Utilizing Marble Dust for Sustainable Soil Stabilization in Construction

Abstract: The marble industry in Rajasthan, India, generates substantial amounts of waste, primarily in the form of marble dust, due to its significant growth in marble extraction and processing. This study investigates the potential of utilizing marble dust as a stabilizing agent for soil, with a focus on its effectiveness in enhancing soil properties for construction applications. Conducted in the Udaipur region, this research aims to assess the feasibility of marble dust in soil stabilization by evaluating its impact on key geotechnical properties. A series of experiments were carried out to analyze the influence of marble dust on soil characteristics, including water content, specific gravity, density, liquid limit, shear strength, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR). The study tested soil samples with varying percentages of marble dust (0%, 10%, and 20%) and compared these results to baseline data. Key findings include a significant increase in specific gravity, density, and unit weight of the soil with the addition of marble dust, indicating improved soil compaction and load-bearing capacity. Additionally, the marble dust was found to enhance the shear strength and CBR values of the soil, suggesting better stability and durability for construction purposes. However, the study also identified some drawbacks, such as increased soil alkalinity and potential environmental impacts, which need to be addressed. Overall, the results demonstrate that marble dust can be an effective and sustainable soil stabilizer, offering both economic and environmental benefits. The research concludes that marble dust has the potential to contribute positively to soil stabilization practices, but further investigation into long-term effects and environmental implications is recommended.