Stabilization of Black Cotton Soil Using Sawdust

Black cotton soils have a limited bearing capacity and are expansive. Black cotton soils typically include the mineral montmorillonite clay, which causes the soil to shrink and swell. Black cotton soil swelling will fluctuate as the moisture content varies. Sawdust is a commonly available and reasonably priced substance that can be used to stabilize black cotton soil (BC Soil) and make it an acceptable sub-grade material. In order to safely support the additional overburden loads during highway building, the modified sub-grade material can be utilized. Therefore, the goal of this study is to increase the soil's strength metrics by varying the percentage of sawdust added. The Penumaka village, which is close to the AP capital, is where the soil samples are gathered. In the current investigation, several sawdust percentages of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% are employed. The laboratory performs tests like the CBR test, the liquid and plastic limits, the standard proctor test, and others, and compiles and analyzes the data. According to the findings, adding 6% sawdust to BC soil resulted in (i) lower values for metrics including liquid limit, plasticity index, and ideal moisture content and (ii) a higher CBR value. Based on the increased CBR value, the study suggests that sawdust can be utilized to enhance the BC soil's strength parameters and be safely applied while building pavements.