Bearing capacity of bottom ash and its mixture with soils

This study characterizes two types of silica–aluminous bottom ashes, produced at Spanish power stations situated in Soto de Ribera (SR) and Aboño (AB), for their use in roads. Using laboratory tests, it was verified that these ashes can be used in embankments when they are appropriately compacted, given that their dry densities are very low. CBR index values of over 30% were obtained. Three soils have been mixed with different percentages of the bottom ashes. Soils can be improved by adding bottom ash contents that vary from 15% to 40% of the soil weight, thus improving their load-bearing capacity and reducing their plasticity.