Shear Strength of a typical soil from Manaus, Brazil, stabilized with ceramic residue additive

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to determine the geotechnical behavior of a clayey surface soil typical to the Manaus region (Amazonas, Brazil), when mixed with ceramic powder from brick residue produced by potteries located in the county of Iranduba, Amazonas, Brazil, and with residual sand (the reference mixture), commonly used in pavements in the region. The density of soil solids was determined, as well as particle size, consistency limits, compaction parameters and mineralogical identification using of X-ray diffraction. The following blends were made: 90% natural soil + 10% additive, 70% natural soil + 30% additive and 50% natural soil + 50% additive. The blends were evaluated according to their physical properties (Atterberg limits, grain size, and compaction) and mechanical behavior (direct shear test). The results for the compositions indicated that the larger the proportion of ceramic residue and sand, the higher the values of the apparent dry density and the lower the optimum moisture; and, in particular, the addition of ceramic residue had a positive effect on the mechanical results, clearly demonstrated by the increase in the cohesion of the 10% blend. These results validate the potential of the residue for use in road work, in addition to the environmental benefits, either as a disposal alternative of an environmental liability or as a form of minimizing natural resource extraction.