Effects of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag in the Engineering Behaviour of Stabilized Soft Soil

The paper evaluated the potential of granulated blast furnace slag (GBS) to stabilize a soft soil. Soft soil samples were collected from Tatibandh-Atari, rural road of Raipur, Chhattisgarh. This soil was classified as CI-MI as per Indian standard classification system (ISCS). Different amounts of GBS, i.e., 3, 6, 9 and 12% were used to stabilize the soft soil. The performance of GBS stabilized soils was evaluated using physical and strength performance tests namely, plasticity index, specific gravity, free swelling index, compaction, swelling pressure, california bearing ratio (CBR) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS). Based on strength performance tests, optimum amount of GBS was determined as 9%. Moreover, results indicate that inclusion of GBS increases the strength of soft soils, for example, UCS of 9% GBS modified soil was found approximately 28% higher compared to raw soil. Similarly, significant improvement has been observed for unsoaked and soaked CBR value of soils.