A review on the effect of fly ash on the geotechnical properties and stability of soil

Abstract

Fly ash acquired from power stations causes removal challenges and environmental concerns. Disposal concerns can be solved by employing these waste materials as a raw source to improve soil stability. Stability of soil refers to the improvement of soil behaviour due to the enhancement of the soil’s geotechnical properties. Water content, strength, plasticity, and density are the most often adjusted properties. Extensive studies have focused on the influence of fly ash on soil stability. Therefore, this investigation discussed some of these studies, drawing a critical review to find out the effect of fly ash additive on soil characteristics. Also, this study focused on the impact of fly ash (FA) mixed with clay soil. Generally, it can be said that fly ash improved the soil stability, especially in terms of CBR values, the permeability of the soil and decreased the potential of volumetric soil changes through a series of experimental tests. This is due to the size and shape of particles; in addition to the treated period, volumetric dilation of the ground is reduced. Considering that the additives are not biodegradable, the behavioural adjustment of the hardened soil does not disappear.

Keywords

• Fly ash
• Permeability
• Soil stability
• Additives
• Mechanical properties