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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM65032
Volume:
10 |
6 |
Jun 2026
Pages:
1-6
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
Civil engineering
RK College of Engineering (Autonomous), Vijayawada
This research investigates the potential of stabilizing lateritic soil for flexible pavement applications through the use of RBI Grade 81 and Pond Ash as environmentally sustainable stabilizing agents. The study involved the partial replacement of lateritic soil with RBI Grade 81 at proportions ranging from 2% to 10% at intervals of 2%, while maintaining a constant Pond Ash content of 10%. A series of laboratory experiments were performed to evaluate the engineering properties of the untreated and stabilized soils. These tests included particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics (Optimum Moisture Content and Maximum Dry Density), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS). Based on the experimental results, the optimum blend was identified considering strength enhancement, durability, and bearing capacity improvement. The selected stabilized mix was subsequently utilized in the design of a flexible pavement using IITPave software, taking into account traffic loading and environmental factors. The pavement design outcomes were further compared with the recommendations of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) to assess their suitability and identify possible improvements in pavement design practices. The findings indicate that the combined use of RBI Grade 81 and Pond Ash significantly improves the engineering performance of lateritic soil, making it a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional pavement materials. The study contributes to the development of cost-effective and eco-friendly pavement systems and provides valuable information regarding the application of stabilized soil layers in sustainable transportation infrastructure.
KEYWORDS
The study on stabilizing lateritic soil using RBI Grade 81 and Pond Ash demonstrated significant improvements in soil properties, making it suitable for engineering applications. Evaluations included Free Swell Index (FSI), Specific Gravity, Liquid and Plastic Limits, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), Optimum Moisture Content (OMC), Maximum Dry Density (MDD), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and Triaxial Shear tests. FSI reduced from 50% to 15%, with the optimal reduction at 20% in the S4 mix (6% RBI Grade 81, 10% Pond Ash), enhancing suitability for expansive soils. Specific gravity decreased from 2.65 to 2.56 due to Pond Ash's lighter nature, improving stability. The Liquid and Plastic Limits fell from 40% and 22% to 32% and 16%, respectively, reflecting reduced plasticity and better workability. UCS peaked at 450 kPa for S4, indicating enhanced strength, while OMC dropped to 10.5%, and MDD rose to 1.92 g/cc, showing improved compaction efficiency. CBR values increased significantly, with unsoaked values rising from 5% to 22%, confirming better load-bearing capacity. Triaxial tests showed improved cohesion (48 kPa) and friction angle (29°), leading to a 145% increase in shear strength. The findings suggest S4 as the optimal mix, balancing strength, cost, and sustainability. The IIT Pave-designed flexible pavement reinforced the material's suitability for durable, eco-friendly infrastructure.
. Anitha, K. R., Ashalatha, R., & Johnson, A. S. (2009). Effects of RBI 81 on different types of subgrade soil. 10th National Conference on Technological Trends (NCTT09), 6-7 Nov 2009. 2. Choudhary, R., & Bansal, A. (2015). Effect of fly ash and RBI Grade 81 on flexible pavements. Journal of Transportation Infrastructure, 9(4), 221-230. 3. CRRI. (1994). Pavement performance study on existing pavement sections. Project sponsored by Ministry of Surface Transport, Government of India. Final Report, Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi. 4. Das, S., & Kumar, P. (2018). Effectiveness of RBI Grade 81 as a soil stabilizer. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 30(11), 568-576. 5. Dattatraya Thube, & Thube, A. (2013). Software development for calibration of highway development and management tool (HDM-4) for local conditions. International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research. 6. Goyal, R., & Singh, V. (2017). Environmental impact of using industrial waste in pavement construction. Journal of Environmental Management, 200, 47-56. 7. Gunturi, M., Ravichandran, P. T., Annadurai, R., & Krishnan, K. D. (2014). Effect of RBI-81 on CBR and swell behavior of expansive soil. International Journal of Engineering Research, 3(5), 336-339. 8. Gupta, D., & Yadav, R. (2019). Impact of traffic load on flexible pavements stabilized with pond ash. Pavement Engineering and Materials Journal, 15(4), 300-310. 9. Gupta, S. (2022). Sustainable use of pond ash in road pavement construction. Journal of Sustainable Infrastructure, 14(2), 123-135. 10. Harish, G. R. (2017). Analysis of flexible pavements design using IIT PAVE. Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR), 3(6). 11. IRC. (2012). Guidelines for the design of flexible pavements. Indian Road Congress, New Delhi.
Publication Date
6/15/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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