In the heart of the construction industry’s quest for sustainable and cost-effective materials, a groundbreaking study has emerged from the Department of Mining Engineering, led by Horris K. Nangulama. The research, published in the *Journal of Engineering* (which translates to *Journal of Engineering* in English), explores the potential of sugarcane bagasse ash (BA) incorporated with limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) to revolutionize the stabilization of black cotton soils (BCS).
Black cotton soils, known for their high swell degree, have long posed challenges in construction, particularly in road and foundation applications. Traditional stabilization methods have often been costly and environmentally taxing. However, Nangulama’s study offers a cleaner and more economical approach. “The incorporation of BA with LC3 not only addresses the technical challenges but also aligns with the urgent need to mitigate climate change and reduce construction costs,” Nangulama explained.
The research involved a series of laboratory tests, including free swell index (FSI), compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR), and shear strength engineering properties. The results were striking. The BA-LC3 binder stabilization completely eradicated the swelling behavior of BCS, reducing the FSI by 71.8%. The UCS increased significantly, and the CBR performance reached the 80% threshold, meeting the requirements for foundation soil and road applications.
Microstructure evaluations revealed that calcium aluminosilicate hydrates (CASHs) were the prime cementitious products formed in the stabilized BCS. This finding underscores the potential of BA-LC3 as a high-performance, eco-friendly construction material. “The formation of CASHs indicates a strong and durable bond within the soil structure, which is crucial for long-term stability,” Nangulama noted.
The study also highlighted the economic and environmental benefits. The BA-LC3 binder proved to be more cost-effective and cleaner than traditional methods, offering a significant reduction in carbon footprint. This innovation could reshape the construction industry, particularly in regions with abundant black cotton soils, by providing a sustainable and efficient stabilization solution.
As the construction industry continues to seek greener and more economical materials, Nangulama’s research offers a promising avenue. The findings suggest that BA-LC3 could become a standard practice in soil stabilization, contributing to the industry’s efforts to combat climate change and reduce costs. This study not only advances our understanding of soil stabilization but also paves the way for future developments in sustainable construction practices.