Optimizing Soft Clay Consolidation with Alternative Filter Materials- Study on Sand and Bottom Ash

This study evaluates the application of vertical drain systems using natural and synthetic clay (Kaolin) with sand and bottom ash as filter material for enhanced soil consolidation. This research seeks to evaluate the influence of varying vertical drain diameter and vertical spacing on clay subsoil consolidation. The experimental method used included consolidation tests that were carried out under laboratory-controlled environment with reference to the Indian Standards (I. S. 2720). Some of the highlighted findings is by comparing the consolidation rates of both sand and bottom ash drains through fulfilling the necessary conditions it was established that bottom ash can therefore be used as a replacement for sand to improve on the soil permeability and reduction of consolidation time. Finally, the results of the experiment were supported by Taylor’s method numerical analysis of the consolidation coefficients and the volume variation. The findings provided in the study help to enhance the utilization of ground improvement techniques in an efficient manner with reference to soft clay soils.