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06/2017 – EMPLOYER: INTERNSHIP
11/2017 POSITION: Structural Engineer/ CAD
Designer
Project: Highway Construction
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CHAPTER THREE
Soil stabilization is the process by which the engineering properties of the soil are
improved and it is made more stable. It is used to decrease the soil’s unqualified
characteristics such as permeability and consolidation potential and increase the
shear capacity. The method is mainly adopted for highway and airfield construction
projects. Commonly, activities such as compaction and pre-consolidation are used to
improve types of soils which are already in good form. But soil stabilization goes
way up to encouraging usage of weak soil and reducing the uneconomical process of
weak soil replacement. Other than working on the soil mass interaction, chemically
altering the soil material itself is also the focus of this process. Sometimes, soil
stabilization is used for city and suburban streets to make them more noise-
absorbing.
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Different methods have been developed previously to stabilize weak and unsuitable
soils. Some of these methods include mechanical (granular) stabilization, cement
stabilization, lime stabilization, bituminous stabilization, chemical stabilization,
thermal stabilization, electrical stabilization, as well as grouting stabilization by
geotextile and fabrics. Recently, researchers have introduced another way of soil
stabilization by using waste materials. Plastics are one of the leading waste materials
that are found to be suitable for this purpose. They reduce the cost of stabilization at
a large rate [4]. Using plastics for this purpose simultaneously solves the challenges
of improper plastic waste recycling that is currently a teething problem in most
developing countries.
This paper presents appropriate and easy to implement ways of recycling plastic
water bottles as reinforcing material for the stabilization of expansive soil to
improve and achieve the required properties for construction works. The
experimental tests that were performed with the achieved results are presented.
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1.1.1. Materials and Methods
Materials
There were two materials used for this study: a representative clay type soil taken
from Bole area in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and rectangular PET bottle strips. The
strips were prepared from waste plastic bottles that were collected from the nearby
surroundings. The bottles were cleaned properly after collection and cut into three
different sized strips, manually using scissoRS.
Material Characterization
The characterization of the soil sample taken for this study included particle size
distribution, Atterberg limit and specific gravity of soil tests. The sample soil taken
was sieved in order to take out any other impurities and unnecessary particles. It
was then prepared for testing according. Once sample preparation was done, sieve
analysis and hydrometer analysis were conducted to study the particle size
distribution of the soil. Plastic limit, liquid limit and plasticity index of the soil
were determined by performing the Atterberg limit test. The test was carried out
using Casagrande’s apparatus. Specific gravity of the soil on the other hand was
determined from the specific gravity test in the geotechnical laboratory. A specific
gravity beaker and vacuum pump were used to carry out the test. The specific
gravity was taken as the ratio of the density of soil to the density of water at the
same temperature.
The PET fibers on the other hand were characterized as per size (length, width and
thickness), surface texture, shape and color.
1.1.2. Material Mixing Method and Proportions
The plastic strips, which are expected to act as soil reinforcements, were added to
the soil in three different percentages (0.5%, 1% and 2%) by mass of the soil. Table
2 shows the treatment levels used for each strip while carrying out this study.
Percentage by mass represents the ratio of mass of plastic to mass of soil sample
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taken as a percentage.
The maximum dry density and optimum moisture content were determined by
conducting standard proctor compaction test. In this test, the soil was compacted
using a test mold and a rammer at different water contents until the wet density
started decreasing. Moisture content of the soil at different water additions was
obtained, and the dry density for each compaction level was graphed with its
respective water content. The peak of the curve provided the maximum dry density
that the soil can be compacted to, with the optimum moisture content that can yield
the maximum compaction. Equation (1) shows how dry density can be calculated,
where γd Is dry density, γw Is wet density and ω is water content.
Γd=γw/1+ω
The response of a consolidated and drained soil sample for direct shear, and results
in the shear strength of the soil were determined by conducting a direct shear test.
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The test was performed by deforming a specimen at a controlled strain rate on a
single shear plane, which is determined by the configuration of the apparatus.
Generally, three specimens were tested, each under a different normal load, to
demonstrate the effect of surcharge and structural load upon shear resistance and
displacement. The shear results at the three normal loads are plotted on one graph
and linearly fitted to result the average shear strength © of the soil, whereas the
angle of internal friction (φ) is calculated from the slope of the line that is used to
fit the shear strength values. Figure 4 illustrates the procedures of a direct shear
test.
Cohesive soils can be evaluated based on their shear resistance when subjected to
compressive load with no confinement. The unconfined compressive strength
(UCS) test was used to determine shear capacity of the sample soil under
compression. The sample was extruded and cut into the standard cylindrical shape.
The UCS machine was used to compress the sample and both the applied load and
change in length of the sample were recorded. The values were tabulated and
computed to get one representative value. Figure 5 shows the UCS test machine
and sample.
CBR test was conducted to measure the penetration strength of a compacted soil
relative to crushed rock, which is considered to be an excellent base-course
material. The results of a CBR test help to understand the shear strength and
bearing capacity of a soil sample. The test follows a compaction procedure
combined with a penetration that is applied by a machine that applies a plunger
load. This test was used to simulate the effect of surcharge and excessive moisture
on the compacted soil by putting a standard load that represents surcharge and
soaking the mold for four days
The results showed that the soil was a fine-grained clay soil with a specific gravity
of 2.78 as well as a liquid limit of 94.2%, a plastic limit of 28.3% and a plasticity
index, which is the difference between the liquid and plastic limit, of 65.9%.
All strip sizes showed reduction in optimum moisture content as the percentage of
plastic increased. A largest reduction is obtained at a strip size of 5 × 7.5 (mm) at a
2% addition which yielded a 31% decrease in the moisture content. The reason for
the decrement of the OMC might be because of zero absorption Capacity of the
plastic strips for water. Therefore, soil can be compacted to its maximum dry
density at lower addition of water, which is a very good improvement. Figure 6
shows the comparisons between OMC of the soil at the different sizes and
percentages of plastic addition.
A decrease in maximum dry density of the soil is also noted but it is marginal. The
largest reduction occurred at a strip size of 10 mm × 15 mm at 2% content which is
7% only. Only the 2% content of 5 × 7.5 (mm) strip maintained the maximum dry
density of the original soil, which is 12.8 kN/m3. The addition of less dense
material, which is the plastic, in the soil might have decreased the density of the
soil. However, the reduction in maximum dry density is counterbalanced by the
decrease in optimum moisture content. The decreased density of soil has an
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engineering application in light weight embankment construction
Free Swell Test Results
The main problem of expansive soil is its volume change in different moisture
conditions. When the moisture content increases, the soil swells and its volume
increases in a wide range from the original. This property happens at a particle
level, when water particles break the bonds that connect the sandwich like chemical
structure and penetrate between layers. This problem is particularly solved by
altering the chemical characteristics of the soil using the application of different
chemicals.
As for this project, the plastic strip was proposed to act as a physical agent and was
expected to decrease the swelling potential of the soil. From visual inspection
during experiments and the results from free-swell tests for the soil containing
different percentage of plastic strips, there is no chemical bonding between the soil
and the strip. Therefore, the reduction in swelling is a sole effect of the physical
interaction between the soil and the strip.
The shear capacity from the tests is presented in terms of the shear strength
parameters, cohesion © and angle of internal friction (φ). Both improvement and
drop of shear capacity were recorded for C and φ. The angle of internal friction and
cohesion intercept of the unreinforced soil was found to be 5.710 and 49.83 kPa
respectively. The small value of friction angle is attributed to the cohesiveness of
the soil. The largest values of C and φ for the reinforced soil was obtained as 8.980
and 62.67 Kpa which was a 57% and 26% improvement respectively. These results
were obtained for the 15 * 20 strip size at 0.5%. Table 6 gives the C and φ results
obtained for each treatment level and strip sizes.
Increasing the plastic content for the same plastic strip size has increased both the
friction angle and cohesion for 5 × 7.5 (mm) and 10 × 15 (mm) strips but decreased
for 15 × 20 (mm). However, increasing the plastic size for the same content
increases the friction angle and cohesion.
The decrease in moisture content of expansive soil results in wide and deep
cracking. This phenomenon results decrease in volume, and consequently the soil is
excessively compressed. Many structures lost their stability and failed due to less
awareness and treatment of this character of expansive soil.
The addition of plastic strips can help reduce the cracking and shrinking characters
of the soil by bridging between the cracks. This was witnessed when the compacted
soil was extruded from the mold and left to air dry until it fully cracked. The cracks
outlined on the surface of the molded soil and its ability to maintain its original
spherical shape were compared by visual inspection. The strip size of 5 × 7.5 (mm)
resulted a very considerable reduction of cracking, while larger sizes especially at
higher percentages decreased the ability of the soil to maintain its spherical shape
of mold. It was obvious that the larger surface area of the plastic, the easier for the
soil to crack. Figure below shows the cracking mode of the soil for strip sizes 15 *
20, 10 * 15, and 5 * 7.5 from left to right. It can clearly be seen from the figure that
the sample containing 15 * 20 plastic strip sizes showed excessive cracking
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California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test Results
The bearing capacity of the soil was measured indirectly by conducting the CBR
test. The Soaked CBR is only tested in this study because it is only test that
simulate actual site condition. Also, the study was focused in investigating the
effect of water on expansive soils CBR value. The load penetration curve has
shown that there is an improvement in the CBR value. The soaked CBR of
unreinforced soil was found to be 1.58 which is small. The principal enhancement
is attained at a strip size and content of 15 × 20 (mm) and 1% respectively and is of
value 3.23. This is a total of 104% increment.
Increase in plastic size for the same percentage has resulted in an increase in soaked
CBR value but increase in plastic content for the same plastic size increases the
soaked CBR then decreases. The improvement in CBR can attributed to the ability
of the strips in resisting swelling prior to penetration and load exerted by the
plunger during penetration.
1.1.6. Conclusions
This paper assessed the method of stabilizing clay soils using plastic bottle strips.
The following conclusions are drawn based on the analysis and interpretation of the
results obtained.
A significant and marginal reduction was recorded in the optimum moisture content
and in the maximum dry density results respectively. The angle of internal friction
and the cohesion intercept increased significantly as the reinforcement percentages
and sizes increased. A huge improvement in UCS has been noted for smaller strip
size and content. Any further increase in size and content has brought reduction in
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UCS because increase in size causes in un-compacted weak shear planes. The
swelling of the soil was reduced significantly at high percentages of strip content
because of replacement in an equal mass of expansive soil by non-expansive
plastic. Physical anchorage has also some effect in reducing the free swell. The
swelling reduction is in some way similar for different sizes at the same percentage
which shows that the dominant factor that contributes to reduction in swelling is
percent by weight of plastic content. Increase in plastic size for the same percentage
has resulted in an increase in soaked CBR value but increase in plastic content for
the same plastic size increases the soaked CBR then decreases. The optimum
plastic size and plastic content that results in optimum result can be selected based
on the Importance of the selection parameter for a specified engineering work.
In nutshell, stabilizing expansive clay soil with waste plastic bottle strips is a
reliable alternative as it improves the volume fluctuation problems of the soil. The
strips were acting as reinforcements playing a role of arresting volume changes
with change in water content. Incorporating waste plastic bottles in the construction
industry also is a crucial way to solve the issue of insufficient plastic waste
disposal.
The laboratory results presented in the study favorably suggest the possibility of
utilizing plastic material as tensile inclusions in expansive soil to increase the
resistance to shear, CBR value and reduction in swelling. However, a better
understanding of the interaction mechanism in soils reinforced with the plastic
material would be essential to properly document the engineering behavior of the
soil-plastic composite.
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3.1 PROJECT: CONSTRUCTION OF TWO FLOORS OFFICE EXTENSION
Client: RICHCONT
Position held: Civil Engineer
Completion: 100%
5.1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The site is situated at Off Pengassan Estate, Abdulsalam Abubakar Road, Wasa
District- Abuja, Nigeria. The project is the construction of Residential Housing
Estate. The site conditions were favorable, Hence strip foundation with pad
footing was constructed.
5.1.3 SCOPE OF THE WORK:
The scope of this work involved demolition of existing structure and construction
of the building from substructure to finishing.
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5.1.4 MY INVOLVEMENT IN THIS PROJECT:
1. Preparation of the structural design and drafting of structural detailing of this
project using Orion 18 sp4 and Auto Cad
Building material procurement and supervision of site activities.
Setting out of Interpretation of drawings to workers; Structural and
Architectural plans.
Determination of levels on site with level instrument.
Setting out of partition wall blocks.
Confirmation of smooth rendering of wall.
Confirmation of alignment of carpenter’s form work.
Supervision of windows and doors dressing
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I was exposed to more complex structures like raft foundation, retaining
wall e.t.c
I polished my structural drafting skills this period
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PROJECT: AsphalticPavement of 1.0km Access Road To Nimasa Jetty At Kana-
Khana Lga, Rivers State
Client: NIMASA
5.1.0 Project Description
This road project was aimed at providing a motor able access road for the
users within the locality so as to enhance movement and transfer of goods and
services.
The length of the road is 1km and the road width is 7. 3m and the road
5.1.1 Responsibilities
Design
criteria
Design
Procedure
Pavement composition
Initially, no one among our team realized that the newly constructed cross
culvert (box) which was introduced to carry erosion from one side to the road
and connect with the already provide rubble stone wall channelization that
dissipate the water into the bush needs a man hole for clearing exercise, until
when the engineer representative came and called our attention to it, we broke
the culvert to enhance cleaning and desilting exercise when the need calls for
such.
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CHAPTER FOUR
5.0 CONCLUSION
This report has shown my involvement in many area of Civil Engineering Works, ranging
Better the life of the Nigeria populace and the world as a whole.
In summary, being in these professions has been challenging and fulfilling. Therefore, no
doubt or regret in chosen this profession. I hope to o more and submit myself tutelage under
senior colleagues.
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.1 Endorsement
I, the undersigned, have gone through the report that has been prepared and we endorse the
experience attained and reported by the writer. Based on our personal knowledge of the
character and professional reputation of the applicant, I recommend for acceptance of this
Work Experience report by the COREN in Partial fulfillment of the requirements for
registration as Registered Engineer/Technologist.
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