Soil geotechnical improvement by using waste from the paper industry

The paper industry generates significant waste volume that due to its chemical composition could be applied on the improvement of soil geotechnical properties. Thus, the present study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy of addition of waste on clay soil to improve the geotechnical properties. Tests were performed producing mixtures containing soil, 30% of waste, and different concentrations (5–14%) of agglomerant (lime or cement). Atterberg’s limits and compressive strength were evaluated. The results indicated that it is possible to add 30% of waste without losing soil original properties, while improving Atterberg’s limits. The use of lime or cement is necessary to improve the soil strength. Increasing the lime content makes the compressive strength follow an exponential increase trend; while using cement, a linear behavior was perceived. All these aspects of waste reuse maximize the reuse of materials and reducing its environmental impact.