EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF ROCK DUST IN GEOTECHNICAL ENHANCEMENT OF SOFT CLAYEY SOIL: ENGINEERING PERFORMANCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The lateral displacement of subgrade due to water absorption by the pavement, as well as excessive deflection and differential settlement of the material beneath the pavement, is typically linked to pavement failures. These blunders may have an influence on the community's sense of safety in addition to having engineering adverse effects.  Psychological distress may also be experienced by those who reside or work close to damaged infrastructure. The study's objective is to investigate how certain soils in Mardan City, Pakistan, are affected by rock dust additives in terms of stability and increased bearing capacity, while considering the psychological impacts of using ecologically friendly geotechnical methods In order to stabilize the native soil, the physical, chemical, and engineering characteristics of the soil were examined, and the soils were treated with additions (rock dust). Rock dust is added to soils in the range of 0 to 85% with percentage increases of 5%, 10%, and 15%, respectively, to modify the soil. According to the results of the particle size analysis, the soil's gradation is thin. The addition of rock dust reduced the plasticity index (P.I.), liquid limit (L.L.), and plastic limit (P.L.). It was determined that adding rock dust raised the maximum dry density value; the highest value was attained when 10% rock dust was added, and the content decreased beyond 10%. It was discovered that adding rock dust improved the California bearing ratio (CBR) and the cohesiveness c value reduced the angle of internal friction. The improved stability achieved at an optimal 10% dosage may have a substantial psychosocial impact on stakeholder trust, risk perception, and acceptance of rock-dust-based stabilization as a reliable and sustainable solution. According to the study, rock dust is the greatest stabilizer for the case study, and 10% is the ideal dosage.