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Sugarcane Press Mud (SPM) is a waste generated from the sugar industry. India generates about 12 million tonnes of SPM annually and hence, needs effective management. The present study delves into the use of SPM as a ternary blend in cement-lime stabilization of an expansive soil. An expansive soil was stabilized using a combination of 4.5% lime (determined from the Eades and Grim pH test) and a fixed cement content of 1%. The effect of the stabilization was studied by casting cylindrical specimens of dimensions 38 mm x 76 mm and curing them for periods of 7, 14 and 28 days. This process was modified by blending it with SPM as a ternary additive up to 5% in increments of 1%. The optimal dosage of SPM was evaluated for enhanced strength gain which was then subjected to a wet-dry cycle to understand the effect of variation in moisture content. The results of the investigation revealed that cement-lime stabilization of the soil was significantly better than lime stabilization alone. 1% SPM was found to be the optimal dosage required for maximum strength gain. Based on the results, it was concluded that ternary blending of SPM can potentially be beneficial in soil stabilization.

Weak soil at construction sites necessitates ground improvement. Chemical stabilization is typically carried out using either lime or cement. The primary objective of this study was to assess the strength and durability of lime-stabilized soils modified with nano-alumina (NA). This study adopted the scientifically established initial consumption of lime (ICL) content for soil stabilization. In addition, nano-alumina was added in varying percentages as an auxiliary additive. It was observed that 0.5 % of nano-alumina was optimal with respect to the ICL for maximizing the soil stabilization. The stabilized soils were cured for 0, 7, 14, and 28 days. Post-curing testing revealed that the strength increased sixfold for the optimal combination, compared with the virgin soil. To understand the durability behavior of the optimal combination, the stabilized soil specimens were subjected to wetting and drying cycles after 28 days of curing. The optimal combination was nearly as durable as that of the lime-stabilized soil subjected to five cycles of wetting and drying.