Strength Development in Silty Clay Stabilized with Calcium Carbide Residue and Fly Ash

Abstract

This paper investigates the possibility of using calcium carbide residue and fly ash to improve the strength of silty clay. Calcium carbide residue (CCR) is waste products remaining from acetylene gas. Fly ash is waste products remaining from power plants. This paper aims to determine the suitable mixing ratio and explain the strength development. The strength development is investigated by the unconfined compression test. The microstructural analysis is done via scanning electron microscope. It is found from this investigation that the mixing of CCR and fly ash in the silty clay leads to lower dry unit weight and higher optimum water content. The maximum strength of compacted CCR and fly ash stabilized silty clay is at the optimum water content. The 7% CCR content provides the highest strength and pozzolanic reaction plays a great role when CCR content is over 7%.