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Strength characteristics of compacted pond ash

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Strength characteristics of compacted pond ash

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S.P. Singh & A. Sharan
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Department of Civil Engineering , National Institute of Technology , Rourkela , Odisha ,
India
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 Geomechanics and Geoengineering: An International Journal, 2013
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17486025.2013.772661

Strength characteristics of compacted pond ash

S.P. Singh* and A. Sharan

Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India

(Received 4 July 2011; final version received 30 January 2013)

Strength properties of compacted ash layers depend to a great extent on the moulding conditions. This paper focuses on the effects of compaction
energy and degree of saturation on strength characteristics of compacted pond ash. The pond ash sample, collected from the ash pond of Rourkela
Downloaded by [National Institute of Technology - Rourkela] at 07:22 17 June 2013

Steel Plant (RSP), was subjected to compactive energies varying from 357 kJ/m3 to 3488 kJ/m3 . The optimum moisture content and maximum
dry densities corresponding to different compactive energies were determined by conventional compaction tests. The shear strength parameters,
unconfined compressive strengths (UCS) and California bearing ratio (CBR) values of specimens compacted to different dry densities and moisture
content were assessed and reported. The effects of compaction energy and degree of saturation on shear strength parameters i.e. unit cohesion (cu )
and angle of internal friction (F) values and also the UCS values are evaluated and presented herein. The results indicate that the dry density and
strength of the compacted pond ash can be suitably modified by controlling the compactive energy and moulding moisture content. The strength
achieved in the present study is comparable to the good quality, similar graded conventional earth materials. Hence, it may be safely concluded that
pond ash can replace the natural earth materials in geotechnical constructions.

Keywords: pond ash; compaction energy; unconfined compressive strength; shear parameters; California bearing ratio

1. Introduction Potential utilization of coal ash in construction of road

Over the last few years, environmental and economical issues
have stimulated interest in the reuse of industrial waste/by-
products subject to fulfilment of required specifications. Pond
ash is a waste material collected from ash ponds of thermal
power plants. Pond ash is a non-plastic and lightweight material
having a specific gravity relatively lower than that of a sim-
ilar graded conventional earth material. It is a mixture of fly
ash and bottom ash that is sluiced to large storage ponds. Fly
ash is a fine-coarse, glass powder recovered from the gases of
burning coal during the production of electricity. These micron-
sized earth elements consist primarily of silica, alumina and
iron. Massive generation of ash by thermal power plants has
become a major cause of concern for people living in and
around thermal power plants. The basic and essential param-
eters of pond ash, to be used in geotechnical constructions, are
the compaction characteristics, strength properties and consoli-
dation parameters. With this in mind an attempt has been made
in this work to evaluate the compaction characteristics, strength
parameters and California bearing ratio of compacted pond ash.
The effects of compactive effort and moisture content on dry
density and shear parameters as well as unconfined compres-
sive strength and California bearing ratio have been assessed
and reported.
embankments dates back to the late 1950s and early 1960s
(Davidson and Handy 1960, Snyder and Nelson 1962). Several
researches on application of fly ash as bulk fill materials
are available (DiGioia and Nuzzo 1972, Gray and Lin 1972,
Glogowski et al. 1992, Kaniraj and Havanagi 2001, Kaniraj and
Gayathri 2004). Soil stabilized and reclaimed with fly ash is
reported by Chu et al. (1955), Goecker et al. (1956), Viskochil
et al. (1957), Vasquez and Alonso (1981) and Kim and Chun
(1994). Applications of fly ash alone or soil stabilized with fly
ash and admixtures for road construction have been reported
by a number of researchers such as Manjesh et al. (2003),
Reddy et al. (2004) and Ghosh and Subbarao (2006). Leonards
and Bailey (1982) reported that the compacted pulverised coal
ash, consisting of fly ash with varying percentages of bottom
ash, had been used successfully as a structural fill material.
The strength characteristics of compacted pond ash and shear
strength response of reinforced pond ash were reported by Bera
et al. (2007a, 2009). Bera et al. (2007b) studied the load bearing
capacity of model footings on compacted pond ash. The effects
of degree of saturation and aspect ratio of model footings on
bearing capacity have been studied by Bera et al. (2007b).
Compaction characteristics and bearing ratio of pond ash sta-
bilized with lime and phosphogypsum have been reported by
Ghosh et al. (2010).

∗ Corresponding author. Email: spsingh@nitrkl.ac.in

© 2013 Taylor & Francis

 2 S.P. Singh and A. Sharan

2. Material used and methodology Table 1. Physical properties of pond ash

Physical
2.1 Material used parameters Values Physical parameters Values

Pond ash used in this study was collected from the ash pond Colour Light grey Mean Diameter, 0.13
D50 (mm)
of Captive Power Plant-2 (CPP-2) of NSPCL, Rourkela Steel Shape Rounded/ Uniformity 2.15
Plant. The samples were mixed thoroughly to bring homogene- sub-rounded coefficient, Cu
ity and dried at an oven temperature of 105–110 0 C. The ash Silt & clay (%) 28.4 Coefficient of 1.25
curvature, Cc
was screened through a 4.75 mm sieve to separate out for- Fine sand (%) 65.6 Specific Gravity, G 2.37
eign and vegetative matter and was stored in airtight containers Medium sand (%) 6.0 Plasticity Index Non-plastic
for subsequent use. The surface morphology of pond ash was Coarse sand (%) 0
studied by using Scanning Electron Microscope of Jeol JSM
6480LV equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray detector
Table 2. Chemical composition of pond ash
from Oxford data reference system. Micrographs were taken at
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accelerating voltages of 15 kV for the best possible resolution. Constituents Percentage Constituents Percentage Constituents Percentage
Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) spectra were recorded
SiO2 57.80 P2 O5 0.19 Na2 0.16
at an accelerating voltage of 20 kV. Figure 1 shows the surface Al2 O3 25.10 SO3 0.28 TiO2 1.65
morphology of pond ash. The physical properties and chemical Fe2 O3 08.83 K2 O 0.82 Carbon 4.10
composition of the pond ash sample were determined and are MgO 00.84 CaO 1.14 Volatile 0.14
Matter
presented in Tables 1 and 2 respectively. The grain size distri-
bution curve of the pond ash used is given in Figure 2.

2.2 Methodology

2.2.1 Index properties

The index properties of the pond ash specimens i.e. specific
gravity and grain size distribution were determined as per IS:
2720 (Part 3, section-1) 1980 and IS: 2720 (Part 4) 1975
respectively. The specific gravity of pond ash was found to
be 2.37. The percentage of pond ash passing through 75 µm
sieve was found to be 28.4%. Coefficient of uniformity (Cu )
and coefficient of curvature (Cc ) were found to be 2.15 and
1.25 respectively, indicating uniform gradation of samples. The
sample is classified as ‘SP’ as per unified soil classification sys-
tem. The grain size distribution curve of pond ash is presented
in Figure 2.

2.2.2 Engineering properties

Figure 1. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of pond ash.
Figure 2. Grain size distribution curve of pond ash.
2.2.2.1 Moisture content dry density relationship. The mois-
ture content, dry density relationships of pond ash samples
were determined by using compaction tests as per IS: 2720
(Part 7) (1980). The compactive energies used in this test pro-
gramme were 357, 595, 1493, 2674, 2790 and 3488 kJ/m3 of
compacted volume. From the dry density and moisture content
relationship, the optimum moisture content (OMC) and maxi-
mum dry density (MDD) corresponding to the above mentioned
compactive energies were found out and the test results are
presented in Table 3.
2.2.2.2 Shear parameters. The shear parameters of pond ash
specimens were determined as per IS: 2720 (Part 13) (1986).
The specimens were prepared at their respective OMC and
MDD. These specimens were of size 60 mm × 60 mm ×
25 mm and were sheared at a rate of 0.2 mm/min. The shear
parameters (i.e. c and F values) were determined from nor-
mal stress versus shear stress plots and are given in Table 3.
 Geomechanics and Geoengineering: An International Journal 3

Table 3. Results of compaction, direct shear and UCS tests of pond ash

Unconfined
Compaction Optimum moisture Maximum dry Angle of internal compressive
Sl No. energy (kJ/m3 ) content (%) density (kN/m3 ) Unit cohesion (kN/m2 ) friction (F0 ) strength (kN/m2 )

1 357 38.82 10.90 0.799 37.48 01.20

2 595 35.92 11.08 1.440 38.30 02.80
3 1493 31.38 11.60 2.753 39.20 06.60
4 2674 28.30 12.40 6.638 40.55 14.80
5 2790 28.72 12.61 7.373 41.46 15.90
6 3488 28.09 12.70 8.363 44.47 17.00

Table 4. Shear parameters of compacted pond ash

Standard proctor density (11.08kN/m2 ) Modified proctor density (12.40kN/m2 )

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Angle of Unit Angle of

Moisture Degree of Unit cohesion internal Moisture Degree of cohesion internal
Sl No. content (%) saturation (%) (kN/m2 ) friction (F0 ) content (%) saturation (%) (kN/m2 ) friction (F0 )

1 43.09 89.66 0.621 35.0 33.96 88.29 1.177 39.0

2 39.50 82.18 1.126 35.7 31.13 80.93 2.928 40.7
3 35.92 74.74 1.440 38.3 28.30 73.57 6.638 40.9
4 32.32 67.25 1.026 39.5 25.47 66.21 4.496 42.8
5 30.52 63.50 0.957 41.0 24.05 62.52 2.514 44.0

To study the effect of degree of saturation on the shear param-
eters, samples were prepared either at standard or modified dry
densities with varied moisture contents. The shear parameters
obtained from the direct shear tests for the above test condition
are presented in Table 4.
2.2.2.3 Unconfined compressive strength. Unconfined com-
pressive strength tests on pond ash specimens compacted to
their corresponding MDD at OMC was performed accord-
ing to IS: 2720 (Part 10) (1991). The OMC and MDD were
determined from compaction tests corresponding to compactive
efforts of 357, 595, 1493, 2674, 2790 and 3488 kJ/m3 . The
cylindrical test specimens were of size 50 mm in diameter and
100 mm in height and were sheared at an axial strain rate of
1.25 mm/min. The unconfined compressive strengths of spec-
imens were determined from the stress∼ strain curves and are
given in Table 3. To study the effect of degree of saturation on
the unconfined compressive strength, samples were prepared
either at standard or modified dry densities with varied moisture
contents. The test results are presented in Table 5.
2.2.2.4 California bearing ratio. CBR tests were conducted
in accordance with IS: 2720 (Part 16) (1987). For this test spec-
imens were prepared corresponding to their MDD at OMC in
a rigid metallic cylindrical mould with an inside diameter of
150 mm and a height of 175 mm using the static compaction
method. These tests were done using 50 mm diameter plunger
and a surcharge load of 2.5 kg. A mechanical loading machine
equipped with a movable base that moves at a uniform rate of
1.25 mm/min and a calibrated proving ring was used to record
the load. The CBR value of specimens was determined from
the load-penetration curves and is given in Table 6. To study

Table 5. Unconfined compressive strength of compacted pond ash

Standard proctor density (11.08kN/m2 ) Modified proctor density (12.40kN/m2 )

Unconfined Unconfined
compressive Degree of compressive
Sl No. Moisture content (%) Degree of saturation (%) strength (kN/m2 ) Moisture content (%) saturation (%) strength (kN/m2 )

1 35.92 74.74 02.820 36.79 95.64 06.170

2 32.33 67.27 03.384 33.96 88.29 08.414
3 28.73 59.78 04.512 31.13 80.93 09.536
4 25.14 52.31 06.204 28.30 73.57 14.023
5 21.55 44.84 07.332 25.47 66.22 14.800
6 17.96 37.37 09.024 22.64 58.86 20.000
7 14.37 29.90 11.845 19.81 51.50 23.000
8 10.78 22.43 10.253 16.98 44.14 27.062
9 07.19 14.96 06.837 14.15 36.78 28.753
10 − − − 08.49 22.07 23.500
11 − − − 05.66 14.71 18.133
 4 S.P. Singh and A. Sharan

Table 6. Un-soaked CBR values of compacted pond ash at different degrees of saturation

Standard proctor density (11.08 kN/m2 ) Modified proctor density (12.40 kN/m2 )
CBR value at CBR value at CBR value at CBR value
Moisture Degree of 2.5 mm 5.0 mm Moisture Degree of 2.5 mm at 5.0 mm
Sl No. Content (%) Saturation (%) penetration (%) penetration (%) Content (%) Saturation (%) penetration (%) penetration (%)

1 43.10 89.68 0.248 0.232 33.96 88.29 04.226 03.944

2 39.51 82.21 0.447 0.497 31.13 80.93 05.718 04.972
3 35.92 74.74 1.988 1.922 28.30 73.57 13.025 11.908
4 28.73 59.78 2.784 2.552 22.64 58.86 17.863 15.382
5 25.14 52.31 3.480 3.115 19.81 51.50 18.608 15.878
6 21.55 44.84 3.629 3.314 16.98 44.14 23.818 18.359
7 17.96 37.37 3.977 3.579 14.15 36.78 26.051 20.344
8 14.37 29.90 4.773 4.176 11.32 29.43 29.772 24.760
9 10.78 22.43 5.916 5.237 08.49 22.07 37.216 29.722
10 07.19 14.96 6.563 5.866 05.66 14.71 40.193 33.245
11 03.59 07.47 7.259 5.402 02.83 07.35 44.659 34.734
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12 00.00 00.00 3.231 2.552 00.00 00.00 29.772 19.848

the effect of degree of saturation on the CBR value, samples 3.2 Compaction characteristics
were prepared either at standard or modified dry densities with
varied moisture contents. The test results are also presented in The compaction characteristics of pond ash with differ-
Table 6. ent compaction energies have been studied by varying the
compaction energies as 357, 595, 1493, 2674, 2790 and
3488 kJ/m3 of compacted volume. The OMC and MDD of
pond ash samples corresponding to these compactive efforts
3. Results and discussions have been evaluated and presented in Table 3. Relationship
between dry density and moisture content of pond ash at dif-
3.1 Index properties ferent compaction energies is shown in Figure 3. It is seen
that as the compactive energy increases the MDD increases
The index properties of the pond ash sample i.e. specific grav- and the water required to achieve this density is reduced. Plot
ity and grain size distribution were determined as per Indian between OMC and compactive energy (Figure 4) shows that
Code of practice and are presented in Table 1. The specific initially the OMC decreases rapidly with compactive effort and
gravity of pond ash is found to be lower than that of the conven- then the rate of decrease is insignificant. A continuous increase
tional earth material. The presence of foreign materials in the in the value of MDD is observed with the compactive energy
fissures of the coal seams mostly influences the specific gravity (Figure 5). The MDD of specimens is found to change from
of resulting fly ash. The specific gravity of fly ash also depends 10.90–12.70 kN/m3 with change in compaction energy from
on the source of coal, degree of pulverization and firing tem- 357–3488 kJ/m3 whereas the OMC is found to decrease from
perature. Moreover the pond fly ash is subjected to mixing with 38.82–28.09%. This shows that the compacted density of pond
other earth materials during its transportation and depositions, ash responds very poorly to the compaction energy. This may
which influences its specific gravity. Though the chemical com-
position of pond ash is very much similar to earth material but
as the particles are cenospheres it results in a lower specific
gravity. The surface morphology of pond ash (Figure 1) shows
the presence of isolated spherical particles and also irregular
shaped flocks. This indicates that there is a certain degree of
aggregation and flocculation in the ash pond resulting in for-
mation of irregularly shaped, bigger sized particles. The RSP
pond ash consists of grains mostly of fine sand to silt size.
Coefficient of uniformity and coefficient of curvature are found
to be 2.15 and 1.25 respectively, indicating uniform gradation
of samples. The material is classified as ‘SP’ under unified soil
classification system. The grain size distribution curve of pond
ash is presented in Figure 2. The grain size distribution of pond
ash depends on the original size distribution of particles in fly
ash samples. Further, the fly ash particle in ash ponds under-
goes flocculation and conglomeration resulting in an increase Figure 3. Variation of dry density with moisture content at different
in particle size. compaction energy.
 Geomechanics and Geoengineering: An International Journal 5

Figure 6. Typical shear stress versus normal stress plots for specimens
compacted at OMC and MDD.
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Figure 4. Variation of optimum moisture content with compaction energy.

Figure 7. Variation of unit cohesion with compaction energy for specimens

compacted at OMC and MDD.

Figure 5. Variation of maximum dry density with compaction energy.

be attributed to the rounded shape of particles and uniform

gradation of the sample.

3.3 Shear parameters

3.3.1 Effect of compaction energy

The shear parameters of pond ash specimens were deter-
mined for specimens compacted to different dry densities and
moisture contents. Typical shear stress and normal stress rela-
tionship plots of compacted pond ash are presented in Figure 6.
It is observed that the unit cohesion and the angle of internal
friction vary from 0.7988–8.363 kPa and 37.80–44.78 degrees
with the change in compaction energy from 357–3488 kJ/m3 .
The shear strength parameters of Badarpur and Indraprasta
pond ash in loose and dense conditions were reported by Jakka
et al. (2010). The values of angle of internal friction of these
pond ashes varies from 22.3◦ to 38.6◦ with zero effective
unit cohesion. This shows that the shear parameters of pond
ash are very much related to the source as well as degree
of compaction. In addition to this the shear strength property
of pond ash is also a function of degree of flocculation of
particles in ash ponds. Plot between compaction energy and
unit cohesion (Figure 7), shows that there exists a nonlinear
Figure 8. Variation of angle of internal friction with compaction energy for
specimens compacted at OMC and MDD.
relation between them. Initially the rate of increase of unit
cohesion with compaction energy is low followed by a sharp
increase. A similar trend is also observed between the angle of
internal friction and compaction energy (Figure 8). Increased
compaction energy results in a closer packing of particles. This
results in an increase of interlocking component and hence the
shear parameters.
3.3.2 Effect of degree of saturation
The effect of degree of saturation on shear parameters were
studied by varying the moulding moisture content from
 6 S.P. Singh and A. Sharan

30.52–43.09% for samples compacted at a standard Proctor devoid of any interlocking properties. There is a sharp decrease
density of 11.08 kN/m3 and from 24.05–33.96% for samples in angle of internal friction value of compacted ash sample with
compacted at a modified Proctor density of 12.40 kN/m3 . For degree of saturation.
the former the degree of saturation varies from 63.5–89.66%,
whereas in the later case the variation is 62.52–88.28%. Plots
between unit cohesion and degree of saturation (Figure 9) show 3.4 Unconfined compressive strength
that the unit cohesion increases with degree of saturation up to
3.4.1 Effect of compaction energy
OMC and decreases thereafter. The highest value of unit cohe-
Stress-strain relationships for pond ash specimens compacted
sion occurs at OMC for samples compacted both at standard
with different compactive efforts are presented in Figure 11.
and modified densities. However, the plot between angle of
It is observed that the failure stresses as well as initial stiff-
internal friction and degree of saturation (Figure 10) show that
ness of samples, compacted with greater compaction energy,
there is a continuous decrease of angle of internal friction value
are higher than the samples compacted with lower compaction
with degree of saturation. Initially there is a sharp decrease, fol-
energy. However in general the failure strains are found to
lowed by a mild change in F value. Furthermore, it is observed
be lower for samples compacted with higher energies. The
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that the rate of decrease in F value with degree of saturation

failure strains vary from a value of 0.75–1.75%, indicating
is higher in the case of specimens compacted at the standard
brittle failures in the specimens. The increase in unconfined
Proctor density compared to specimens compacted at the mod-
strength and initial stiffness of specimens with increased com-
ified Proctor density. Pond ash which is non-plastic in nature
pactive effort is attributed to the closer packing of particles,
possesses no inter-particular attraction (cohesion), however the
resulting in increased interlocking among particles. A closer
compacted sample possesses a negligible amount of cohesion
packing is also responsible for increasing the cohesion com-
(apparent cohesion) due to surface tension effect. The apparent
ponent in the sample. Almost a linear relationship is found to
cohesion of compacted specimens of pond ash becomes zero
exist between the unconfined strength and compaction energy
as the sample becomes completely dry or fully saturated. In the
(Figure 12). This shows that the strength of compacted spec-
present case the maximum unit cohesion is observed at OMC of
imens can be enhanced by increasing the compactive effort.
the specimens. The angle of internal friction of the compacted
Deformation modulus is one of the important parameters used
pond ash is found to be slightly lower than the conventional
earth material of similar gradation. This is obvious because
most of the ash particles are rounded/sub-rounded in shape and

Figure 11. Stress∼strain relationship of compacted pond ash specimens.

Figure 9. Variation of unit cohesion with degree of saturation.

Figure 10. Variation of angle of internal friction with degree of saturation. Figure 12. Variation of unconfined compressive strength with compaction
energy.
 Geomechanics and Geoengineering: An International Journal 7

Figure 13. Variation of stiffness with compaction energy.

Figure 15. Stress–strain relationship of compacted pond ash specimens with

moisture content at standard proctor density (MDD = 11.08kN/m3 ).
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Figure 14. Variation of stiffness with unconfined compressive strength.

for the design of flexible pavements. It is a parameter used for

estimating the settlement of foundation resting on pond ash Figure 16. Stress–strain relationship of compacted pond ash specimens with
moisture content at modified proctor density (MDD = 12.40kN/m3 ).
fills or embankments made of compacted pond ash. A non-
linear relationship between the initial tangent modulus and
secant modulus with compaction energies are found to exist
(Figure 13). Both these stiffness values are found to increase
with the compaction energy. Figure 14 illustrates the relation-
ships between initial tangent modulus (Ei ) and secant modulus
(Es50 ) with unconfined compressive strength. It revealed from
the test results that a linear relationship exists between the
initial tangent modulus and secant modulus with unconfined
compressive strength. However, the values of secant modulus
are found to be marginally lower than the corresponding values
of initial tangent modulus. This reveals that the stress–strain
relationship of compacted fly ash specimens are almost linear
up to failure, whereafter a brittle failure is observed. Similar
relationships between these parameters are also reported by Figure 17. Variation of failure strain with degree of saturation.
Ghosh et al. (2009).

3.4.2 Effect of degree of saturation
The effect of degree of saturation on unconfined compres-
sive strength values was studied by varying the mould-
ing moisture content from 7.19–35.92% for samples com-
pacted at the standard Proctor density (11.08kN/m3 ) and from
5.66–36.79% for samples compacted at the modified Proctor
density (12.40kN/m3 ). Stress–strain relationships for the above
mentioned conditions are given in Figures 15 and 16 respec-
tively. Plots between failure strain and degree of saturation
(Figure 17), show that the failure strain increases with degree
of saturation up to OMC and, thereafter, it remains almost
unchanged. The plot representing variation of UCS values with
degree of saturation (Figure 18) indicates that the peak strength
occurs when the specimens are partially saturated. With fur-
ther increase or decrease in degree of saturation resulting in a
reduction of strength. The maximum unconfined strength value
is attributable to a degree of saturation of 30% and 36% at
standard and modified Proctor density respectively.
 8 S.P. Singh and A. Sharan
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Figure 18. Variation of unconfined compressive strength with degree of
saturation.
3.5 CBR Value
3.5.1 Effect of degree of saturation
The effect of degree of saturation on CBR value was stud-
ied by varying the moulding water content from 3.59–43.10%
for samples compacted at the standard Proctor density
(11.08 kN/m3 ) and from 2.83% to 33.96% for samples com-
pacted at the modified Proctor density (12.40 kN/m3 ). Plots
between CBR values and degree of saturation (Figure 19) show
that the highest CBR value occurs at degree of saturation of
7% and 8% for samples compacted at standard Proctor density
and modified Proctor density respectively. Any further increase
or decrease in degree of saturation results in reduction of CBR
values. The highest unsoaked CBR value is found to be 7.5%
and 45% for samples compacted at standard Proctor density and
modified Proctor density respectively.
Figure 20 shows the variation of normalized CBR value with
degree of saturation. The normalized CBR value is defined
as the ratio of CBR value of pond ash specimens at given
moisture content and MDD to that of CBR value of speci-
mens compacted to MDD at OMC. The trend observed between
normalized CBR value and degree of saturation is very much
similar to that of CBR value with degree of saturation of pond
ash specimens. The maximum normalized CBR value is found
Figure 19. Variation of CBR value with degree of saturation.
Figure 20. Variation of normalized CBR with degree of saturation.
to be 3.7 and 3.5 for samples compacted to standard and mod-
ified Proctor density with a degree of saturation of 7% and 8%
respectively. This gives an inference that for achieving higher
CBR values the pond ash specimens preferably be compacted
at moisture contents dry of optimum. Further, it is observed that
the CBR values of compacted specimens of pond ash are very
much dependent on degree of saturation.
4. Conclusion
The pond ash consists of grains mostly of fine sand to silt size
with uniform gradation of particles. The specific gravity of par-
ticles is lower than that of the conventional earth materials. Dry
unit weight of compacted specimens is found to change from
10.90–12.70 kN/m3 with change in compaction energy from
357–3488 kJ/m3 , whereas the OMC is found to decrease from
38.82–28.09%.
The unit cohesion and angle of internal friction increase with
increase in compaction energy. A nonlinear relation between
these parameters with compactive effort is found to exist. The
value of unit cohesion increases with degree of saturation up to
the OMC and thereafter the same decreases. However, there is
a continuous decrease of angle of internal friction value with
degree of saturation
The failure stresses as well as initial stiffness of sam-
ples, compacted with greater compaction energies, are higher
than the samples compacted with lower compaction energy.
However, the failure strains are found to be lower for sam-
ples compacted with higher energies. The failure strains vary
from a value of 0.75–1.75%, indicating brittle failures in the
specimens. A linear relationship is found to exist between
the compaction energy and unconfined compressive strength.
The UCS value changes from 1.2–17.0 kN/m2 with change in
compaction energy from 357–3488 kJ/m3 indicating that the
strength can be modified suitably by varying the compactive
effort.
The trend observed in the CBR value with degree of satu-
ration is very much akin to that observed for the unconfined
compressive strength value of specimens. This shows that for
a given compacted dry density higher unconfined compressive
 Geomechanics and Geoengineering: An International Journal
strength as well as CBR value can be obtained with moulding
water content much lower than the OMC value. This high-
lights the influence of degree of saturation on the strength of
compacted pond ash specimens.
Both the degree of saturation and compacted density play a
major role in the observed values of strength parameters. The
strength parameters achieved in the present study is comparable
to the good quality, similar graded conventional earth materi-
als and hence pond ash may safely substitute for natural earth
materials in geotechnical constructions.
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