Alkali Interaction with Expansive and Non Expansive Soils

Authors

  • Neethu John Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University/Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Palakkad, Kerala, India
  • Mohamed Nihal N B.Tech Final Year Student, Department of Civil Engineering, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University/Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Palakkad, Kerala, India
  • Niveditha KS B.Tech Final Year Student, Department of Civil Engineering, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University/Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Palakkad, Kerala, India
  • Renil Das B.Tech Final Year Student, Department of Civil Engineering, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University/Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Palakkad, Kerala, India
  • Ridhick Prakash J B.Tech Final Year Student, Department of Civil Engineering, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University/Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Palakkad, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15107823

Keywords:

alkali, soil, properties

Abstract

This research examines the interaction of alkali contaminants with both expansive and non-expansive soils, specifically black cotton soil and red soil, while assessing the effectiveness of sulphur and gypsum in restoring soil pH for geotechnical stability. Alkaline contamination, commonly caused by industrial effluents, construction activities, and agricultural practices, alters soil behavior by influencing its strength, swelling-shrinkage properties, and overall suitability for construction and infrastructure development. Laboratory experiments are conducted to evaluate the impact of alkalinity on key soil properties, including Atterberg limits, swelling potential, shear strength, permeability, and consolidation characteristics.

Expansive soils, such as black cotton soil, exhibit significant volume changes with moisture fluctuations, whereas non-expansive soils like red soil respond differently to alkali exposure. The presence of alkali contaminants can lead to reduced cohesion, increased dispersibility, and diminished bearing capacity, which pose risks to foundations, pavements, and embankments. This study investigates the potential of sulphur and gypsum as chemical stabilizers to counteract the negative effects of alkalinity. Controlled soil treatment trials are conducted to systematically assess variations in soil pH, structural integrity, and overall engineering performance.

The results offer valuable insights into the geotechnical consequences of alkaline contamination and the effectiveness of remediation techniques in stabilizing affected soils. By addressing the challenges posed by contaminated soils in civil engineering applications, this research contributes to sustainable ground improvement strategies, enhancing the durability and safety of infrastructure projects in impacted areas.

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References

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Published

2025-03-29

How to Cite

John, N., Nihal N, M., Niveditha, K., Das, R., & Ridhick Prakash, J. (2025). Alkali Interaction with Expansive and Non Expansive Soils . Applied Science and Engineering Journal for Advanced Research, 4(2), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15107823

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): March Issue

Section

Articles

ARK

https://n2t.net/ark:/88926/ASEJAR.v4i2.136

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Neethu John, Mohamed Nihal N, Niveditha KS, Renil Das, Ridhick Prakash J

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Research Articles in 'Applied Science and Engineering Journal for Advanced Research' are Open Access articles published under the Creative Commons CC BY License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. This license allows you to share – copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format. Adapt – remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.