing excellent reinforcement to the soil
and improving its load-bearing capacity. The use of geotextiles in
combination with metallic strips and other stabilization methods
M. Adnan, S. Kumar, N. Garg et al.
can significantly reduce the risk of soil failure and ensure the suc-
cess of construction projects.
2.3. Electrical stabilization
Electro-osmosis is a commonly used procedure for electrical soil
stabilization. It involves the use of direct current passed through
clayey soil, which causes water to move towards the negative elec-
trode or cathode. This occurs because of the presence of positive
ions or cations in the water, which are attracted to the negatively
charged electrode. As the water moves towards the cathode, it is
effectively removed from the soil, leading to a decrease in its mois-
ture content. This reduction in moisture content leads to an
increase in the soil’s strength, making it more stable and able to
bear heavier loads. The process of electro-osmosis is particularly
effective in clayey soils, which are known for their high moisture
content and low load-bearing capacity [23,27,28]. By removing
water from these soils, electro-osmosis can significantly improve
their stability and performance in construction projects. In sum-
mary, electro-osmosis is an effective method of soil stabilization
that can improve the strength and stability of clayey soils. By
removing water from the soil, this process can significantly
increase the soil’s load-bearing capacity and reduce the risk of soil
failure.
2.4. Chemical stabilization
Chemical soil stabilization is a method of enhancing the engi-
neering properties of soil by mixing and blending chemical addi-
tives. The effectiveness of the stabilization process depends on
the reaction between the chemical stabilizer and the soil particle
composition [1-3,8]. The primary objective of chemical soil stabi-
lization is to improve the soil’s strength, durability, and workabil-
ity. This method is commonly used to prevent shrinkage and
swelling in soils and to enhance their load-bearing capacity, mak-
ing them suitable for use in construction projects. Traditionally,
calcium-based stabilizers such as cement and lime have been used
for soil stabilization. These stabilizers have been proven effective
in reducing the flexibility, swelling, and shrinking of soil, while
increasing its bearing strength. Bitumen emulsion, cement, and
lime are commonly used as stabilizing agents [5]. In recent times,
there has been an increasing interest in alternative stabilizing
agents, including Fly Ash, Tree Resin, Cement Kiln Dust (CKD), Ionic
Stabilizers, and Bagasse Ash [23,29-31]. These alternatives have
been found to be effective in enhancing soil properties and improv-
ing their performance in construction projects.
In conclusion, there are several methods available for soil stabi-
lization, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
The choice of the appropriate soil stabilization method depends
on several factors, including soil type, moisture content, and the
intended use of the stabilized soil. Proper execution of these meth-
ods is crucial for ensuring the success of construction projects and
reducing the risk of soil failure. In the next section, the major stud-
ies carried out by various researchers to analyze the effect of using
SBA and lime as soil stabilizing agents have been discussed and
major findings from these studies are being highlighted in this
review.
3. Soil stabilization using SBA & lime
The utilization of SBA & lime as chemical stabilizers to amelio-
rate the mechanical characteristics and durability of compacted
soil blocks were examined in this investigation carried out by
Ramírez et al. [8]. Trials were conducted in saturated & dry states
for flexure and compression. The mechanical characteristics of the
3
Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx
compacted soil blocks were observed at intervals of 7, 14, and
28 days upon the blending of sugarcane bagasse ash & lime. As
per results, the blocks that were manufactured using just lime
were showing lesser performance than blocks that contained 10%
of SCBA and 10% of lime. The Lime-added soil blocks depicted bet-
ter strength than the plane soil blocks. As far as the issues of pol-
lution and energy consumption are concerned, lime and SCBA are
stated to be a good alternative in compacted soil block
stabilization.
The application of SBA ash, an industrial & agricultural waste
was examined by Kawade et al. 2013 [32]. Physical and chemical
differentiation of sugarcane BA was carried out upon partly replac-
ing it in the proportion of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% of cement by
weight. Tests were conducted for hardened cement properties (at
the age 7, 28, 56, 90 days) and fresh concrete properties egg, slump.
The study results concluded that there is an increment in concrete
characteristics including high strength upon the replacement of
15% of sugarcane bagasse ash in cement by weight. The ‘Impact
of SBA & lime on the compaction & strength properties of black cot-
ton soil (BCS)’ is studied by Azeem et al. and Singh et al. [33,34].
The BCS (highly expansive) was availed in this experiment. Here,
lime & BA were used in order to improvise the strength behavior
and compaction of the BCS. In this study, lime and bagasse ash
are added to black cotton soil in the proportion of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
and 6% & 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30% by weight. The tests of the lab-
oratory show the strength and compaction characteristics of the
BCS which depicted that 4% lime content and 15% bagasse ash is
the best quantity to improve the strength behavior and compaction
of BCS. Further, the result of these experiments was concluded as
there was a downsize in dry unit weight with a rise in strength
and OMC [33]. Lime content of 4% and 6% are taken in this exper-
imental work, based on these different percentages of lime several
tests were conducted including plastic limit (PL), liquid limit (LL),
maximum dry unit weight (M.D.D), optimum moisture content
(O.M.C.), Dry density, and Bulk density, Grain size analysis, Swel-
ling pressure, and C.B.R test. The result of this experiment stated
that there was a substantial enhancement in the properties of
BCS upon the addition of lime [34].
Stabilization of soil with the help of bagasse fiber & hydrated
lime is examined by Dang et al. [3,35]. The expansive soil gathered
from Queensland, Australia was utilized in this experiment and
bagasse fibers were added to the soil in a random proportion
(0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) to observe its engineering behavior. Apart
from this, the proportions of different bagasse fibers were mixed
with hydrated lime expansive soil and tested. It was summed up
from the test results that lime, and fiber of bagasse ash can conve-
niently stabilize the expansive soil. The usage of SBA and lime in
soil stabilization was researched by conducting CBR, UCS, PI,
OMC and MDD tests by Wubshet et al. and Sarosh et al. [7,36]. In
this research stabilization using 3% lime, 15% SBA combined by
the dry unit weight of soil was done using an expansive soil which
was gathered from Addis Ababa sub-city, classified as an A-7–5 soil
on the AASHTO classification the investigation of the soil was
based on the results of CBR test, plasticity, & compaction test.
The results of these experiments show a downside in MDD and
plasticity of soil on the other hand a rise in OMC is observed. It
was noted that there is a significant amount of increase in the
CBR value upon the addition of SBA and lime. It was concluded that
SBA as an admixture along with lime is a good replacement to sta-
bilize the soil. Lime and SBA are taken in the following proportion
(lime 2, 4 6, 8% & SBA 8, 12, 16, 20%). In experiments, it was found
that 6% lime content by weight and 16% SBA is the optimum mix
proportion which increased the unconfined compressive strength
& plasticity index gets decreased. The results of the experiments
concluded that SBA being a less expensive and eco-friendly mate-
rial is not as effective as Lime in stabilizing the soil.
M. Adnan, S. Kumar, N. Garg et al.
The use of lime & Agro-waste SBA in expansive soil remediation
is examined by Hasan et al. [37]. In the investigation, samples were
prepared by SBA and lime in the proportions 0, 6, 10, 18, & 25% by
the dry soil mass in a 3:1 ratio. The period of curing was 3, 7, and
28 days for the sample Because of the neoplastic property of SBA, it
decreases the swelling of expensive soil which results in a decrease
in the free swell ratio (FSR) and dry density with the rise in the
quantity of BA. A noteworthy increase in the CBR (unsoaked) value
was noted for 7 &28 days and the same was observed with soaked
soil. Further, as the proportion of SBA is raised a rise in unconfined
compressive (UCS) strength was noted. The investigation of the use
of SBA as a stabilizing material in BCS is carried out by Kotadiya
et al. and Kharade et al. [4,38]. As per Indian soil classification sys-
tem (ISCS) BCS is labelled as clay of high-plasticity. In this experi-
ment, several proportions of 5, 10 & 15% of BA as a stabilizing agent
were used with the BCS, and a number of experiments, namely
compaction, CBR, UCS, Atterberg’s limit test were carried out. It
was then noted that upon adding 5% of BA, the results obtained
were quite satisfactory. It was depicted that LL, PL, PI, and moisture
content got decreased while CRB and UCS values got increased
[34]. In this study, BCS was partially replaced by SBA and several
laboratory experiments were conducted (percentage of bagasse
ash taken: 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%). In this paper, the augmentation of
the properties of BCS is highlighted which was acquired without
any cementing material or chemical at 6% replacement of bagasse
ash. As per the results, the MDD, CBR, and compressive strength
raised by 5.8%, 41.52%, and 43.58% respectively.
The study was carried out to see how SBA affected lime stabi-
lized lateritic soil by Sadeeq et al. [39]. Laboratory analysis was
done on soil mixed with BA and lime in proportions of 0, 2, 4, 6,
and 8 percent by the weight of the soil. The soil was found to have
15.02% Plasticity Index, 36.32% Liquid Limit, 21.30% Plastic Limit,
and 16.8% OMC, 1.69 kg/m3 MDD. The UCS values of virgin soil
were noted as 269, 404, 591 kN/m2 after the curing period of 7,
14, and 28 days. Apart from this, the soaked and unsoaked Califor-
nia bearing ratio values of the lateritic natural soil were observed
as 7% and 13% respectively. The paper concluded that a significant
change in the soil will be observed upon the addition of 6% bagasse
ash and 8% lime.
The outcome of BA upon earth blocks stabilized with cement
was investigated in this study by Ali et al. [40]. BA was used in
place of cement in quantities of 20, 25, and 30 percent as a partial
replacement, and its curing period was kept at 7 and 28-days. Sev-
eral tests were then conducted on the blocks of soil including den-
sity, initial absorption rate test, dimension, water absorption, and
compressive stress. The best results were found in the replacement
of 20% of BA with cement in the manufacturing of stabilized blocks.
The absorption of water raised upon the addition of BA but it was
observed that it got stabilized beyond 20% BA. There was a signif-
icant effect on the block’s weight which was shown to be downsiz-
ing because of the addition of BA.
The cement stabilized soil blocks were tested with BA and the
effects were observed by James et al. and Lima et al [2,21]. Soil
blocks stabilized with cement (4% and10% composition) were
mixed with 4, 6, & 8% of BA. The blocks were cast on one single unit
of weight and moisture content. The study showed that there was a
significant performance enhancement with an increase in com-
pressive strength of the blocks and no efflorescence was detected.
The study also depicted that the cement content as low as 4% was
quite capable of achieving the standard strength requirement upon
the addition of bagasse ash. During the study, it was noted that as
soon as the bagasse ash was added there was a marginal increment
in the absorption of water. Furthermore, the paper concluded that
the soil blocks of 4% cement content were more stabilized than
that of 10%. The soil blocks were made with 6% and 12% cement
composition, and then bagasse ash was mixed in a proportion of
4
Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx
2%, 4%, and 8%. The stabilized blocks were put through water
absorption and compression tests and stabilized blocks were also
used to make masonry prisms for testing. The blocks made with
cement and BA of 12% and d8% respectively met the requirement
for the stabilized block. The prism that was made with the help
of a modified block was relatively better than blocks without
bagasse ash in diagonal compression and axial compression tests.
In continuation to their previous work James et al., here they
examined lime stabilized blocks in addition to bagasse ash. Ini-
tially, the lime required was 6%. Lime was added in the proportion
of 6% along with 4% and 8% bagasse ash with a 2% increment. It was
found from the study that the block’s capacity to absorb water and
its compressive strength showed a rising trend upon the BA addi-
tion. In this investigation, it was observed that maximum strength
was produced by 8% of bagasse ash but that was not enough as per
IS of class 20 blocks. Further, it was concluded in the study that a
minimum of 9.5% of bagasse ash is needed to accomplish the least
strength per IS of class 20 blocks.
The use of BA replacing cement in lateritic soil–cement inter-
locking blocks is researched by Khobklang et al. [41]. The study
used bagasse ash in the proportion of 15 percent, 30 percent, and
forty percent instead of Portland cement, which was mixed for
molding the blocks with water, lateritic, sand soil with a 90-day
curing period. The outcomes of trials illustrated that the compres-
sive strength of 15 percent bagasse ash was the highest in compar-
ison to the other substitute contents. The study also showed that
the water absorption ability of blocks was augmented when it
was mixed with bagasse ash. It was also detected in the study that
upon increasing the quantity of water in the binder ratio there is a
reduction in water absorption. Bagasse ash was taken in propor-
tions (3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, 15%, and 18%) by Das et al. [42] and added
to expansive soil upon which several tests were conducted includ-
ing tri-axial compression, Atterberg’s limit, specific gravity, grain
size, compaction. After the virgin soil was added with BA, the liquid
limit depicted a fall upon increasing the quantity of bagasse ash,
which is economical and effective and, in the tri-axial compression
test, shears strength properties were shown to be enhanced. The
study also stated that upon further increment from 3% to 18%, /
and c values slightly increased which therefore shows that with
an addition of bagasse ash, shear strength improved.
The black cotton soil was examined with several proportions of
BA, glass powder waste, and sisal fiber by Mathew et al. [43]. A
two-phase experimental study was carried out where the 1st
phase dealt with the physical characteristics of soil with consis-
tency limits, particle size distribution, swelling pressure, and sp.
gravity whereas the second phase dealt with tests conducted on
BCS where several percentages of bagasse ash, glass powder waste,
and sisal fiber were used and from the uppermost values of
strength test, 14% of glass powder waste, 7% of bagasse ash
&0.9% of sisal fiber combination was performed. The results of this
study indicated that upon the addition of glass powder waste, sisal
fiber, and bagasse ash, a decrement in OMC and MDD was
observed. Further in the study, upon adding sugarcane bagasse
ash, glass powder waste, and the optimum amount of sisal fiber
in the BCS, the sub grade & undrained strength properties
increased. The ability of BA to substitute for fly-ash % lime in fly
ash bricks were examined by Kulkarni et al. [44]. The brick size
was kept at 230 mm  100 mm  75 mm with several combina-
tions and the replacement of lime (up to 20% by weight) and fly
ash (60% by weight) resulted in 5% and 10% increments respec-
tively. This was followed by compressive strength& water absorp-
tion test with a 7-, 14, & 21-days curing period. The study observed
that with increasing bagasse ash content, the strength of the block
decreased but still the strength was more than the least or least
strength that is required for the block of class 30. With the varia-
tion of strength being lower than 5%, it was noted that the block’s
M. Adnan, S. Kumar, N. Garg et al.
strength was close to the control specimen upon the addition of
10% of bagasse ash.
The stabilization of Blocks with quarry dust- lime was studied
and analyzed for the enhancement of their properties using
bagasse ash Madurwar et al. [16]. The stabilization of BA at 650
degreesC is shown by thermogravimetric analysis. Scanning micro-
scopy was used to detect a number of fine pores in every particle of
the microstructure of the BA. With an increment of 5%, the varia-
tion of BA was from 50 to 80 percent and that of quarry dust
was 30 to 0% and the presence of lime was 20% by weight. The
blocks (230 mm  110 mm  80 mm) in size were tested for water
absorption, compressive strength, and efflorescence. Among all
other combinations, it was observed that 30% of quarry dust, 20%
of lime, and 50% of bagasse ash maximal compressive e strength.
Several other tests were also conducted including modified bond
strength, flexural strength, shear bond, and combined compressive.
Further, it was observed that no efflorescence was present in any of
the combinations of the brick which were cast by the bagasse ash,
and also these bricks had higher water absorption than fly ash and
conventional bricks.
SBA was used as a brick material in this paper by Kishore et al.
[45]. After the waste is crushed and burnt, apart from ethanol
vapor as a waste product, another fibrous waste is obtained called
bagasse ash. In this study, fly ash bricks were partially mixed with
bagasse ash and several tests for strength determination have been
carried out for the brick. In the experiment, it was found after
weighing the brick that 80–90% of bagasse ash added bricks
showed lesser strength than bricks containing 10% of bagasse
ash. It was therefore concluded in this paper that the amount of
bagasse ash is contrariwise proportional to the strength of the
brick, i.e., the lesser amount of bagasse ash in brick, the more
strength brick attains.
The usage of bagasse ash and akwuete Laterite soil was studied
and investigated by Ken et al. [46]. Soil stabilized with cement and
was collected from 1.5 m depth avoiding the topsoil. The stabiliza-
tion of lateritic soil was done using 4 and 6 percent of cement with
0, 2, 4, 6, 8, & 10 percent of BA by dry soil weight. The admixture of
cement and BA was made to undergo several tests, including the
CBR test, MDD test, and OMC test. The test results illustrated that
the MDD at 4 percent & 6 percent of cement and varying percent-
ages of bagasse ash were seen to be falling while as soon as the BA
content was made to rise to 6 percent cement, an increase was
observed in the MDD. Apart from that, the OMC was seen to be ris-
ing with the increased BA content and the CBR value had also
improved significantly with BA compared to natural soil. The study
of the strength characteristics of BCS with the help of additives and
BA as stabilizing agents was carried out by Kiran et al. [47]. The
study had conducted various experiments using additives and 4,
8, and 12 percent of bagasse ash upon the BCS (taken from Kar-
nataka) results of which determined the parameters of strength
including UCS and CBR. The outcomes of this investigation sum
up that the values of density (BA and cement 8% and 8% respec-
tively), CBR (BA and cement 4% and 8% respectively), and UCS
(BA and cement content 8% and 8% respectively) showed an
increase in its values.
4. Limitation of using lime as soil stabilizing agent
Lime (calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide) is applied to soil in
order to improve its engineering properties, such as its strength,
stability, and workability. This method of soil stabilization has
been around for quite some time. Despite its numerous advan-
tages, there are certain limitations to this method. Some of the
key limitations include:
5
Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx
 Soil type compatibility: Lime stabilization is most effective on
clayey or silty soils with high plasticity. It is less effective on
granular soils, such as sands and gravels, that do not possess
significant amounts of clay minerals [48].
 Presence of organic matter: High levels of organic matter in the
soil can interfere with the chemical reactions that take place
during lime stabilization, reducing its overall effectiveness.
The presence of organic matter may require the addition of
more lime to achieve the desired results, increasing costs
[23,48].
 Cost considerations: The cost of lime and its transportation to
the site may be significant, especially in remote areas or where
lime is not locally available. Additionally, the cost of specialized
equipment and skilled labor for lime stabilization might be pro-
hibitive for some projects.
 Environmental impact: The production of lime results in the
release of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, during the calcina-
tion process. Furthermore, the extraction of limestone, from
which lime is produced, can lead to habitat destruction and
other environmental concerns [49].
 Weather conditions: Lime stabilization is sensitive to weather
conditions, such as temperature and moisture. Low tempera-
tures can slow down the chemical reactions, while high mois-
ture content can result in a reduced bearing capacity of the
stabilized soil.
 Quality control: Ensuring the proper mix design, application
rate, and curing conditions can be challenging, requiring skilled
personnel and quality control measures to ensure the success of
the soil stabilization process [49].
In spite of these drawbacks, lime stabilization continues to be
an efficient approach that is commonly utilized for the purpose
of enhancing the engineering properties of problematic soils. In
certain instances, however, project-specific evaluations and con-
sideration of alternative soil stabilization techniques may be
required.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) as a soil
stabilizing agent has shown promising results in various studies.
It is pertinent to note that when soil is mixed with SBA and lime
in different proportions, plasticity index and maximum dry density
(MDD) are reduced, while unconfined compressive strength (UCS)
and California bearing ratio (CBR) show an increase. Furthermore,
the pozzolanic action of soil, bagasse ash, and lime results in an
increment in the optimum moisture content value, as more water
is needed. To sum up, the literature reviewed in this article has
demonstrated that sugarcane bagasse ash is not only an effective
alternative for soil stabilization but also environmentally friendly.
It not only enhances the engineering properties of soil but also
addresses the disposal problem associated with bagasse ash waste.
However, it is important to recognize that SBA alone may not yield
optimal results; combining it with other admixtures such as lime
can significantly improve its effectiveness as a soil stabilizer. In
light of these findings, it is clear that the use of SBA in soil stabiliza-
tion holds great potential for the construction industry. However,
further research is needed to optimize the use of SBA in different
soil types and under varying conditions. Additionally, the develop-
ment of guidelines and standard procedures for SBA utilization in
soil stabilization can help promote its widespread adoption, con-
tributing to more sustainable and environmentally friendly con-
struction practices.
M. Adnan, S. Kumar, N. Garg et al.
CRediT authorship contribution statement
Mohd Adnan: Conceptualization, Data curation, Writing – orig-
inal draft. Sanjeev Kumar: . Nikhil Garg: Conceptualization, Data
curation, Formal analysis, Methodology, Supervision, Writing –
review & editing. Keerat Kumar Gupta: . Sourav Kumar Das: .
Data availability
Data will be made available on request.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing finan-
cial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared
to influence the work reported in this paper.
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