Utilization of Brine Sludge to Improve the Strength and Compressibility Characteristics of Soft Clays

Stabilization of soil is a method to enhance the properties of soil by mixing and blending other materials. In past decades, efforts have been made to utilize the by-products of industrial waste such as blast furnace slag, fly ash in large scale, to stabilize soils. An inefficient treatment and disposal practice of industrial waste cause serious damage to the environment. Therefore, the proper use of these wastes is highly advisable for ensuring a clean and safe environment. This paper aims to make use of the waste generated from a major industry located in Kochi for the purpose of stabilization of soft marine clay. The waste, known as ‘Brine sludge,’ is generated during the manufacturing of caustic soda and chlorine through electrolysis of brine. This study explores the potential use of brine sludge in soil stabilization. In the present work, brine sludge was mixed with marine clay at various percentages of 10, 20, 30, and 40% by dry weight of the moist clay. In an attempt to determine the effect of a calcium-based stabilizer on brine sludge-stabilized clay, 3% of lime was added with brine sludge-treated clay specimens.