Effect Of Wheat Straw Ash On The Plasticity Characteristics Of Jamshoro Shale

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of wheat straw ash (WSA) on the plasticity characteristics of Jamshoro shale. Shale samples were treated with WSA at 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, and 12% by weight, and Atterberg limits were determined for each blend. Results showed that the Liquid Limit decreased progressively from 51% at 0% WSA to 44% at 12% WSA, while the Plastic Limit increased from 29% to 36% over the same range. Consequently, the Plasticity Index decreased markedly from 22% at 0% WSA to 8% at 12% WSA, representing a reduction of approximately 63.6%. These findings indicate that WSA treatment substantially reduces the plasticity of Jamshoro shale, likely due to cation exchange and flocculation-agglomeration reactions between the shale particles and the pozzolanic WSA, improving the soil's suitability for use in geotechnical applications such as subgrade and embankment construction.