Abstract- This study focuses on the stabilization of black cotton soil using construction and demolition waste, specifically brick powder obtained from demolished structures. In this study, black cotton soil was collected from Amravati, Maharashtra, and brick powder was obtained from demolition waste. The waste material was processed by crushing and sieving through a 425-micron IS sieve. The soil was mixed with different proportions of brick powder (6%, 9%, 12%, and 15%) to evaluate its effect on soil properties. A series of laboratory tests were conducted, including sieve analysis, specific gravity test, Atterberg limits (liquid limit, plastic limit, shrinkage limit), compaction test (Standard Proctor), free swell index, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test. These tests were carried out on both untreated soil and stabilized soil samples. The results indicate that the addition of brick powder significantly improves the engineering properties of black cotton soil. The plasticity index decreases, indicating reduced swelling behavior. The maximum dry density increases, while optimum moisture content shows variation depending on the mix proportion. The CBR value increases considerably, indicating improved load-bearing capacity suitable for road subgrade applications. The stabilized soil also shows better strength and reduced compressibility compared to untreated soil. The study concludes that construction and demolition waste, particularly brick powder, can be effectively used as a stabilizing material for expansive soils. This method is economical, eco-friendly, and sustainable as it reduces the need for conventional stabilizers like cement and lime, minimizes environmental pollution, and promotes recycling of waste materials.
Bhosale et al. (Fri,) studied this question.