A comparative analysis of pozzolanic material and admixture treatment for black cotton soil as a sub-grade layer

The building material industry, subgrade condition variations, and shifting vehicle patterns all need adjustments in the road construction technology sector. One of the most challenging sub-grade conditions that accounts for a significant percentage of pavement failures is the existence of expanding sub-grade. Black cotton soil covers around 20% of the geographical area in our nation. The soil is not suited for use as an embankment or foundation material because of its undesirable engineering properties, which include substantial swelling and shrinking. The prevalence of these soils in several countries, including India, is such that it is nearly impossible to reroute highways to avoid encountering them. Therefore, in order to enhance pavement performance and save maintenance costs, stabilizing the expansive soil is crucial. The research explores the cost-effectiveness and performance enhancements achieved through the use of industrial waste products, shedding light on their potential for improving sub-grade stability and sustainability in civil engineering projects. This study presents an economic comparative analysis of composite sub-grade layers utilizing black cotton soil, focusing on the influence of incorporating pozzolanic materials and admixtures.