CHAPTER 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background

“Subgrade is the in situ material upon which the pavement structure is placed. Although there is a

tendency to look at pavement performance in terms of pavement structures and mix design alone,

the subgrade soils can often be the overriding factor in pavement performance. The construction

cost of the pavements will be considerably decreased if locally available low cost materials are

used for construction of lower layer of pavements such as subgrade, sub base etc. If the stability

of local soils is not adequate for supporting the loads, suitable methods to enhance the properties

of soil need to be adopted. Soil stabilization is one such method. Soil stabilization can be done

with many materials out of which geosynthetics are of great significance in terms of performance

as well as economy”. (International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and

Technology, 2017).

“Geosynthetics is defined as a planar product manufactured from a polymeric material that is used

with soil, rock, or other geotechnical-related material.”. (International Journal of Pure and Applied

Mathematics, 2018)

‘GEO’ touching on Associate in Nursing finish use related to rising the performance of applied

science works involving earth/ground/soil.

‘SYNTHETICS’ touching on the very fact that the materials square measure virtually solely from

artificial

merchandise

1
1.2 Statement of the problem

Existing weak subgrade soils are common in road projects. The life time and serviceability of the

road depends on the performance of the quality of the subgrade soil. The weak subgrade soils can

lead many problems like cracking and excessive rutting of the surface course of the pavement.

Mechanical properties of weak subgrade soil can be improved by replacing weak with higher

strength soils, mixing the weak soil in to a lime and geosynthetics reinforcement.

Somaliland is not a recognized country and that is why there is no research about the type of the

soil in Wajaale town and the lack of information of the presence of expansive soil leads a mistakes

of structural design of foundation, resulting a one factor of damage. For that reason, I was try to

search what is the problem of this soil and finally I understood The major engineering problem of

this area is an expansive soil.

1.3 Scope and limitation of the study

The scope of the study will be limited to the problems of expansive soil and stabilization of this

problem by using geosynthetic materials. This study therefore covered all major roads serving the

commercial axis and inner areas of the study area. It did attempt to investigate the structural

stability of the road network of this town.

2
 CHAPTER 2

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 General

The expansive soil subgrade experience several problems in the form of rutting,

heaving and reflection due to their inherent volume change behavior upon wetting

and drying condition (Brian et al., 2001; A rafat et al., 2015).

Zornberg et al (2010) found that geosynthetics can provide a reinforcement function in paved and

unpaved roads to improve the subgrade bearing capacity or reduce the base/sub-base thickness of

the new pavement. To improve the subgrade bearing capacity, the geosynthetic reinforcement is

placed at the interface between the sub-base and subgrade layer of the paved road and at the

base/subgrade interface for unpaved roads. The stresses imposed on the subgrade are higher in

unreinforced pavements than in geosynthetic-reinforced pavement.

Nithin et al (2012) found the critical behavioral changes acquired by using the coir geotextile as

reinforcing agent and their potential to provide an excellent and economical medium for stabilizing

subgrade for rural roads. They found that coir geotextile – reinforced soils perform better than

unreinforced ones. It also helps to reduce the permanent deformation of the subgrade compared to

unreinforced one. The soil samples with a geotextile of higher tensile strength

exhibits higher load carrying capacity and there is less deformation compared to those with lower

tensile strength values. Of the six varieties of reinforcement used, CSB-400450 (Coir Stitched

Blanket) is found to be the best choice of reinforcement.

3
2.2 Application of Geosynthetics

The largest use of geosynthetics is in road applications, including separation/stabilization and

asphalt overlay applications.

Providing:

 Subgrade: separation, stabilization and drainage;

 Base course: reinforcement;

 Overlay: moisture barrier, stress absorption and reinforcement.

2.3 Geosynthetics in Pavement

Separation and Reinforcement

1. Soft subgrade materials may mix with the granular base or sub base material as a result of

loads applied to the base course during construction.

2. Geotextiles have been used in construction of gravel roads and airfields over soft soils to

solve these problems and either increase the life of the pavement or reduce the initial cost

3. The placement of a permeable geotextile between the soft subgrade and the granular

material may provide one of or more of the following functions,

a) A filter to allow water but not soil to pass through it.

b) a separator to prevent the mixing of the soft soil and the granular material.

c) A reinforcement layer to resist the development of rutting.

4
2.4 Types of geosynthetic material

Geotextiles (GT)

Geotextiles type one among the 2 largest teams of geosynthetics. Their rise in growth throughout

the past 35years has been nothing wanting extraordinary. they're so textiles within the ancient

sense, however they comprise artificial fibers instead of natural ones like cotton, wool, or silk.

Thus, biodegradation and resultant short life isn't a drag. There are at-least a hundred specific

application areas for geotextiles that are developed, however, the material invariably performs a

minimum of one among four distinct functions: separation, reinforcement, filtration and/or drain.

Geotextiles are classified based on manufacturing process into the following:

Woven GT

 A geotextile made by interwoven, sometimes at right angles, 2 or a lot of sets of yarns or

 Other parts employing a typical weaving method with a weaving loom.

 Non-woven GT

 A geotextile made from directionally or willy-nilly oriented fibres into a loose internet by

bonding with partial melting, needle punching or chemical binding agents.

 Knitted GT A geotextile made by inter-looping one or a lot of yarns beside a textile

machine rather than a weaving loom Stitched GT

 A geotextile within which fibres or yarns or each ar interlocked by handicraft or stitching.

5
Geogrids (GG)

Geogrids represent a quickly growing section among geosynthetics. instead of being a plain-

woven, nonwoven or unwoven textile material, geogrids ar polymers shaped into a awfully open,

grid like configuration i.e. they need massive apertures between individual ribs within the

crosswise and longitudinal directions. Geogrids are:

 Either stretched in one or 2 directions for improved physical properties

 Made on weaving or knitting machinery by commonplace textile producing ways

Bonding rods or straps along.

Geonets (GN)

Geonets, also called geospacers, constitute another specialised phase inside the geosynthetics

space. they're fashioned by a nonstop extrusion of parallel sets of chemical compound ribs at acute

angles to 1 another. once the ribs area unit opened, comparatively giant aperture area unit fashioned

into a web like configuration. 2 sorts area unit most typical, either biplanar or triplanar. Their style

perform is totally inside the geographical region wherever they're wont to convey liquids of all

sorts.

Geosynthetic clay liners (GCL)

Geosynthetics clay liners are. rolls of manufactory made-up skinny layers of clay clay sandwiched

between 2 geotextiles or guaranteed to a geomembrane. Structural integrity of ensuant composite

is obtained by needle punching, sewing or physical bonding.

6
Geofoams (GF)

Geofoam could be a product created by a compound enlargement method leading to a foam

consisting of the many closed, however gas stuffed cells. The skeletal nature of the cell walls is

that the unexpanded compound material.

Geocomposite (GC)

Geocomposite consists of a mixture of geotextiles, geogrids, geonets, and/or geomembranes

during a works fictitious unit. Also, anyone of those four materials is combined with another

artificial material i.e. unshapely plastic sheets or steel cables or perhaps with soil.

Figure 2.1 The different types of geosynthetic materials

2.5 Definition of Soil stabilization

“Soil stabilization is the process which involves enhancing the physical properties of the soil in

order to improve its strength, durability etc. by blending or mixing it with additives. The different

types of methods used for soil stabilization are: Soil stabilization using cement, Soil stabilization

using lime, Soil stabilization using bitumen, Chemical stabilization and a new emerging

technology of stabilization that is stabilization of soil by using Geo textiles and Geo synthetic

fibers”. (Aroja M. Nagaraj K. Prashant. P. and Rajeshwari S).

7
2.6 Needs and Advantages of soil stabilization

Soil properties vary a great deal and construction of structures depends a lot on the bearing capacity

of the soil, hence, we need to stabilize the soil to improve the load bearing capacity. The gradation

of the soil is also a very important property to keep in mind while working with soils. The soils

may be well-graded which is desirable as it has less number of voids or uniformly graded which

though sounds stable but has more voids.

Advantages of soil stabilizations are as follows

 If during the construction phase weak soil strata is encountered, the usual practice followed

is replacing the weak soil with some other good quality soil. With the application of soil

stabilization technique, the properties of the locally available soil (soil available at the site)

can be enhanced and can be used effectively as the subgrade material without replacing it.

 The cost of preparing the subgrade by replacing the weak soil with a good quality soil is

higher than that of preparing the subgrade by stabilizing the locally available soil using

different stabilization techniques.

 The strength giving parameters of the soil can be effectively increased to a required

amount by stabilization.

 It improves the strength of the soil, thus, increasing the soil bearing capacity.

 It is more economical both in terms of cost and energy to increase the bearing capacity of

the soil rather than going for deep foundation or raft foundation.

 It is also used to provide more stability to the soil in slopes or other such places.

 Sometimes soil stabilization is also used to prevent soil erosion or formation of dust, which

is very useful especially in dry and arid weather.

8
 Stabilization is also done for soil water-proofing; this prevents water from entering into

the soil and hence helps the soil from losing its strength.

 It helps in reducing the soil volume change due to change in temperature or moisture

content.

However, the soil stabilization has disadvantage like increase in cost of construction and

difficulty in mixing the fibers with soil.

9
 CHAPTER 3

3.0 OBJECTIVES/ HYPOTHESIS

3.1 Objectives

3.1.1 General objective

The general objectives of this study is to identify and analyze the characteristics of soil in this area

and to investigate the performance of the geosynthetics-reinforced of weak subgrade soils, under

cyclic loading, through field testing, laboratory measurements, and numerical analyses.

3.1.2 Specific Objectives

1. To determine the major effectives of geosynthetic material on paved on road performance

based on laboratory test.

2. To determine the major cost effectives of geosynthetic materials.

3. To provide practical suggestions and recommendations aiming to upgrade the knowledge

of applying geosynthetic material on construction of road projects.

4. To evaluate the factors affecting the performance of a geogrid-reinforced granular base

material under cyclic loading, using Numerical analyses.

3.2 Hypothesis

Based on previous theories, it can be formulated several problems including

a. How do the poor compaction and the type of material used affect the asphalt concrete pavement

damage?

b. Are there expansive soils in Somaliland specially in this town?

c. What are the other factors that cause the road failures except expansive soil?

10
 CHAPTER 4

4.0 METHODS

Both descriptive and exploratory types of research methods were employed. The descriptive

type was used to describe the existing condition and coverage effects of weak subgrade soil on

pavement failures. Whereas, the exploratory type was particularly used to explore the existing

condition by making some required physical measurements, and compare with standards.

This chapter outlines research design; research techniques adopted in this research; data collection

procedures and data analysis and presentation methods. The main aim of this chapter is to outline

how this study found answers to the research questions that were derived from the research

problem. It looked at the data collection instruments and how those instruments were employed so

as to obtain information and therefore achieve the research objectives. The methodological part of

the paper focused on; sampling techniques; data collection; and data analysis and etc.

4.1 Study Area

The study area is located in northwest Somalia on the border with Ethiopia (Figure 2). The study

area is located in geographic coordinates between 9 34' 00'' N latitude, 43 29' 00'' E longitude. It

is about 230 and 80 kilometers from Berbera port and Hargeisa city respectively. It has a livestock

market (for export and local quality livestock), a food market and a market for non-food

commodities (cloths, electronics and other manufactured produces).

Wajaale is a commercial town located in the western part of Somaliland or the boundary between

Somaliland and Ethiopia and it is population was 10,085,638 in 2016 in an area of 637,657 km2.

11
“It is about 230 and 80 kilometers from Berbera port and Hargeisa city respectively. It has a

livestock market (for export and local quality livestock), a food market and a market for non-food

commodities (cloths, electronics and other manufactured produces)”. (FEWS NET/WFP/FAO

Joint Cross-Border Market and Trade Monitoring Project)

Figure 4.1 The map of Somaliland and location of Wajaale

Figure 4.2 The main road of Wajaale failed due weak subgrade

Figure 4.3 The expansive soil distribution in Ethiopia

12
4.2 Study period

The study period to conduct this thesis is planned to be completed within five months starting from

June up to October 2019.

4.3 Study design

A study design/frame is the process that guides researchers on how to collect, analyze and interpret

observations. Therefore, the objective of the research will be achieved in accordance with the

methodology outlined below.

Site visit/ Observation: Site visit shall be conducted to collect data on effects of weak subgrade

soil in pavement damages and exploring a suitable geosynthetic materials suitable to this problem.

Survey: Information will be collected from a number of people- the more the better. The data can

be of all kinds. The information collected are used to describe some feature of the situation in

which they exist, perhaps it also used to find out about their attitudes on causes of pavement

failures.

Literature review: Published literatures and written articles addressing the effectiveness of using

Geosynthetic materials for a weak subgrade and road construction. And then analysis and

quantification of the benefits of geosynthetics when used in roadway applications. Finally, the

possible solutions for the problems should be recommended.

4.4 Population

Study population may consist of various lengths of stabilization of weak subgrade soil section,

contractors who are engaged in highway constructions, consultant firms, local communities,

institutions, records, and clients etc.

13
4.5 Sampling procedures and Sample size

4.5.1 Sampling Procedure

Defining the Target Population: The definition of targeting population will be in line with the

objectives of the causes and remedial for asphalt concrete pavement damages.

Specifying the Sampling Frame: The Sampling frame will be designed from the list of

participants in road construction on stabilized weak subgrade soil. It illustrates as below.

o Contractors of Grades 1,2,3, or 4

o Consultants

o Clients

Specifying the Sampling Unit: All parties become a sampling unit and all contractors of grade 4

and above who are engaged in road construction on stabilized weak subgrade soil projects become

the sampling elements.

4.5.2 Sample size

The next step is to decide on the sampling interval. The confidence level set in determining the

sample size is 95% confidence level of the target population while the response is taken to be

within positive or negative 5% (+ or -5%) of the population. Then the existing condition of the

weak subgrade and their causes and effects on the roads are prepared as questionnaires to get

information from engineer, road users and residents. The sample size for the population was

calculated using the formula below;

𝑍 2 𝑝𝑞𝑁
𝑛 = 2
𝑒 (𝑁 − 1) + 𝑍 2 𝑝𝑞

14
Where;

𝑁 = Size of the

𝑃 = Sample proportion

𝑛 = Size of the sample

𝑞 = 1 − 𝑃

𝒆 = Accepted error (e = 0.05, this is because estimate should be within 5% of the true value)

𝑍 = The value of the standard deviation at a given confidence level.

4.6 Study variables

4.6.1 Independent variables

The independent variables which are to be measured and manipulated to determine its relationship

to observed phenomena are selected and listed below.

 Poor compaction

 Expansive soil

 Poor quality of material

 Level of water table

 Poor drainage

4.6.2 Dependent variables

The dependent variables which are to be observed and measured to determine the effect of the

independent variables are listed below.

 Weak subgrade soil

 Pavement structure deterioration.

15
4.7 Data collection process

In this study both primary and secondary data would be used.

Primary data source: The research is conducted first by identification of the causes of road

drainage problems through literature review and desk study on selected road drainage problem on

the study area.

 Site visit/ observation

 Field survey

 Questionnaire

Secondary data source: the data from different written documents and topographical map,

published and unpublished data, internets

 Photography

4.8 Data processing and analysis

Data collecting by using different materials, after collecting the data, it would be analyzed using

descriptive and exploratory, such as rational, scs methods and GIS are used. Qualitative and

quantitative methods and MS word and Excel of analysis used for data that are collected through

questionaries’ and interview.

4.9 Ethical Considerations

 The permission of Jimma Institute of Technology and concerned local administrative and

Ethiopian roads authority is acquired in order to conduct this research study.

 Ensuring the confidentiality of the data obtained.

16
  The research has to be approved by an ethics review committee to make sure the study is

not violating any of the above considerations.

 Do not taking advantage of easy-to-access groups of people.

 When reporting the results, be sure that it accurately represents on what is observed or told.

4.10 Data quality assurance

Before data collection all the source populations availability has checked and respondents daily

work schedule has respected. All the questions that are put in simple and clear ways,

willingness of the respondents to answer the questions and collaborates with the study is test

out, all necessary schedule are worked out needed to administrate the questionnaires to conduct

observations group interviews and to measurements.

4.11 Limitations of the Study

The thesis is limited to the effects of weak subgrade soil and proposing mitigation measures

of the problem that are find only on road pavement.

 Unforeseen mistake is more difficult to maintain, review, and demonstrate.

 Findings are more difficult and time consuming to characterize in a visual way.

4.12 Operational Definitions

 Expansive soil: The expansive soil is a soil which has large volume change behavior upon

wetting and drying.

 Subgrade: is the in situ material upon which the pavement structure is placed.

 Geosynthetics: is defined as a planar product manufactured from a polymeric material that

is used with soil, rock, or other geotechnical-related material.

17
 Soil stabilization: is the process which involves enhancing the physical properties of the

soil in order to improve its strength, durability etc.

 Damage: The defect of a road not to function within its design life span.

 Sub-base: The lowest component of a road below a base coarse.

 Traffic Overload: A load that exceeds the designed load for the asphalt concrete

pavement.

18
 CHAPTER 5

WORK PLAN

Work plan could be presented in Gantt chart as shown in the graph below.

Task Responsibility June July August September October

Prepare a proposal & PI

Submit to JiT
Obtain fund discuss PI
arrangement
PI
Preparation of study tools
PI
Prepare for field work
Travel to data collection PI
site
PI

Select data collectors and

research Assistants
PI
Conducting training for
data collectors And
supervisor
Pre data collection PI+RA+DC
preparation
PI+RA+DC
Data collection
PI+RA+DEC
Data entry and clear out
PI
Data analysis and write up
Prepare workshop on PI+RA
findings
PI+RA
Hold workshop

19
 CHAPTER 6

BUDGET
6.1 Budget Proposal

NO. Budget Category Unit cost (ETB) Multiplying Factor Total Cost (ETB)

1 Personnel Daily wage (including Number of staff days

per diem) (number of staff ×
number of working days)

Principal investigator 100 𝟏 × 𝟐𝟎 2000

Supervisors 100 𝟐 × 𝟏𝟓 3000

Data collectors 50 𝟑 × 𝟏𝟓 2250

Data Entry Clerk 40 𝟏 × 𝟐𝟎 800

Secretarial Work 40 𝟏 × 𝟐𝟎 800

Sub total 8850

2 Supplies

Questionnaire Duplication 1 1000 1000

Clip Board 10 5 50

Flip Chart Paper 2 50 100

Pen 2 10 20

Pencil 1 6 6

Eraser 1 1 1

Sharper 1 1 1

Marker 12 1 12

Transparency 150 1 150

Printing paper 40 4 160

Photocopying cost 0.5 1000 500

Printing & Binding 20 5 100

Sub Total 2100

20
 Budget Category Unit cost (ETB) Multiplying Factor Total Cost (ETB)

3 Transport Cost per Km Number of Km (No. Vehicles ×

No. days × No. km)

Car 1 𝟑 × 𝟏𝟏 × 𝟏𝟎𝟎 3300

Sub Total 3300

4 Training

Hall rent 100 4 400

Tea/Coffee 10× 𝟔 4 240

Sub Total 640

Grant Total 14900

1.2 Budget Justification

The budget that will hold for training function is important because data collector could not know

about what the investigator needs. So, there must be training that will enhance their understanding.

It is better to conduct a training to make them aware of the purpose of the study, the steps to be

followed in data collection process, and the way they handle the source of the study. In addition,

it is difficult to the investigator to collect all data from different part of the country as there is

inadequate time. So, it is recommended to assign data collectors.

21
 CHAPTER 7

PLAN FOR DISSEMINATION OF FINDINGS

Dissemination of findings is important so that results can be used to improve engineering and

technological industries. A dissemination plan will be designed by implementing the following

points effectively.

 Orient toward the needs of the audience, using Af Somali, Afan Oromo, Amharic, English,

and other appropriate languages and information levels.

 Include various dissemination methods: written text including illustrations, graphs and

figures; electronic and web-based tools; and oral presentations at community meetings and

scientific conferences.

 Leverage existing resources, relationships, and networks fully.

This research finding will be planned to be disseminated by different strategies including:

 Research Summary document

 Policy briefs

 Relate to literature (academic)

 Publish and disseminate to the concerned firms like Ethiopian Road Authority,

ERA, and other organizations involved in Road Sector Development Program,

RSDP.

 Community agency publications and websites and list-serves

 Local events, seminar or conference, community meetings

 Letter of thanks to study participants

22
 REFERENCES

[1] Athira Unni, Mithrathmajan A. K, Sruthy Raj Kumar, V.Meril and Neenu M.B. Efficacy

of Geosynthetics in Subgrade Stabilization-A Comparative Study in Laterite Soil. International

Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology. 2017; Vol. 6: 6709-

6716.

[2] Sangeetha DM, Naveen Kumar DT, Vishnu KB, Sethuja B, Sachu SM and Jeevan KV.

Efficacy of geosynthetics in stabilization of subgrade soil. International Journal of Pure and

Applied Mathematics. 2018; Vol. 120: 6779-6797.

[3] Sandeep Kumar, Er. Arti Chouksey and Priyanka. Stabilization of subgrade using fly ash

and geosynthetic material. International journal of Advanced technology in Engineering and

Science. 2017; Vol. 5: 55-66.

[4] Anitha j. Effect of geosynthetic on soft subgrade –literature review. International Research

Journal of Engineering and Technology. 2017; Vol. 4: 1446-1448.

[5] Dev Harinder and Sabavath Shankar. Experimental evaluation of coir mats to enhance the

weak subgrade soil under repeated loading condition. International Journal for Traffic and

Transport Engineering, 2018; 8(1): 125 – 134.

[6] D.A. Ogundare , A.O. Familusi , A.B. Osunkunle And J.O. Olusami. Utilization of

Geotextile for Soil Stabilization. American Journal of Engineering Research (AJER).2018;

Vol. 7: 224-231.

[7] Mikiyas. J Gurara, Kabtamu Getachew and Emer Quezon. Effectiveness of using

Geosynthetic Material for Improvement of Road Construction and Performance - Case Study

23
on Adis Ababa. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT). 2017;

Vol. 6: 640-643.

[8] Bantayehu Uba Uge. Expansive soils in Ethioipa: A Review. International Journal of

Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET). 2017; Vol. 6: 429-439.

[9] S.Sugandini and Dr.M.Madhuri. Stabilization of soils using geosynthetics. International

Journal of Advanced Research and Innovation Ideas in Education. 2017; Vol. 3:1118-1131.

[10] Vessely, M., and Wu, J. Feasibility of geosynthetic inclusion for reducing swelling of

expansive soils. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research

Board. 2002; (1787), 42-52.

24
 ANNEXES

Annex 1. Dummy Tables

Table.1 shows What and when to use geosynthetic materials

Table. 2 shows primary functions of geosynthetic.

25
 Annex 2. Data Collection Instruments

A. Questionnaires to be filled by Road Professionals and Contractors

Company Name--------------------------------------------------------Position ------------------------------

1. What are the most types of geosynthetic material using for soil stabilization that you encounter?

 Use this mark

Geosynthetics material

Geotextile

Geogrid

Geomembrane

Geofoam

Geosynthetics clay liner

Geocomposite

Others, Specify-----------------------------------------------------
2. What are the major causes of weak subgrade soil of the road?

Causes of weak subgrade 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 I don’t know

Type of the soil

Poor compaction

Environmental Factors

Poor drainage system

Others, Specify

3. Are the type subgrade soil and Road pavement damages related?

26
Yes---------------- No--------------------- I don’t know------------------------

If your answer is yes, how? ........................................................................................

4. Do you think the cause of weak subgrade soil of the road is poor compaction?

Yes, --------------- No --------------------- I don’t Know…………….

If yes, how? .................................................................................................................

5. How severe the effect of environmental factors on the road pavement service life.

Very sever----------- less severe--------- moderately severe-------------

6. How significant do poor drainage system cause pavement failure?

Most significant----------- more significant----------- not significant-------------------

B. Interview Questions to Local Administrators and Road Owners

1. How can you measure the performance of the subgrade soil?

2. Why road pavement failure always occurs in this area?

3. What is an average percentage of road pavement exposed to Damage or failure?

4. How can you measure the reduction of the design life span of road pavement due to weak
subgrade soil?

5. What are the effective material to be used for stabilization of weak subgrade soil?

6. In your opinion what is expected from the stakeholders in order that weak subgrade soil can
give the intended service before failure?

27