Effects of Steel Mill Scale on the strength characteristics of Expansive Clay Soils(Black Cotton Clay soil)

Abstract

The results of laboratory investigations on the influence of Steel Mill Scale on the strength characteristics of tropical black cotton clay soils are presented. Tropical Black Cotton clay soils were mixed with Steel Mill Scale at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 30% Steel Mill Scale content (by dry weight of soil) in order to establish the soil stabilizing potentials. Steel Mill Scale increased the Maximum Dry Density, MDD, of the soil by about 19% and reduced the Optimum Moisture Content, OMC, by about 28%. Soaked CBR increased with increase in Steel Mill Scale while Un-Soaked CBR decreased with increase in Steel Mill Scale content. Steel Mill scale increased the Un-soaked CBR by about 19% and reduced the Soaked CBR by about 75%. Swelling potential reduced by about 60% with the addition of Steel Mill Scale. Steel Mill Scale increased the unconfined compressive strength of black cotton soils by about 53% at 5% Steel Mill Scale content. The results indicate that there is a potential in the use of Steel Mill Scale to strengthen Black cotton soils.

Keywords: Expansive soils, Black cotton clay soil, Steel Mill Scale, Strength Characteristics