ROLE OF KOTAH STONE WASTE IN ROAD CONTRUCTIONS

Authors: Dr. Venkata Hanumantha Rao Chittem, Dhvani Patel

Abstract: Kota Stone, a naturally available material, is increasingly used in construction for its strength and aesthetic appeal. This study explores the reuse potential of Kota Stone waste, generated during construction of the Government Engineering College building, in various geotechnical applications such as flexible pavements, embankments, earthen dams, reinforced earth walls, and gabion retaining walls. The investigation began with the determination of basic geotechnical properties—specific gravity, grain size distribution, liquid limit, shrinkage limit—along with engineering parameters like optimum moisture content, maximum dry density, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR). The suitability of Kotah Stone Waste in flexible pavement construction was further evaluated by performing CBR tests at curing periods of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days under both soaked and unsoaked conditions. To enhance strength, Kotah Stone Waste was modified with 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% cement by weight, followed by similar testing. Results indicated that both the unmodified and cement-modified samples cured for 14 and 28 days exhibited higher strength values. Notably, 8% cement addition yielded optimum CBR values. The findings align with IRC-37 (2018) and BIS standards, supporting the use of Kotah Stone Waste and its cement-modified forms in sub-base and base courses of flexible pavements and other geotechnical structures.

DOI: http://doi.org/