Exploring the Properties of Black Cotton Soil by Blending Recycled Construction and Demolition (C and D) Waste

Abstract

Black cotton (BC) soil is widely recognized for its problematic nature, primarily due to its high compressibility and significant volumetric changes in response to moisture variations. These properties cause low bearing capacity and structural instability, posing challenges for construction. This research explores the potential of construction and demolition (C&D) waste as a sustainable additive for improving the geotechnical properties of BC soil. C&D waste was incorporated into BC soil at varying proportions (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) to evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing soil strength, load-bearing capacity, and resistance to swelling. The study evaluated the impact of C&D waste on the geotechnical properties of BC soil. A detailed analysis was performed on plasticity index, OMC, MDD, and DFSI. The inclusion of recycled C&D waste enhances the mechanical performance of BC soil and reduces its plasticity and swelling. The results indicate that the inclusion of recycled C&D waste significantly improves and mechanical performance of BC soil while reducing its plasticity and swelling potential. This study underscores the viability of using recycled construction materials for eco-friendly soil stabilization, aligning with sustainable engineering practices and circular economy principles.