Influencia de la ceniza de cáscara de Musa paradisiaca (plátano verde) en la mejora de las propiedades físicas y mecánicas de los suelos para estabilización

Abstract

This research evaluated the potential of Musa paradisiaca peel ash (MPPA) as a sustainable stabilizing agent for improving the geotechnical performance of road subgrades in Ecuador. The study was motivated by the need to identify cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives for enhancing soils with limited bearing capacity. Two soils with contrasting characteristics were analyzed: a poorly graded silty sand (SP-SM, A-2-5) obtained from Quisapincha and a highly plastic silt (MH, A-7-5) collected from San José. The methodology included the physical and mechanical characterization of the natural soils, followed by the evaluation of mixtures containing 4%, 8%, and 12% MPPA. Laboratory testing comprised grain size analysis, Atterberg limits, Modified Proctor compaction, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests. The results indicated that an 8% MPPA content was the optimum dosage for both soils. In the Quisapincha soil (M1), the CBR increased from 13.80% to 23.00%, representing a 66.7% improvement in bearing capacity. In the San José soil (M2), the CBR increased from 7.15% to 16.30%, corresponding to a 127.97% improvement. Furthermore, the plasticity index decreased from 14.25% to 9.74%, indicating enhanced soil stability. The findings demonstrate that MPPA is an efficient, economical, and environmentally sustainable alternative for soil stabilization. Its incorporation significantly improves the geotechnical properties of both granular and fine-grained soils, increasing their suitability for road infrastructure applications, with more pronounced benefits observed in fine-grained soils