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Journal of Polymer & Composites Review Article Special issue

Red Earth Development of a Soil-Based Composite Using Bagasse Ash and Lime: Effects on Plasticity and Compaction Characteristics of Red Earth

  1. Moulya H V Department of Civil Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Nitte Deemed to be University, Bengaluru
  2. Vishvachetan S G Department of Civil Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Nitte Deemed to be University, Bengaluru
  3. Chaithanya H Department of Civil Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Nitte Deemed to be University, Bengaluru
  4. Karthik M Department of Civil Engineering, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Kumaraswamy layout, Bengaluru

Abstract

The concept of sustainable soil composites (SSC) emerges through blending red earth with bagasse ash (BA) and hydrated lime to enhance geotechnical properties and enable productive reuse of agro-industrial waste. Red earth functions as the matrix, BA acts as a fine pozzolanic microfiller, and lime serves as the chemical binder. BA content ranges from 0% to 60%, with 10% identified as optimal; subsequent lime additions from 1% to 5% evaluate the combined influence. Laboratory investigations in accordance with IS 2720 standards determine Atterberg limits, compaction parameters, and curing-related changes at 0, 7, and 30 days. SEM imaging shows transformation from porous BA particles to a dense, interlocked matrix, and XRD confirms formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) and calcium aluminate hydrate (C–A–H) phases, indicating early-stage pozzolanic activity. Initial BA incorporation increases the liquid limit due to high water affinity; curing decreases the value as cementitious bonds develop. BA increases Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) and decreases Maximum Dry Density (MDD) because of its low specific gravity. At optimum BA content, lime addition reduces plasticity and improves structural strength, with 3–4% lime providing the best balance between density and workability. The red earth–BA–lime composite delivers tunable engineering performance, long-term stability, and eco-efficiency, offering a practical solution for subgrade stabilization and sustainable geotechnical applications aligned with circular economy objectives

Keywords

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