In the quest for cost-effective and environmentally friendly construction materials, a groundbreaking study has emerged from the Department of Civil Engineering at Koforidua Technical University in Ghana. Lead author Alexander Fordjour and his team have published their findings in ‘The Journal of Engineering’ (known in English as ‘The Journal of Engineering’), exploring the potential of eggshell and plastic waste as stabilizers for lateritic soils. This research could significantly impact the construction and energy sectors, particularly in regions where lateritic soils are prevalent.
The study, titled “Multi-Condition Optimization of Plastic and Eggshell as Stabilizer via Surrogate Model,” delves into the use of agricultural waste products to stabilize soil, a method that is both economical and eco-friendly. Fordjour explains, “The aim was to predict the compressive strength of lateritic soil modified with eggshell and plastic powder. We employed a surrogate model using Latin hypercube sampling for pairing generation, with a batching ratio of 1:4 and a water-cement ratio of 0.4.”
The results were promising. The engineering characteristics of clayey soil showed significant improvement after the addition of eggshell powder (ESP) and plastic waste (PW). The curing duration also played a crucial role in enhancing these properties. Fordjour notes, “The curing duration significantly improved the engineering characteristics of the stabilized soil samples.”
One of the key findings was the substantial influence of eggshell powder on the California bearing ratio (CBR), optimum moisture content (OMC), and maximum dry density (MDD). The deviations between the optimized and experimental values were minimal, indicating the reliability of the optimization process. For instance, ID number 19 showed deviations of just 1.70%, 7.74%, and 0.52% for CBR, OMC, and MDD, respectively.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. In the construction industry, the use of eggshell and plastic waste as stabilizers could lead to substantial cost savings and reduced environmental impact. For the energy sector, particularly in regions with lateritic soils, this method could provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for stabilizing soil used in the construction of energy infrastructure.
Fordjour’s research enhances our understanding of how ESP and PW influence the engineering properties of lateritic soil. As the world seeks sustainable and innovative solutions, this study offers a glimpse into the future of construction materials. The findings could pave the way for further research and practical applications, ultimately shaping the development of more eco-friendly and economical construction practices.
In a world grappling with environmental challenges and rising construction costs, this research offers a beacon of hope. By leveraging agricultural waste products, we can not only reduce costs but also contribute to a more sustainable future. As Fordjour and his team continue to explore this promising avenue, the construction and energy sectors watch with keen interest, ready to embrace the innovations that lie ahead.