ABSTRACT
This study examines the compressibility characteristics of clayey soil amended with sugarcane bagasse biochar at varying dosages (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%). Consolidation tests conducted on the biochar-treated soils reveal a significant reduction in void ratio as biochar content increases. The soil treated with 12% biochar demonstrated the highest reduction in the compression index, achieving a 43.75% decrease. The permeability decreased effectively up to 9% biochar dosage, but increased at 12%, likely due to the formation of new flow paths resulting from larger inter-aggregate voids. Soils with higher biochar dosages exhibited greater reduction in coefficient of consolidation (Cv). Linear shrinkage tests also indicated a notable decrease in heave caused by warping stresses in 9% biochar-treated soil. Image analysis revealed that the soils treated with 9% biochar dosage mitigated the crack formation. These findings suggest that biochar could be a viable alternative material for stabilizing soils in liner applications.
