Clay subgrades, a common foundation material in highway construction, are susceptible to
strength loss and instability due to factors like moisture fluctuations and traffic loads.
Traditional stabilizing agents like lime and cement, while effective, have a significant
environmental impact due to their production processes.
This project aims to address the challenge of balancing effective subgrade stabilization with
environmental sustainability. While traditional methods offer strength improvement, they come
at the cost of high greenhouse gas emissions. Biochar, a charcoal-like material produced from
biomass pyrolysis, emerges as a potential sustainable alternative. However, knowledge gaps
exist regarding its effectiveness in clay subgrade stabilization.
The key challenge lies in determining whether biochar can improve the mechanical properties
and hydraulic properties of clay subgrades to a level comparable to traditional methods.
Additionally, the long-term durability of biochar-stabilized clay under simulated weathering
conditions needs to be assessed.