Mitigating Circular Footing Settlement with Coconut Husk Ash: A Sustainable Approach
摘要
Using waste materials for soil stabilization presents a promising avenue in civil engineering for addressing environmental concerns and fostering sustainable development. This study investigates the efficacy of coconut husk ash (CHA) as a soil stabilizer to reduce settlement of circular footings, particularly in regions afflicted by expansive soil issues, such as India. Finite element analysis (FEA) conducted using Plaxis 2D software is employed to analyze and simulate circular footing performance under varying soil conditions and CHA concentrations (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15%). Expansive soils prevalent in India and worldwide pose significant engineering challenges due to their propensity for swelling and shrinking with changes in moisture content. These soils exhibit high plasticity and volumetric changes, leading to adverse effects on structures, including foundation settlements and cracking. Conventional stabilization methods typically involve chemical additives or cement, which may have environmental drawbacks and lack sustainability. Using CHA as a soil stabilizer offers a sustainable solution by repurposing agricultural waste and minimizing environmental impacts associated with conventional stabilizers. CHA possesses pozzolanic properties that can improve soil characteristics such as compaction, strength, and durability. Through FEA simulations, this study evaluates the effectiveness of CHA in reducing the settlement of circular footings, considering soil type, CHA content, and footing dimensions. A reduction of nearly 38% was observed in the settlement of circular footing when a CHA content of 9% was mixed with the soil. The outcomes of this research contribute to mitigating the challenges posed by expansive soils, emphasizing the potential of waste utilization for sustainable development. By addressing soil-related issues and diminishing reliance on conventional stabilizers, the integration of CHA promotes environmental conservation and resource efficiency.