Strength and Durability of Cement Stabilized Expansive Soil Amended with Sugarcane Press Mud

Abstract The present investigation delved into the performance of cement stabilized soil amended with sugarcane press mud (PM), an organic waste residue from the sugar industry. An expansive soil was stabilized using 3% and 8% ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and modified with 1%, 3% and 5% PM. Cylindrical samples of dimensions 38 mm diameter and 76 mm height were cast and cured for 7, 14 and 21 days for all combinations considered. After the designated curing periods, the specimens were strained axially until failure to determine the strength of the samples. Samples were also subjected to alternate cycles of wetting and drying and the resistance to loss in weight was determined. The results of the investigation revealed that PM can be considered as a strength accelerator due to enhancement in early strength of the samples at 7 days of curing but beneficial strength gain could not be sustained over extended curing periods considered. However, 1% and 3% PM modified specimens were more resistant to weight loss when compared to pure cement stabilized specimens. Based on the results of the investigation, PM can be considered as a potential auxiliary additive to cement stabilized soil for improving the durability performance of the soil.