In the quest for sustainable infrastructure, a groundbreaking study from India is turning industrial waste into a valuable resource for soil stabilization. Researchers from the Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in Bengaluru and Visvesvaraya Technological University in Belagavi have discovered a novel way to enhance the properties of lateritic soil, a common but problematic soil type in tropical regions. The lead author, Chidananda M Linganagoudar, and his team have published their findings in the journal Materials Research Express, which translates to Materials Research Express.
Lateritic soils, known for their high plasticity and low strength, have long posed challenges for construction projects. However, Linganagoudar’s research offers a promising solution by utilizing flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, a byproduct of coal-fired power plants, as a partial replacement for cement in soil stabilization.
The study involved treating lateritic soil samples with varying amounts of cement and FGD gypsum. The optimal mix, consisting of 6% cement and 3% FGD gypsum, showed remarkable improvements. “We observed an over 110% increase in unconfined compressive strength after 28 days,” Linganagoudar explained. “Moreover, the permeability of the soil reduced by 26%, and the soaked California Bearing Ratio improved by 56% compared to untreated soil.”
These enhancements are not just numbers on a page; they represent significant strides in creating durable, long-lasting infrastructure. The improved fatigue life under cyclic loading indicates that this stabilized soil can withstand high-traffic applications, making it an ideal choice for pavement subgrades.
But the innovation doesn’t stop at the laboratory. Linganagoudar and his team employed machine learning models to predict key geotechnical parameters, reducing the need for extensive laboratory testing. “We used Decision Tree, Random Forest, and Multi-Layer Perceptron models to achieve high prediction accuracy,” Linganagoudar said. “This data-driven approach not only validates the feasibility of using FGD gypsum in sustainable soil stabilization but also promotes efficient pavement design.”
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Coal-fired power plants, often criticized for their environmental impact, could find a new purpose for their FGD gypsum byproduct. By integrating this waste into soil stabilization, power plants can contribute to sustainable construction practices, potentially opening new revenue streams and reducing waste disposal costs.
This research paves the way for future developments in the field of geotechnical engineering. As Linganagoudar noted, “The integration of machine learning with traditional experimental methods offers a powerful tool for predicting and optimizing soil stabilization techniques.” This approach could revolutionize how engineers design and build infrastructure, making it more resilient and sustainable.
The study, published in Materials Research Express, marks a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable construction materials. As the world seeks to balance industrial growth with environmental responsibility, innovations like this offer a beacon of hope. By turning industrial waste into a valuable resource, we can build a future that is both strong and sustainable.