Optimization of California bearing ratio of tropical black clay soil treated with cement kiln dust and metakaolin blend

The study showcase the optimization of California bearing ratio (CBR) values of expansive soil treated with cement kiln dust (CKD) and metakaolin (MTK) blend based on Scheffe optimization method. The CBR values utilized in the design of road infrastructure is an important parameter because it provides the rating of soil material for use as subgrade, sub-base and/or base course of road pavement. Therefore, applying Scheffe optimization technique will eliminate the random selection of design mix ratios and other associated disadvantages during CBR tests. Based on the optimization exercise and it results, the maximum CBR (unsoaked and soaked) values of 69 and 50 % were achieved with a corresponding mix ratio of 1.0:0.30:0.35:0.50 for black cotton soil, water, cement kiln dust and metakaolin respectively. During the course of this study, the laboratory results were used to develop two CBR models. The scheffe models developed are Ŷ = 34X(1) + 46X(2) + 40X(3) + 69X(4) - 8X(1)X(2) - 4X(1)X(3) + 34X(1)X(4) + 8X(2)X(3) + 34X(2)X(4) + 30X(3)X(4) and Ŷ = 17X(1) + 28X(2) + 22X(3) + 50X(4) - 10X(1)X(2) - 6X(1)X(3) + 42X(1)X(4) + 8X(2)X(3) + 40X(2)X(4) + 40X(3)X(4) for CBR unsoaked and soaked, respectively. In addition, the mathematical models were statistically scrutinized, confirmed for the adequacy and validity based on the outcomes of student t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Also, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques were used to explore the morphological and composition variations of the natural soil in contrast with the typically optimized soil-CKD-MTK blend. However, the SEM of the unaltered soil sample showed a smooth like surface, whereas the soil mixture optimally treated does not show same but rather demonstrated a rough like surfaced morphology. Thus, the observed variations might be due to the alterations of the soil fabrics possibly enhanced by the development of cementitious compounds (calcium silicate hydrate and calcium aluminate hydrate) as a result of pozzolanic reaction.

Automated summary

The study optimized the California bearing ratio (CBR) values of expansive soil treated with cement kiln dust (CKD) and metakaolin (MTK) using the Scheffe optimization method, achieving maximum CBR values and developing CBR models. The statistical analysis confirmed the adequacy of the mathematical models, and SEM and EDX techniques were used to explore morphological and composition variations between natural and optimized soil blends. The observed alterations in soil texture were attributed to the formation of cementitious compounds during the pozzolanic reaction.