# Improving Geotechnical Properties of Expansive Subgrade Using Sugar Cane Molasses and Cement
## 1 Introduction
Molasses is characterized by its high viscosity and rich sugar content, with sucrose (C\({}_{12}\)H\({}_{22}\)O\({}_{11}\)) being its main component. Research has shown that the addition of molasses to soil can improve the reaction between cement and soil aggregates, leading to enhanced soil stabilization. Molasses slows down the hydration process of cement, allowing for better compaction and more controlled setting times, thus minimizing the risk of shrinkage cracks [8]. Moreover, molasses contains elements like lime and sulfur dioxide, which can interact with the expansive soil during the stabilization process to further improve its properties. Sugar cane molasses is abundant in regions where sugar production is prevalent, making it a readily available and cost-effective alternative to traditional chemical stabilizers. Furthermore, its use in soil stabilization has environmental benefits, as it is an agricultural byproduct that would otherwise require disposal. By incorporating molasses into the soil stabilization process, the environmental impact of construction projects can be reduced, as molasses has a minimal ecological footprint compared to manufactured chemical stabilizers like cement [9]. Molasses also contributes to the stabilization process by facilitating cation exchange within the soil. This occurs when the calcium ions (Ca\({}^{2+}\)) from the molasses replace the weaker monovalent ions, such as sodium (Na\({}^{+}\)), within the expansive clay minerals. This exchange reduces the soil's plasticity and increases its strength, making it less susceptible to swelling and shrinkage [10]. Additionally, the presence of sucrose in molasses helps improve the binding properties of the soil, as sucrose enhances the pozzolanic reactions between the soil and cement. These reactions result in the formation of calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H), which contribute to the long-term stability of the stabilized soil. Despite the promising potential of molasses as a soil stabilizer, there has been limited research on its combined use with cement in the stabilization of expansive clay soils [11]. While previous studies have explored the use of molasses in concrete and other construction materials, the specific chemical and physical interactions between molasses, cement, and expansive soils remain underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the effects of varying concentrations of sugar cane molasses and Portland cement on the geotechnical properties of expansive clay soils [12]. In addition to its economic benefits, the use of molasses in soil stabilization has significant environmental advantages. The incorporation of molasses reduces the amount of industrial waste produced by sugar factories, contributing to environmental sustainability. Furthermore, as an agricultural byproduct, molasses has a minimal ecological footprint compared to manufactured chemical stabilizers, making it an eco-friendly option for soil stabilization [13]. This research aims to demonstrate the potential for integrating agricultural waste products like molasses into civil engineering practices, offering a viable solution for sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in areas affected by expansive soils. By exploring the combined effects of molasses and cement on expansive soils, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on alternative soil stabilization techniques and provides a framework for future research in this area. In addition to molasses and cement, several alternative stabilizers, such as Microbial Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP), have gained attention in recent years due to their environmentally friendly and self-healing properties. MICP relies on microbial activity to precipitate calcium carbonate, which binds soil particles and enhances its mechanical properties [14]. Studies have demonstrated that MICP improves soil strength and can self-heal cracks, making it a promising alternative for long-term stabilization.