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International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science

( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal )
Volume:03/Issue:11/November-2021 Impact Factor- 6.752 www.irjmets.com
EFFECT OF SUGARCANE BAGASSE ASH ON GEOTECHNICAL
PROPERTIES OF A-6 SOIL
Adil Rahujo*1, Aneel Kumar*2, Zaheer Ahmed Almani*3
*1,2,3Civil Engineering Department Mehran UET, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan.
ABSTRACT
The economic development of a region depends on the infrastructure that the region has. As every structure
stands on the soil therefore, it must be strong enough to bear the stresses caused by it. But sometimes the soil
of interest is not of desirable strength. Hence, engineering techniques must be applied in order to make it
useful. On the other hand, our eco-system is being damaged continuously and resources being depleted for the
sake of economic development. Thus, to overcome this problem, a solution is required that would help the
infrastructure of a country to grow without depleting its resources and without damaging the environment.
One of the solutions for is to utilize the agricultural waste products such as Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (S.C.B.A) for
soil improvements. This study is focused on SCBA; a waste product of sugar mills and utilization of such
material for the improvisation of strength characteristics (MDD, OMC and CBR) of A-6 Soil. Different
proportions of SCBA i.e. 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% by dry weight of soil are mixed with the soil to observe the
changes in strength characteristics of soil. The results showed that on the addition of SCBA, Atterberg limits i.e.,
Liquid Limit slightly decreases at 4% and 10% of bagasse ash whereas Plastic Limit slightly goes on increasing
and highest P.L is obtained at 10% bagasse ash. Plasticity index also decreases on the addition of bagasse ash. It
is also found that as percentage of Bagasse ash increases, the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) increases, and
Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) decreases. From CBR test results, it is observed that, for all the specimens,
CBR value at 5mm penetration is higher than that of 2.5mm penetration under both un-soaked and soaked
conditions. Swelling Potential sharply decreases. However, swelling potential of natural soil is having high
value.
Keywords: Bagasse Ash, Liquid And Plastic Limit, MDD And OMC.
I. INTRODUCTION
The increasing demand for facilities is resulting in the rapid development of civil engineering infrastructures.
As the base of every structure lies on the soil, therefore, superior quality of the soil is required for the long life
and durability of the structure but sometimes engineers come across a problem that is the soil at a location is
not of the quality that satisfies the engineering requirements. The conventional way to solve this problem was
either to replace the poor soil with soil of good quality or to abandon such land but as the world leads to
constructing convincing infrastructures, such measures which have been taken in the past are not suitable since
the lands with good quality of soil have been almost used and it is profligate to replace the poor soil with good
soil. To compete in this modernized era and to fulfill the infrastructure needs; the land where the soil of inferior
quality is present has also to be utilized by applying certain techniques to make the soil suitable for use. The
recent solutions to use the inferior quality of soil for a particular purpose is by stabilizing that soil with
different techniques. One among them is to use geo-synthetics (products that are manufactured to strengthen
the soil) but such method was limited to the developed countries due to the increased operational costs. The
innovative solution to such a problem that is economically and environmentally acceptable is to improve the
quality of soil by using waste materials for the stabilization of poor soil. The use of INDUSTRIAL WASTES for
the stabilization of soil has multiple benefits. As Pakistan is 5th largest sugarcane producer having an annual
production of 63,800 TMT (Thousand Metric Tons) (Source: www.worldatlas.com). The agro-industrial waste
of sugar mills is present in huge quantities which is SCBA. Disposing off the SCBA is a huge problem and the
improper disposal of SCBA can cause a disease known as Bagassosis. Figure 1.2 below shows top ten countries
in the world producing Bagasse.
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Fig 1: Production of Bagasse in TMT in top ten countries
Fig 2: What is Bagassosis?

II. LITERATURE REVIEW
1- USE OF SUGARCANE STRAW ASH (SCSA) IN EXPANSIVE SOIL: (Chakraborty, A., Borah, A. and Sharmah, D.,
2016): Studied the change in strength characteristics of Black Cotton soil by using different percentages of
sugarcane straw ash (SCSA). To observe the changes in strength characteristics tests such as CBR, UCS and
Proctor were conducted. The study concluded that the UCS value increased with as the curing period was
increased and the CBR value was found to be maximum when the percentage of SCSA used was 10%. Figure 2.1
and 2.2 below on pg.13 shows Sugarcane Straw Ash.
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Fig 3: Sugarcane Straw Ash Production

2- USE OF AGRICULTURAL WASTES AS SOIL STABILIZERS
(Chittaranjan, M., Vijay, M. and Keerthi, D., 2011): Have used agricultural wastes to improve the weak sub-grade
soil. In their study, they have used Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA), Rice Husk Ash (RHA), Groundnut Shell for
the stabilization of the soil. Percentages of 0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12% and 15% had been selected and CBR test has
been performed at each percent separately for each waste material. The conclusion represents that as we
increase the waste percentage the CBR value increases.
Fig 4: (a) Rice Husk (b)Burnt Rice Husk (c)Rice Husk after Grinding
3- INFLUENCE OF STRENGTH AND MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BAGASSE ASH AND HYDRATED LIME
STABILIZED EXPANSIVE SOIL
(Dang, L.C., et al., 2015): In their study have tried to stabilize the soil by using Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA)
and hydrated lime. Both these materials had been obtained from Queensland Australia. Percentages of
Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) varying from 0 to 25% were used along with different contents of hydrated
lime. Atterberg limits, compaction, UCS, linear shrinkage tests were conducted on base soil and treated soil to
demonstrate the change in mechanical and strength properties of expansive clay. The results show a
considerable increase in the strength as well as mechanical properties as the Hydrated Lime-Bagasse Ash
content increases.

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Fig 5: Hydrated Lime

4- USE OF WASTE PRODUCT I.E. BAGASSE ASH FROM SUGAR INDUSTRY AS A STABILIZING AGENT IN
EXPANSIVE SOIL
(Kharade, A.S., et al., 2014): They studied on stabilization of soil using the waste product obtained from sugar
industries has analyzed the effect of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) on expansive soils. The tests which have
been performed are CBR, UCS, Compaction and Atterberg's limit. 6% of SCBA was found to be the optimum
content.
Fig 6: Bagasse Ash

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5- USE OF WASTE PRODUCT I.E. BAGASSE ASH FROM SUGAR INDUSTRY AND ADDITIVES AS A
STABILIZING AGENT IN BLACK COTTON SOIL
(Kiran R. G, and Kiran, L., 2013): Used Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) along with cement as additives in Black
Cotton soil for stabilization, obtained from a district located in Karnataka. They analyzed the strength
characteristics of soil by adding varying percentages (4%, 8% and 12%) of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) with
cement and observed that there was a positive increase in the density and UCS value of Black Cotton soil on
adding 8% Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) with 8% cement. While the CBR value increased on the addition of
4% Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) with 8% cement.
Fig 7: Black Cotton Soil

III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
BASE SOIL: Base soil which is used in this research is taken from nearby vicinity of Hyderabad. From the
classification it is concluded that soil is ‘A-6’. Following photographs shows soil to be used for research.
Photograph 1: Soil (A-6) to be used in research

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The choice of selecting this soil is that it will help us make same samples which will give us good comparison.
Some of basic geotechnical properties of bentonite are determined using standard tests and results which are
shown in table 1.
Table 1. Basic Geotechnical Properties of A-6 Soil
Property Value
Liquid Limit 40
Plastic Limit 25
Plasticity Index 15
MDD (gm/cc) 1.85
OMC (%) 15.4
CBR (Un-soaked) (2.5mm & 5mm) 13.41 & 21.91
CBR (Soaked) (2.5mm & 5mm) 8.67 & 14.57
Testing Programme: The Bagasse ash is mixed in five percentages including natural sample i.e. 0%, 2%, 4%,
6%, 8% and 100% bagasse ash. Each of the sample is tested for moisture-density relation and California
bearing ratio test.
Moisture-density relationship is calculated with the help of modified proctor test according to ASTM D1556 –
12 €1. First the untreated soil is compacted on modified compacting effort then the specified proportions of
bagasse ash is mixed and the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content is obtained. California
bearing ratio of A-6 soil have been done using CBR test procedure under un-soaked and soaked conditions. All
the prepared moulds are placed on CBR test machine for checking. Incase of un-soaked condition, all the
moulds are placed one by one on CBR test machine instantly after the preparation, values of load and
penetration are obtained. Incase of soaked condition, all the moulds made are dumped in a tub containing
water for about 96 hours. After that all the samples will be placed for readings on CBR machine.
Photograph 2: CBR Test Machine Recorder

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Moisture Density Relationship: Moisture density relationship on each sample is calculated in order to know
the effect of bagasse ash on maximum dry density and optimum moisture content. Compaction curve for each
sample is shown in Photograph 3.

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Compaction Curves at Various Percentages

2
Dry Density (g/cc)
1.95
1.9 Natural Soil
1.85 2% Bagasse Ash
1.8 4% Bagasse Ash
1.75 6% Bagasse Ash
1.7
8% Bagasse Ash
1.65
0 5 10 15 20 25 10% Bagasse Ash
Water Content (%)
Photograph 3: Compaction Curves

From Photograph 3, it is found that as percentage of bagasse ash increases, the maximum dry density increases
and optimum moisture content decreases and highest value is obtained at 10% bagasse ash.
California Bearing Ratio: CBR test in un-soaked and soaked condition is concluded in Photograph 4 and
Photograph 5 respectively. The addition of saline water, CBR value at 5mm penetration is higher than that of
2.5mm penetration under both un-soaked and soaked conditions.
Various % of Bagasse Ash vs Unsoaked CBR (2.5mm and

5mm)
40
Unsoaked CBR at 2.5mm &
30
20
Unsoaked CBR(2.5mm)
10
5mm
Unsoaked CBR(5mm)
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Various % of Bagasse Ash
Photograph 4: Bagasse ash Percentages vs Un-soaked CBR (2.5mm and 5mm)
Various % of Bagasse Ash vs Soaked CBR (2.5mm

and 5mm)
30
Soaked CBR at 2.5mm & 5mm
25
20
15
Soaked CBR(2.5mm)
10
5 Soaked CBR(5mm)
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Photograph 5: Bagasse Ash Percentagesvs Soaked CBR (2.5mm and 5mm)

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Load vs Penetration (Unsoaked)

60
50
Load (kg/cm2)
Natural
40
2% Bagasse Ash
30
4% Bagasse Ash
20
6% Bagasse Ash
10
8% Bagasse Ash
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 10% Bagasse Ash
Penetration (mm)
Photograph 6: Load vs Penetration (Unsoaked)
Load vs Penetration (Soaked)

60
50
Load (kg/cm2)
Natural
40
2% Bagasse Ash
30
4% Bagasse Ash
20
6% Bagasse Ash
10
8% Bagasse Ash
0
10% Bagasse Ash
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Penetration (mm)
Photograph 7: Load vs Penetration (Soaked)

Swelling Potential: From the results of Swelling Potential, it can be concluded that, Swelling Potential sharply
decreases. However, natural soil is having high value. Swelling Potential decreases sharply from 2.79% to
1.43%.
Various % of Bagasse Ash vs Swelling

Potential
3
Swelling Potential (%)
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10%
Photograph 8: Various % of Bagasse Ash vs Swelling Potential

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V. CONCLUSION
Following conclusions can be made from the results obtained from laboratory regarding use of Bagasse Ash as a
stabilizer for A-6 soil.
 From Moisture Density Relationship of all the specimens, it is found that as percentage of Bagasse ash
increases, the Maximum Dry Density(MDD) increases and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) decreases.
 From the compaction results, the highest value achieved is 1.94 g/cc at 10% Bagasse Ash.
 From CBR test results, it is observed that, for all the specimens, CBR value at 5mm penetration is higher than
that of 2.5mm penetration under both un-soaked and soaked conditions.
 From the results of Un-soaked CBR test, it is found that highest value is achieved that 10% Bagasse Ash at
both penetrations i.e., 22.67% at 2.5mm penetration and 36.68% at 5mm penetration.
 From the results of Soaked CBR test, it is found that highest value is achieved that 6% Bagasse Ash at 2.5mm
penetration i.e., 20.17%.
 From the results of Soaked CBR test, it is found that highest value is achieved that 10% Bagasse Ash at 5mm
penetration i.e., 23.26%.
 From the Soaked CBR test results, it is found that the value of Soaked CBR slightly decreases at 4% and 8%
Bagasse Ash.
 From the results of Swelling Potential, it can be concluded that, Swelling Potential sharply decreases.
However, natural soil is having high value.
 Swelling Potential, decreases sharply from 2.79% to 1.43%.
VI. RECOMMENDATIONS
Following are the points recommended for future work:
 The dosage of Bagasse ash in this study was up to 10% so, the study could be continued for dosage greater
than 10%.
 Further studies maybe undertaken to assess the strength characteristics of soil by using bagasse ash along
with other stabilizers.
 Bagasse ash may not be used as a stand-alone stabilizer on clay minerals like Montmorillonite. Further
studies could be undertaken on the use of SCBA on other minerals such as; Kaolinite, Illite and other soils.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Almighty Allah who blessed me to complete this research work successfully. Secondly, I
would like to express sincere and heartfelt gratitude towards Prof. Dr. Aneel Kumar Professor of Civil
Department and Dean FOST, Mehran UET, Jamhoro, Sindh, Pakistan and I am deeply indebted to Him for
valuable and remarkable supports during conducting and preparing this research paper.
VII. REFERENCES
[1] Chakraborty, A., Borah, A. and Sharmah, D., 2016. Stabilization of Expansive Soil using Sugarcane Straw
Ash (SCSA). ADBU Journal of Engineering Technology, 4.
[2] Chittaranjan, M., Vijay, M. and Keerthi, D., 2011. Agricultural wastes as soil stabilizers. International
Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering, 4(06), pp.50-51.
[3] Dang, L.C., Hasan, H., Fatahi, B. and Khabbaz, H., 2015. Influence of strength and mechanical behavior of
bagasse ash and hydrated lime stabilized expansive soil. GEO Quebec 2015-Chall. from North to South,
20-23 September.
[4] Kharade, A.S., Suryavanshi, V.V., Gujar, B.S. and Deshmukh, R.R., 2014. Waste product ‘Bagasse ash
‘from sugar industry can be used as stabilizing material for expansive soils. International Journal of
Research in Engineering and Technology, 3(3), pp.506-512.
[5] Kiran R. G, Kiran. L, 2013, Analysis of Strength Characteristics of Black Cotton Soil Using Bagasse Ash
and Additives as Stabilizer, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(IJERT) Volume 02, Issue 07 (July 2013)

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[6] Kumar, V. P. (2017). Soil Stabilization of Clayey Soil using Bagasse Ash and Lime. International Journal
for Research in Technological Studies, 4(10).
[7] LAURIANNE, S.A. (2004). Farmer’s lungs. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/298811
[8] Masued, G.G., 2017. EFFECT OF SUGAR CANE BAGASSE ASH ON THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF
SUBGRADE LAYER. Journal of Engineering and Sustainable Development, 21(5), pp.146-158.
[9] Moses, G. and Osinubi, K.J., 2013, January. Influence of Compactive efforts on cement-bagasse ash
treatment of expansive black cotton soil. In Proceedings of World Academy of Science, Engineering and
Technology (No. 79, p. 1836). World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology (WASET).
[10] Onyelowe, K.C., 2012. Cement stabilized Akwuete lateritic soil and the use of bagasse ash as an
admixture. Cellulose, 2, pp.45-55.
[11] Osinubi, K. J., Bafyau, V., & Eberemu, A. O. (2009). Bagasse ash stabilization of lateritic soil. In
Appropriate Technologies for Environmental Protection in the Developing World (pp. 271-280).
Springer, Dordrecht.
[12] Pakistan Sugar Mill Association Annual Report (2019).
[13] Raja, A., & Kumar, A. (2018). Use of Bagasse as Natural Fiber for Soil Reinforcement. International
Journal, 1(1).
[14] Wubshet, M. and Tadesse, S., 2014. Stabilization of expansive soil using bagasse ash & lime. Zede
Journal, 32, pp.21-26.
[15] ASTM, D., 2010. Standard test methods for liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index of soils. D4318-
10.
[16] ASTM D 1557, 2000. Standard Test Method for Laboratory Compaction
[17] Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3(2,700 kNm/m3)). Annu. B. Stand., 4.
[18] ASTM, D., 2016. Standard test method for California bearing ratio (CBR) of laboratory-compacted soils.
D1883-16.

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e-ISSN: 2582-5208

International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science

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Fig 1: Production of Bagasse in TMT in top ten countries

Fig 2: What is Bagassosis?

Fig 3: Sugarcane Straw Ash Production

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Fig 5: Hydrated Lime

Fig 6: Bagasse Ash

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Fig 7: Black Cotton Soil

Photograph 1: Soil (A-6) to be used in research

Photograph 2: CBR Test Machine Recorder

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Compaction Curves at Various Percentages

Photograph 3: Compaction Curves

Various % of Bagasse Ash vs Unsoaked CBR (2.5mm and

Photograph 4: Bagasse ash Percentages vs Un-soaked CBR (2.5mm and 5mm)

Various % of Bagasse Ash vs Soaked CBR (2.5mm

Photograph 5: Bagasse Ash Percentagesvs Soaked CBR (2.5mm and 5mm)

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Load vs Penetration (Unsoaked)

Photograph 6: Load vs Penetration (Unsoaked)

Load vs Penetration (Soaked)

Photograph 7: Load vs Penetration (Soaked)

Various % of Bagasse Ash vs Swelling

Photograph 8: Various % of Bagasse Ash vs Swelling Potential

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