Strength Behavior of Soft Soil Treated with Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Ash and Nano Zeolite

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Department of Civil Engineering, Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Gorakhpur, 273010, India

Abstract

Nano-zeolites are crystalline, microporous aluminosilicates with nanometer-sized particles (ranging from 1 to 100 nm), recognized for their high surface area and notable pozzolanic activity. Although the stabilization of soft soils using various waste materials and chemical additives has been widely studied, the combined application of nano-zeolite and municipal solid waste incineration ash (MSWIA) has received little attention. This study introduces a novel, sustainable soil stabilization approach by utilizing MSWIA and nano-zeolite as dual stabilizers for soft soils. MSWIA is a waste material produced by municipal waste incineration plants and is now emerging as a useful material for soil stabilization. A comprehensive experimental program involving direct shear tests and unconfined compression strength (UCS) tests was conducted on soil samples treated with varying percentages of MSWIA (5–20%) and nano-zeolite (0.2–1%) by dry weight of the mix. Treated samples were cured for 1, 7, and 28 days. The results revealed a significant improvement in mechanical properties, with the UCS of soil stabilized with 20% MSWIA and 1% nano-zeolite increasing by 9.2 times at 7 days and 12.7 times at 28 days, as compared to untreated soil. The findings also highlight the positive influence of curing under natural moisture conditions on the strength development of the stabilized soil. SEM analysis showed a denser soil structure and better particle bonding, while EDX confirmed higher levels of Ca, Si, Al, and Fe, indicating pozzolanic activity. This stabilization approach is particularly well-suited for applications such as road subgrades, embankment foundations, and land reclamation.

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References

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Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures
Volume 13, Issue 2 - Serial Number 28
In Progress
November 2026
Pages 305-317

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