In the heart of Lahore, Pakistan, a groundbreaking study is turning trash into treasure, quite literally. Bilal Tanveer, a civil engineering researcher from Lahore Leads University City Campus, has been exploring innovative ways to enhance soil stability using waste glass powder (WGP). His research, published in the Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (known in English as the Mehran University Journal of Engineering and Technology Research), is not just a scientific endeavor but a potential game-changer for the construction and energy sectors.
Tanveer’s study addresses a critical challenge in civil engineering: the variability and often poor durability of foundation soils. Traditional stabilization techniques can be costly and environmentally unfriendly. Enter waste glass powder, a byproduct of the exponential increase in municipal solid waste. “The significance of recycling waste has increased recently in terms of both environmental sustainability and eco-friendliness,” Tanveer explains. His research demonstrates that WGP can be both economical and environmentally beneficial.
The study involved mixing WGP with soil samples in increments of 2%, ranging from 2% to 10%. The results were promising. Atterberg limits, which measure the moisture content at which soils change from a liquid to a plastic state, decreased with an increase in WGP content. However, maximum dry density (MDD), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and California bearing ratios (CBR) all showed significant improvements up to 6% WGP content. “The findings from this study on soil stabilization using WGP highlight its significant potential for enhancing soil properties and providing sustainable solutions in the fields of civil engineering and construction,” Tanveer notes.
The direct shear test results were particularly intriguing. The internal angle of friction, a measure of the soil’s resistance to shear stress, peaked at 6% WGP content, aligning with the MDD results. Meanwhile, cohesion, which measures the soil’s internal stickiness, decreased with the increase of WGP content. This nuanced understanding of soil behavior opens up new avenues for sustainable soil stabilization.
The commercial implications for the energy sector are substantial. Stable soil foundations are crucial for the construction of energy infrastructure, from wind turbines to solar farms. By using waste glass powder, companies can reduce costs and environmental impact while enhancing the durability of their projects. “This study reveals that 6% WGP content is the optimum value to use,” Tanveer concludes, offering a clear, actionable insight for industry professionals.
As the world grapples with the challenges of waste management and sustainable construction, Tanveer’s research offers a beacon of hope. By turning waste into a valuable resource, we can build a more sustainable future. The study not only enhances our understanding of soil stabilization but also paves the way for innovative, eco-friendly solutions in civil engineering and beyond.