Durga 2017
Durga 2017
Abstract: - In India, expansive soils popularly known as black cotton soils are highly problematic, as
they swell on absorption of water and shrink on evaporation thereof. Because of this alternate swell and
shrinkage, distress is caused to the foundations of structures laid on such soils. Understanding the
behavior of expansive soil and adopting the appropriate control measures have been great task for the
geotechnical engineers. Extensive research is going on to find the solutions to black cotton soils. There
have been many methods available to controlling the expansive nature of the soils. Treating the
expansive soil with electrolytes is one of the techniques to improve the behavior of the expansive
ground. Hence, in the present work, experimentation is carried-out to investigate the influence of
electrolyte viz. potassium chloride, calcium chloride and ferric chloride on the properties of expansive
soil. A methodical process, involving experimentation on Atterberg limis (liquid limit, plastic limit),
sieve Analysis, specific gravity, proctor compaction test, California Bearing Ratio(CBR), Unconfined
Compressive Strength(UCS) test, Triaxial test were conducted by adding 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% of Potassium
Choride, Calcium Chloride and Ferric Chloride to the expansive soil by dry weight under controlled
conditions in the laboratory. It is observed form the laboratory studies that maximum reduction in
properties is observed for Ferric Chloride treatment compared to other electrolytes tried in this
investigation.
I. INTRODUCTION
Expansive soil is one among the problematic soils that has a high potential for shrinking or swelling due
to change of moisture content. Expansive soils can be found on almost all the continents on the Earth.
Destructive results caused by this type of soils have been reported in many countries. In India, large
tracts are covered by expansive soils known as black cotton soils. The major area of their occurrence is
the south Vindhyachal range covering almost the entire Deccan Plateau. These soils cover an area of
about 200,000 square miles and thus form about 20% of the total area of India. The primary problem
that arises with regard to expansive soils is that deformations are significantly greater than the elastic
deformations and they cannot be predicted by the classical elastic or plastic theory. Movement is usually
in an uneven pattern and of such a magnitude to cause extensive damage to the structures resting on
them. Proper remedial measures are to be adopted to modify the soil or to reduce its detrimental effects
if expansive soils are indentified in a project. The remedial measures can be different for planning and
designing stages and post construction stages. Many stabilization techniques are in practice for
improving the expansive soils in which the characteristics of the soils are altered or the problematic soils
are removed and replaced which can be used alone or in conjunction with specific design alternatives.
Additives such as lime, cement, calcium chloride, rice husk, fly ahs etc. are also used to alter the
characteristics of the expansive soils. The characteristics that are of concern to the design engineers are
permeability, compressibility and durability. The effect of the additives and the optimum amount of
additives to be used are dependent mainly on the mineralogical composition of the soils. The paper
focuses about the various stabilization techniques that are in practice for improving the expansive soil
for reducing its swelling potential and the limitations of the method of stabilization there on.
Chemical modification by adding lime and lime-pozzolan mixes has been practiced for the last two
decades. However, due to low solubility (about 1.2 g/lit @200c) of lime and mixing problems involved,
use of strong electrolytes like KCl, CaCl2 and FeCl3 were tried by various researchers. Further, a group
of researchers reported that CaCl2 could be an effective alternative to conventional lime treatment due
to its ready dissolvability to supply adequate calcium ions for exchange reactions. In this work it is
attempted to study the effect of electrolytes like KCl, CaCl2 and FeCl3on the properties of expansive
soil.
1.1 OBJECTIVE
The objective of the present work is to study the impact of the electrolytes like KCl, CaCl2 and FeCl3on
the properties of expansive soil in laboratory
calcium aluminate and silicate gels, which crystallize and bond the material particles together. Most of
the strength of a cement-stabilized material comes from the hydrated cement. A chemical reaction also
takes place between the material and lime, which is released as the cement hydrates leading to a further
increase in strength. Granular materials can be improved by the addition of a small proportion of
Portland cement, generally less that 10 per cent. The addition of more than 15 per cent cement usually
results in conventional concrete. In general the strength of the material will steadily increase with a rise
in the cement content. There are three main types of cement stabilized materials:-
ingress of water. In many cases the bituminous material acts as an impervious layer in the pavement,
preventing the rise of capillary moisture. In a country where bitumen is relatively expensive compared to
cement and where most expertise is in cement construction, it appears more reasonable to use a cement
stabilizer rather than a bitumen/tar based product. 6
II. METHODOLOGY
2.1 MATERIALS
A. Soil
The black cotton soil collected from Morampalem village near Amalapuram, E.G.Dt., AP, India. The
properties of the soil are given in Table 2.1.
Plastic Limit
Different percentages of chemical ranging from 0-1.5% by dry weight are mixed with the soil and the
plastic limit were determined as per IS: 2720 (part-6)-1972.
Shrinkage limit
Different percentages of chemical ranging from 0-1.5% by dry weight are mixed with the soil and the
shrinkage limit were determined as per IS: 2720 (part-6)-1972.
Compaction Properties
Optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of the Expansive soil were evaluated as per IS
Heavy weight compaction test (IS: 2720 part-8, 1983).
B. Strength Tests
Tri-axial test, California bearing ratio& Unconfined Compressive Strength values were found for all the
soil combinations, as presented below. 29
Sample Preparation
Both treated and untreated samples were prepared by compacting different mixes to the maximum dry
density of the soil. The initial moisture content for these samples was maintained at optimum moisture
content of the untreated soil. The amount of chemical to be added to the amount of water was arrived at
based on the optimum moisture content of the natural soil and the chemical solution was prepared. This
solution was added to the dry soil and the mixture was thoroughly mixed.
Tri-Axial test
The tri-axial tests (as per) were conducted on all the combinations listed in table. At the end of the
respective curing period (the samples were cured for 1 day, 7 days, and 14 days after preparation).
Sample Preparation
Both treated and untreated samples were prepared by compacting different mixes to the maximum dry
density of the soil. The initial moisture content for these samples was maintained at optimum moisture
content of the untreated soil. The amount of chemical to be added to the amount of water was arrived at
based on the optimum moisture content of the natural soil and the chemical solution was prepared. This
solution was added to the dry soil and the mixture was thoroughly mixed.
Sample Preparation
Both treated and untreated samples were prepared by compacting different mixes to the maximum dry
density of the soil. The initial moisture content for these samples was maintained at optimum moisture
content of the untreated soil. The amount of chemical to be added to the amount of water was arrived at
based on the optimum moisture content of the natural soil and the chemical solution was prepared. This
solution was added to the dry soil and the mixture was thoroughly mixed.
Fig 3. A: Variation of Liquid Limit with Different Percentage Chemicals Blending in Expansive Soil
Fig 3.B: Variation of Plastic Limit with Different Percentage Chemicals Blending in Expansive Soil
Fig 3.D: Variation of Shrinkage Limit with Addition of Percentage Chemicals Blending In Expansive Soil
The variation of liquid limit values with different percentages of chemicals added to the expansive soil is
presented in the Fig.4.a. It is observed that the decrease in the liquid limit is significant upto 1% of
chemical added to the expansive clay for all the chemicals, beyond 1% there is a nominal decrease.
Maximum decrease in 35 liquid limit for stabilized expansive clay is observed with the chemical FeCl3,
compared with other two chemicals, KCl and CaCl2. Nominal increase in plastic limit of stabilized
expansive clay is observed with increase the percentage of the chemical (Fig.4.b)
Fig.3.c shows the variation of plasticity index with the addition of chemicals to expansive clay. The
increase in the plastic limit and the decrease in the liquid limit cause a net reduction in the plasticity
index. It is observed that, the reduction in plasticity indexes are 26%, 41% and 48% respectively for 1 %
of KCl, CaCl2 and FeCl3 added to the expansive clay. The reduction in plasticity index with chemical
36 treatments could be attributed to the depressed double layer thickness due to cation exchange by
potassium, calcium and ferric ions. The variation of shrinkage limit with the percentage of chemical
added to the expansive soil is presented in the Fig.4.d. With increase in percentage of chemical added to
the expansive soil the shrinkage limit is increasing. With 1.5 % chemical addition, the shrinkage limit of
stabilized expansive clay is increased from 12% to 15.1%, 15.4% and 16% respectively for KCl, CaCl2
and FeCl3.
Fig 3.E: Variation of DFS for Different Chemicals Blending In Expansive Soil
Fig 3.E: Variation of DFS for Different Chemicals Blending In Expansive Soil. Effect of Additives on DFS
The variation of DFS of stabilized expansive clay with addition of different percentages of chemicals is
shown in the Fig.4.e. It is observed that the DFS is decreasing with increasing percentage of chemical
added to the expansive soil. Significant decrease in D.F.S. is recorded in stabilized expansive clay with
addition of 1% of chemical. The reductions in the DFS of stabilized expansive clay with addition of 1%
chemical are 40%, 43% and 47% for KCl, CaCl2 and FeCl3 respectively compared with the expansive
clay. The reduction in DFS values could be supported by the fact that the double layer thickness is
suppressed by cation exchange with potassium, calcium and ferric ions and with increased electrolyte
concentration. 37
5
4.5 4.4
4.32
4 3.98 4.07
3.6 3.7
3.5
Soaked CBR Values
3.38
3 3.1
Potassium Chloride
2.5 2.5
Calcium Chloride
2 2
Ferric Chloride
1.5
1
0.5
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
% Of Chemicals
Fig 3.F: Variation of CBR of Stabilized Expansive Soil with Percentage of Chemicals
Table 3.4: Variation of Shear Strength Parameters with the Addition of Chemicals to Expansive Soil
chemical, of KCl,CaCl2 and FeCl3 respectively. The increase in the strength with addition of chemicals
may be attributed to the cation exchange of KCl,CaCl2& FeCl3between mineral layers and due to the
formation of silicate gel. The reduction in strength beyond 1% each of KCl, CaCl2 & FeCl3 may be due
to the absorption of more moisture at higher KCl, CaCl2 & FeCl3. The optimum percentage of
different additives observed during the laboratory experimentation are summarized and presented in the
following Table.
KCl 1
CaCl2 1
FeCl3 1
IV. CONCLUSIONS
The following conclusions can be drawn from the laboratory study carried out in this investigation.
It is observed that the liquid limit values are decreased by 57 %, 63% and 70% respectively for 1%
of KCl, CaCl2 and FeCl3 chemicals added to the expansive clay.
Marginal increase in plastic limits is observed with addition of chemical to the expansive clay.
Decrease in plasticity index is recorded with addition of chemical to the expansive soil.
The shrinkage limit is increasing with 1.5 % chemical addition; it is observed that the shrinkage
limit of stabilized expansive clay is increased from 12% to 15.1%, 15.4% and 16% respectively for
KCl, CaCl2 and FeCl3.
The D.F.S values are decreased by 40%, 43% and 47% for 1% of KCl, CaCl2 and FeCl3
treatments respectively.
The CBR values are also increased by 80%, 103% and 116% respectively for 1% of KCl, CaCl2
and FeCl3 treatment
The Significant change in undrained cohesion and marginal change in angle of internal friction is
observed with addition of chemicals to the expansive clay.
The UCS values are increased by 133%, 171% and 230% respectively for 1% ofKCl, CaCl2 and
FeCl3 treatments for a curing period of 14 days.
REFERENCES
I. A S S Vara Prasad N Avas and S Ashok Kumar (2016),” Stabilization of Marine Clay with Sawdust and Lime for
Pavement Subgrades”, IJSRD - International Journal for Scientific Research & Development, Vol. 4, Issue 07.
II. Anandakrishnan, M. and Dhaliwal, S.S. (1966):“Effect of Various constructions of sodium chloride and Calcium
Chloride on the pore pressure parameters and on strength parameters of Black Cotton Soil”, Research Report,
Dept. of Civil Eng., IIT,Kanpur, India.
III. Bansal, R.K., Pandey, P.K.and Singh, S.K (1996): “Improvement of a Typical Clay for Road Subgrades with
Hydrated Lime”, Proc. of National Conf. on Problematic Subsoil Conditions, Terzaghi-96, Kakinada, India,
pp193-197.
IV. Bell, F.G. (1993): “Eng. Treatment of Soils”, E&FN Spon Pub. Co.
V. Bhattacharya, P. and Bhattacharya, A. (1989): “Stabilization of Bed banks of Railway Track by Lime Slurry
Pressure Injection Technique”, Proc. of IGC-89, Visakhapatnam, Vol. 1, pp. 315-319.
VI. CBRI. (1978): “Handbook on Under-reamed and Bored Compaction Pile Foundation”, Jain Printing
Press,Roorkee, India.
VII. Chandrasekhar, B.P., PrasadaRaju, G.V.R., Ramana Murthy, V. and Harikrishna, P. (1999): “Relative
Performance of Lime and Calcium Chloride on properties of Expansive soil for pavement subgrades”, Proc. of
IGC-99, Calcutta, pp 279-282.
VIII. Chen, F.H and Ma, G.S. (1987): “Swelling and Shrinkage Behavior of expansive clays”, Proc. of 6th Int. Conf. on
expansive soils, Vol1, New Delhi, pp. 127-129.
IX. Chen, F.H. (1988): “Foundations on Expansive Soils”, Elsevier publications Co., Amsterdam.
X. Chu. T.Y. AND Mou, C.H. (1973): “Volume Change Characteristics of expansive soils determined by controlled
suction tests”, Proc. of 3rd Int. Conf on expansive soils, Haifa, Israel, Vol 1, pp 177-185.
XI. Chummar, A.V. (1987): “Treatment of Expansive Soil below Existing Structures with Sand – Lime Piles”, Proc.
of sixth Int. Conf. on expansive soils, New Delhi, pp. 451-452.46
XII. CRRI. (1991): “Report on Base Paper on Test Track Research”, CRRI, New Delhi.
XIII. Davidson, L.K., Demirel, T.and Handy, R.L (1965): “Soil Pulverization and Lime Migration in Soil-Lime
stabilization”, Highway Research Record-92, pp 103-126.
XIV. Desai, I.D. and Oza, B.N. (1977): “Influence of Anhydrous Calcium Chloride on the Shear Strength of Expansive
soils, Proc. of the First National Symposium on Expansion soils, HBTI-Kanpur, India, pp 4-1 to 4-5.
XV. Deshpande, M.D. et al. (1990): “Performance Study of Road Section Constructed with Local Expansive Clay
(Stabilized with lime) as Subbase material”, Indian highways, pp. 35-41.
XVI. Dif, E. and Bluemel, W.F. (1991): “Expansive Soils Under Cyclic Drying and Wetting”, Geotechnical Testing
Journal, pp. 96-102.
XVII. Evans, R.P and Mc Manus, K.J. (1999): “Construction of Vertical Moisture Barriers to reduce expansive soil
subgrade movement”, TRR-1652, TRB, pp.108-112.
XVIII. Frydman, S., Ravins, L and Ehrenreich, T. (1997): “Stabilization of Heavy Clay with Potassium Chloride”,
Journal of Geo-technical Eng., Southeast Asian Society of Soil Eng., Vol 8, pp. 95-108.
XIX. Gichaga, F.J. (1991): “Deflections of Lateritic Gravel-Based and Stone Based Pavements of a Low-Volume Tea
Road in Kenya”, TRR-1291. TRB, pp. 79-83.
XX. Gokhale, K.V.G.K. (1977): “Mechanism of Soil Stabilization with Additives”, Proc. of the first national
symposium on expansive soils, HBTI, Kanpur, pp. 10-1 to 10-5.
XXI. Gokhale, Y.C. (1969): “Some Highway Eng. Problems in Black Cotton Soil Region”, Proc. of the Symposium on
characteristics of and construction techniques in black cotton Spil, pp, 209-212.
XXII. Grim, R.E. (1959): “Physico-chemical properties of soils-clay minerals”, Journal of the soil mechanics and
foundation Division, ASCE, Vol. 85, No. SM2, pp. 1-17.
XXIII. Gupta, A.K., Jain, S.S. and Bhatia, S.K. (1992): “A Study on Relationship between Rut Depth, Deflection and
other Distress modes for flexible pavements”, IRC Journal, pp. 141-187.47
XXIV. Haas, R., Walls,J and Carroll, R.G. (1988): “Geogrid Reinforcement of Granular bases in flexible pavements”,
TRR-1188, TRB,pp. 19-27.
XXV. Hausmann, M.R. (1990): “Eng. Principles of Ground Modification”, McGraw Hill Book Co., New Delhi.
XXVI. Ho, M.K (1968): “Swelling Characteristics of Expansive Clay with Access to Common Electrolytes”, Proc. of the
SoutheastAsian Regional Conf. on soil Eng., Asian institute of Tech., Bangkok, pp. 159-167.
XXVII. Holm, G., Brendenberg,H. and Broms, B.B. (1981): “Lime Columns as Foundation for Light Structures”, Proc. of
10th ICSMFE, Stockholm, Vo. 3, pp. 687-694.
XXVIII. Holtz, W.G. (1959): “Expansive Clays – Properties and Problems”, First Annual Soil Mechanics Conf., Colorado
School of Mines, Colorado, pp. 1-26.
XXIX. Holtz, W.G. (1969): “Volume Change in Expansive Clay Soils and Control by lime Treatment”, Proc. of 2nd Int.
Research and Eng. Conf.on expansive clay soils, Texas A & M Press, Texas, pp. 157-174.
XXX. Holtz, W.G. and Gibbs,H.J. (1956): “Eng. Properties of Expansive Clays”, Transactions of ASCE, Vol. 121, pp.
641-647.
XXXI. Hopkins, T.C., Hunsucker, D.Q.andBeckam, T. (1994): “Selection of Design Strengths of Untreated Soil
Subgrades and Sub grades treats with cement and hydrated lime”, TRR-1440, TRB, pp. 37-44.
XXXII. Humad, S. (1977): “Lime pile stabilization of Black cotton soil”, Proc. of the 1st National Symposium on
Expansive Soils, HBTI-Kanpur, India, pp. 4-1 to 4-8.