Improvement of soft ground using solidified coal ash and its effects on the marine environment

This paper presents some research results pertaining to the application of solidified coal ash (SCA) for improving the stability of soft ground. The results pertain to the physical properties of SCA required for use as an alternative to sand in sand compaction piles (SCPs), and the assessment of possible environmental impacts resulting from construction of SCA piles in marine environments. The results of field tests indicate that the physical properties of SCA (permeability, internal friction angle, and grain-size distribution) are favorable for use in soil improvement applications. Also, the results show that SCA is sufficiently suitable as an alternative to sand in SCPs, although SCA piles cannot be compacted to the same extent as sand piles. Finally, test results showed no adverse environmental impacts on natural benthos resulting from placement of SCA piles in marine environments. Thus, the results of this study confirm that SCA is a viable alternative material to sand in SCPs that are used for ground improvement in marine environments, and that large quantities of SCA may be required for such applications resulting in an alternative use for an otherwise waste material.