Experimental Research on the Patterns of Fly Ash Influence on the Properties of Soil Layers

The article considers the possibility of using fly ash from thermal power plants (TPPs) for soil stabilization in road construction. The relevance of the study is driven by the deficit of suitable natural soils and the necessity of using industrial waste for sustainable development. Modern scientific research on the influence of fly ash in combination with various activators on the physico-mechanical properties of soils is analyzed and summarized. It is shown that the introduction of fly ash promotes the formation of cementation bonds in the soil structure, leading to a decrease in plasticity and an increase in strength indicators. The efficiency of soil stabilization depends on the ash content, its properties, and curing conditions. Based on the analysis of scientific sources, the program and methodology of experimental research are substantiated, the list of controlled properties is determined, and the variations of ash and cement content in the mixtures are specified. Through laboratory experiments, the patterns of changes in the properties of stabilized soils depending on the ash content were revealed. Particular attention is paid to the study of the complex binder "fly ash – cement". It is proved that the rational combination of these components significantly increases the frost resistance and crack resistance of soil bases. The paper details the research methodology and presents and analyzes the results of experimental testing. The use of ash is a promising direction for improving the engineering properties of soil structures, contributing to the reduction of valuable natural resource use by replacing them with industrial waste. The results obtained testify to the efficiency of soil stabilization with fly ash and the feasibility of further research aimed at improving the efficiency of road construction and implementing the principles of sustainable development