Geotechnical Properties of Problem Soils Stabilized with Fly Ash and Limestone Dust in Philadelphia

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a laboratory experimental program to evaluate the potential of limestone dust (LSD) and coal fly ash (CFA) to stabilize some problem soils in southeastern Pennsylvania. Some of the geotechnical characteristics of the soils investigated include Atterberg limits, compaction, California bearing ratio (CBR), swell, and unconfined compressive strength (UCS). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test performed on the generated data confirmed that LSD and CFA contents significantly influenced the compaction and the strength characteristics of Philadelphia soils stabilized with these additives. Results of the study showed that the plasticity and swell of the soils were reduced by 40% and between 40 and 70%, respectively. The results further showed a marked increase in strength of the soils for CBR and UCS when stabilized with the additives.