Enhancing the Stability of Black Cotton Soil with Rice Husk Ash and

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shreddedRubber Additives 2023-2024

ABSTRACT

Black Cotton Soil (BCS), a predominant soil type in India, is characterized by a significant
amount of montmorillonite, which causes notable swelling and shrinking with changes in
moisture content. This property poses challenges for civil engineering projects. To address this
issue, soil stabilization techniques are employed. Innovative research is increasingly focusing on
the use of waste materials like Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and Crumb Rubber (CR) as soil stabilizers.
The disposal of scrap tires and agricultural waste poses environmental risks, making it crucial to
find sustainable uses for these materials.

This project aims to investigate the geotechnical properties of Black Cotton Soil, including
Atterberg limits (liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, flow index), unconfined compression
strength, compaction parameters, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values. The study will
utilize RHA, CR, and their combinations in varying proportions (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%,
30%) to stabilize BCS. The goal is to determine the optimal proportion of these stabilizers for
effective soil stabilization

KEYWORDS: Black Cotton Soil (BCS), Rice Husk Ash (RHA), Crumb Rubber (CR),
Liquid Limit (LL), Plastic Limit(PL), Plasticity Index(PI), Flow Index (FI), Optimum
Moisture Content(OMC), Maximum Dry Density(MDD), Unconfined Compression
Strength(UCS), California Bearing Ratio(CBR)

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TABLE OF CONTENT

DETAILS PAGE No.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I
ABSTRACT Ii
CONTENTS Iii
LIST OF FIGURES Iv
LIST OF TABLES V

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 01-06

1.1 Necessity of Soil Stabilization 02
1.2 Soil Stabilization 02
1.3 Terminologies 06
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 07-14
2.1Rice Husk Ash and Crumb Rubber: An Overview 07
2.2Objectives of the Project 14
CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY 15-25
3.1Materials 15
3.2Methodology 19
3.3Tests Conducted 20
CHAPTER 4EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS & DISCUSSION 26-37
4.1Wet Sieve Analysis 26
4.2Properties of Black Cotton Soil 27
4.3Tests Conducted on BCS treated with soil stabilizers
- RHA, CR, combination of RHA & CR 28
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSIONS 37
5.1Scope for further study 37
REFERENCES 38-39
CERTIFICATES 40-43
PUBLISHED PAPER

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LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE No. DETAILS PAGE No.
Figure 1.1 Major types of soil in India 01
Figure 3.1.1 Black Cotton Soil procured from Indi 15
Figure 3.1.2 Rice Husk Ash procured from Bangarpet 16
Figure 3.1.3 Crumb Rubber procured from Kolar 18
Figure 3.2 Methodological Framework of the Project 19
Figure 4.1 Grain Size Analysis on Black Cotton Soil 26
Figure 4.3.1 Variation of Liquid Limit of BCS treated with
varying percentages of stabilizers 27
Figure 4.3.2 Variation of Plastic Limit of BCS treated with
varying percentages of stabilizers 28
Figure 4.3.3 Variation of Plasticity Index of BCS treated with
varying percentages of stabilizers 30
Figure 4.3.4 Variation of Flow Index of BCS treated with
varying percentages of stabilizers 30
Figure 4.3.5(a) Variation of OMC of BCS treated with
varying percentages of stabilizers 32
Figure 4.3.5(b) Variation of Maximum Dry Density of BCS
treated with varying percentages of stabilizers 33
Figure 4.3.6 Variation of Unconfined Compressive Strength of
BCS treated with varying percentages of stabilizers 34
Figure 4.3.7 Variation of CBR of BCS treated with
varying percentages of stabilizers 35

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LIST OF TABLES
TABLE No. DETAILS PAGE No.
Table 3.1.2 Chemical Composition of Rice Husk Ash 17
Table 3.1.3 Chemical Composition of Crumb Rubber 18
Table 4.1 Wet Sieve Analysis on Black Cotton Soil 25
Table 4.2 Properties of Black Cotton soil from Indi, Bijapur 26
Table 4.3.1 Variation of Liquid Limit of BCS treated with 27
varying percentages of stabilizers

Table 4.3.2 Variation of Plastic Limit of BCS treated with 28

varying percentages of stabilizers
Table 4.3.3 Variation of Plasticity Index of BCS treated with 29
varying percentages of stabilizers
Table 4.3.4 Variation of Flow Index of BCS treated with 31
varying percentages of stabilizers
Table 4.3.5 Variation of OMC & MDD of BCS treated with 32
varying percentages of stabilizers

Table 4.3.6 Variation of UCS of BCS treated with 34

varying percentages of stabilizers
Table 4.3.7 Variation of CBR of BCS treated with 35
varying percentages of stabilizers

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Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

A developing country like India in which has a large geographical area and population,
demands vast infrastructure i.e. network of roads and buildings. Everywhere land is being
utilized for various structures from ordinary house to sky scrapers, bridges to airports and
from rural roads to expressways. Almost all the civil engineering structures are located on
various soil strata.
Soil is defined as sediments or other accumulation of mineral particles produced by the
physical or chemical disintegration of rocks plus air, water, organic matter and other
substances that may be included, processes that includes disintegration of rock due to stresses
arising from expansion or contraction with temperature changes that occur when water,
oxygen and carbon dioxide gradually combine with minerals within the rock formations thus
it is breaking down into sand, silt and clay.
In India different criteria have been applied to classify soils, the outstanding being
geology, relief fertility, chemical composition and physical structure, etc. The major soil
groups are: Alluvial Soil, Black Soils, Red Soils, Laterite and Lateritic Soils, Forest and
Mountain Soils, Arid and Desert Soils, Saline and Alkaline Soils, Peaty and Marshy Soils.
Black Soils also called regur and black cotton soils because cotton is the most important crop
grown on these soils. Black Cotton Soils are spread over 5.46 lakh sqkm(16.6 per cent of the
total geographical area of the country).

Figure 1.1 Major soil types in India

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Soil is typically a non homogenous, porous, earthen material whose engineering behavior
is influenced by changes on moisture content and density. Black Cotton Soil is clayey soil grayish
to blackish in colour and contains montmorillonite clay mineral which has high expansive
characteristics.
Rice Husk is a by-product of the rice milling. Due to the increasing rate of environmental
pollution and the consideration of sustainability factor have made the idea of utilizing rice husk. The rice
husk itself has a very rough surface which is abrasive in nature. These are hence resistant to natural
degradation. This would result in improper disposal problems. So, a way to use these by-products is the
best sustainable idea.
Crumb Rubber is the name given to any material derived by reducing scrap tires or other rubber

into uniform granules with inherent reinforcing materials such as steel and fiber removed along with any

other type of inert contaminants such as dust, glass or rock.

1.1 NECESSITY OF SOIL STABILIZATION

Civil engineering projects located in areas with soft or weak soils have traditionally
incorporated improvement of soil properties by using various methods. Soil stabilization is
being used for a variety of engineering work, were the main object is to increase the strength
or stability of soil and reduce the construction cost by making best use of locally available
material.
a) Cost effective solution for many roads and mine haul roads, having constant access is essential to the
operation of business. Many soil stabilization techniques are permanent and do not need constant
application to maintain the road conditions.
b) Treatment with efficient stabilizers allows production of long lasting and stable materials comparable
to those graded aggregates in case of pavement construction.

c) Better soil gradation, reduction of plasticity index or swelling potential and increases
durability and strength is improved.
d) The strength and stiffness of a soil layer can be improved by the use of binder materials
and to permit a reduction of design thickness of the layers.
1.2 SOIL STABILIZATION
Soil stabilization a general term for any physical, chemical, biological or combined method
of changing a natural soil to meet an engineering purpose. Stabilization can increase the shear
strength of a soil and control the shrink-swell properties of soil, thus improving the load
bearing capacity of soil.
1.2.1 Components Of Stabilization:
Soil stabilization involves the use of suitable stabilizing agents (binder materials) in weak soil

to improve its geotechnical properties such as compressibility, strength, permeability and

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durability. The components of stabilization technology include soils and soil minerals and
stabilizing agent or binders (cementitious materials).
a) Soils - Most of the stabilization has been undertaken in soft soils (silty, clayey peat or
organic soils) in order to achieve desirable engineering properties.
b) Stabilizing Agents - These are the hydraulic (primary binders) or non- hydraulic

binders(secondary binders) materials that when in contact with water or in the prescience

of pozzolanic materials reacts with water to form cementitious composite materials.The

most commonly used binders are: Cement, Lime, Fly ash, Blast furnace slag, Pozzolanas.

c) Factors Affecting the Strength of Stabilized Soil - Presence of organic matters, sulphates,
sulphides, compaction, moisture content, temperature, Freeze-thaw and Dry-Wet effect
and carbon dioxide in the stabilized soils may contribute to undesirable strength of
stabilized minerals.
The stabilization techniques involve two major types: Mechanical Stabilization and
Stabilization by different types of admixers such as Lime, Cement, Flyash, Rice Husk Ash,
Bituminous, Thermal, Electrical, Recycled rubber tyres (Crumb Rubber), Geotextiles and
fabrics.
I) Mechanical Stabilization
Mechanical Stabilization is the process of improving the properties of the soil by changing its
gradation. This process includes soil compaction and densification by application of
mechanical energy using various sorts of rollers, rammers, vibration techniques and
sometime blasting. The stability of the soil in this method relies on the inherent properties of
the soil material.
ii)Stabilization by using different Types ofAdmixers a)
Lime Stabilization
Lime provides an economical way of soil stabilization. Slaked lime is very effective in

treating heavy plastic clayey soils. Lime may be used alone or in combination with

cement, bitumen or fly ash. Sandy soils can also be stabilized with these combinations.

Lime has been mainly used for stabilizing the road bases and the subgrade. Lime changes

the nature of the adsorbed layer and provides pozzolanic action. Plasticity index of highly

plastic soils are reduced by the addition of lime with soil. There is an increase in the

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optimum water content and a decrease in the maximum compacted density and the
strength and durability of soil increases.
b) Cement Stabilization
The soil stabilized with cement is known as soil cement. The cementing action is believed
to be the result of chemical reactions of cement with siliceous soil during hydration
reaction. The important factors affecting the soil-cement are nature of soil content,
conditions of mixing, compaction, curing and admixtures used. The appropriate amounts
of cement needed for different types of soils may be as follows: Gravels – 5 to 10%,
Sands – 7 to 12%, Silts – 12 to 15%, and Clays – 12 – 20%.
c) Chemical Stabilization
Chemical stabilization of soil comprises of changing the physico-synthetic around and
within clay particles where by the earth obliges less water to fulfill the static imbalance.
Calcium chloride being hygroscopic and deliquescent is used as a water retentive additive
in mechanically stabilized soil bases and surfacing.
Sodium chloride is the other chemical that can be used for this purpose with a
stabilizing action similar to that of calcium chloride. Sodium silicate is yet another
chemical used for this purpose in combination with other chemicals such as calcium
chloride, polymers, chrome lignin, alkyl chlorosilanes, siliconates, amines and quaternary
ammonium salts, sodium hexametaphosphate, phosphoric acid combined with a wetting
agent.
d) Fly ash Stabilization
Fly ash stabilization is gaining more importance recent times since it has wide spread
availability. This method is inexpensive and takes less time than any other methods. It has
a long history of use as an engineering material and has been successfully employed in
geotechnical applications.
Fly ash is a byproduct of coal fired electric power generation facilities; it has little
cementations properties compared to lime and cement. Most of the fly ashes belong to
secondary binders;.
e) Rice Husk Ash Stabilization
Rice husk, rice straw and bagasse are rich in silica and make an excellent pozzolana. The

Rice Husk Ash would appear to be an inert material with the silica in the crystalline form

suggested by the structure of the particles, it is very unlikely that it would react with lime

to form calcium silicates and that it would be as reactive as fly ash, which is more finely

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divided. So rice husk ash would give great results when it used as a stabilizing material.
The ash would appear to be a very suitable light weight fill and should not present great.
f) Bituminous Stabilization
Bituminous soil stabilization refers to a process by which a controlled amount of

bituminous material is thoroughly mixed with an existing soil or aggregate material to

form a stable base or wearing surface. Bitumen increases the cohesion and load-bearing

capacity of the soil and renders it resistant to the action of water. Bitumen stabilization

accomplished by using asphalt cement, asphalt cutback or asphalt emulsions.

g) Thermal Stabilization
Thermal change causes a marked improvement in the properties of the soil. Thermal

stabilization is done either by heating the soil or by cooling it. Heating: As the soil is

heated, its water content decreases. Electric repulsion between clay particles is decreased

and the strength of the soil is increased. Freezing: cooling causes a small loss of strength

of clayey soils due to an increase in inter-particles repulsion. However, if the temperature

is reduced to the freezing point, the pore water freezes and the soil is stabilized.

h) Electrical Stabilization
Electrical stabilization of clayey soils is done by a process known as electro-osmosis. As
a direct current (DC) is passed through a clayey soil, pore water migrates to the negative
electrode (cathode). It occurs because of attraction of positive ions (cations) that are
present in water towards cathode.The strength of the soil is considerably increased due to
removal of water. Electro-osmosis is an expensive method, and is mainly used for
drainage of cohesive soils. Incidentally, the properties of the soil are also improved.
i) Stabilization by Geo-textiles and Fabrics
Geotextiles are porous fabrics made of synthetic materials such as polyethylene,

polyester, nylons and polyvinyl chloride. Woven, non-woven and grid form varieties of

geotextiles are available. Geotextiles have a high strength. When properly embedded in

soil, it contributes to its stability. It is used in the construction of unpaved roads over soft

soils. Reinforcing the soil for stabilization by metallic strips into it and providing an

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anchor or tie back to restrain a facing skin element. Past research has shown that the
strength and load-bearing capacity of subgrades and base course materials can be
improved through the inclusion of non-biodegradable.

1.3 TERMINOLOGIES:
Density of soil- density of soil is the mass of soil per unit volume.
Bulk Density- It is the total mass of the soil per unit of its total volume expressed in g/cm 3 or
kg/m3.
Dry Density- It’s the mass of solids per unit of total volume of the soil mass
Density of solids-The density of soil solids is the mass of soil solids per unit of volume of
solids.
Unit weight of soil mass- The unit weight of a soil mass is its unit weight per unit volume
Water Content- The water content is defined as the ratio of weight of water to the weight of
solids in the given mass of soil.
Specific Gravity- It is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of soil solids at a given
temperature to the weight of an equal volume of distilled water at that temperature, both
weights being taken in air.
Voids ratio- Voids ratio of a given soil sample is the ratio of the volume of soil solids in the
given soil mass.
Porosity-The porosity of a given sample is the ratio of the volume of voids to the total
volume of the given soil mass.
Air-voids ratio – The ratio of volume of air to the total volume of mass of soil.
Bearing Capacity – The ability of the underlying soil to support the foundation loads without
shear failure.
Bearing Pressure – Empirically derived factors used in bearing capacity equation that usually
correlates with the angle of internal friction of the soil.
Bulk Density – Soil density –The total mass of water and soil particles contained in a unit
volume of soil.

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Chapter 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

From literature review we accumulate the information and details regarding the progress of
our project. The journal publications directs particular views of the soil stabilization with
their stabilizing material and below are some of available literature reviews related to the
project works are reported.

2.1 RICE HUSK ASH & CRUMB RUBBER: AN OVERVIEW

Vishal Ghutke, Pranita Bhandari, Vikash Agarwal “Stabilization of soil by using Rice
[1]
Husk Ash” (2018)
A large part of central India and a portion of south India are covered with black cotton soils.
These soils are residual deposit formed from basalt and trap rocks. These soils are quite
suitable for growing cotton. Black cotton soils are clay of high plasticity. The soils have high
shrinkage and swelling characteristics and shearing strength and bearing capacity of the soils
is extremely low. To overcome these circumstances soil should be treated and stabilized. The
chemical analysis on rice husk was found to contain mainly silica, potassium, iron, calcium,
magnesium, aluminum when RHA mixed with black cotton soil by mass in proportion of 4%,
8%, 12% and 16 %.
.

Jai Prakash, KusumKumari, Vijay Kumar-“Stabilization of Soil using Rice Husk Ash”
[2]
(2017)
Chemical stabilization of soil using cement, lime, etc. is costly in order to introduce new material which
can reduce the cost of chemical stabilization review is made on Rice Husk Ash (RHA). Rice Husk is a
waste material from paddy crops. After burning it gives rich amount of silica which may be used as a
chemical stabilizer for Soil stabilization.

If soil contains medium or coarse sandy particles then mixing of RHA will occupy the void
created by coarser particles, further leads to increase in shearing and bearing capacity due to increase
in chemical bonding other than gravitation force.

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If major particle of soil contain clay minerals like montmorillonite then RHA which is
having high silica content, replace exchangeable ion further leads to decrease in cat ion
exchange capacity (CEC). CEC decrease due to decrease in –ve ion as Si replaces other
metallic ion such as Na, Mg, etc. Exchangeable ion present in the soil water leads to swelling
of soil if it contains clay minerals like montmorillonite as they form weak bond between clay
particles. As clay surface is negatively charged Si make stronger bond than other metallic ion
present in clay minerals.
Rice Husk is mixed in various proportions like 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% various tests

were also conducted in this mixes in order to find optimum proportions. From the

engineering analysis the following conclusions were drawn: The addition of RHA alone to

the test soil resulted in decrease in the value of Liquid Limit, MDD and increase in OMC.

V.S.Ghutke, Dr.S.A.Dhale, P.S.Bhandari-“Stabilization of Black cotton soil by using

[3]
Rice Husk Ash, Fly ash and Coconut coir Fibre” (2017)
The Black cotton soil behavior is attributed to the presence of a mineral montmorillonite. The

wide spread up black cotton soil has posed challenges and problems to the construction

activities. Soil improvement using waste materials like slag, rice husk ash, silica fumes, etc.

in geotechnical engineering has been in practice from environmental point of view.

The black cotton soil used was brought from Nagpur. RHA collected from Ellora rice
mill and fly ash collected was from Koradi thermal power station Nagpur. The coconut coir
fiber is an important commercial product obtained from husk of coconut and is elastic enough
to twist without breaking and it holds a curl as though permanently waved. Here the black
cotton soil is treated with various proportions such as 6%,12%,15,24%,30% of RHA,8%,
16%, 24%, 32% of fly ash and 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% of coconut coir fiber (CCF) at atterberg
limit, specific gravity, OMC and MDD is evaluated. By addition of RHA, Fly Ash and
coconut fiber Liquid limit and Plastic limit is decreased .OMC decreases with addition of fly
ash and coir fiber where as it will increase on addition of RHA.MDD value increases by
addition of Fly ash and Coir fiber and it will decrease on addition of RHA.

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L.Kokila, G.Bhavitra, V.Haripriya – “Experimental Investigation on Soil Stabilization

[6]
using Rubber Crumbs on Expansive Soils” (2017)
In this study the stabilization is carried out by using increasing percentage of rubber crumbs
along with lime under suitable test. The main objective is to increase the CBR value.
Expansive soil (Black cotton soil) is investigated in this project is dried and crushed to get the
soil sample for conducting soil tests. The index properties and engineering properties of the
soil were found from the soil tests in accordance with the procedure mentioned in IS
2270.The stabilization of black cotton soil is done by constant 3% of lime and an increasing
percentages of rubber crumb powder 5%, 10%, 15%.

The observations concluded were that the; Increase in CBR value with increasing
percentage of rubber crumbs at 3% of lime as constant therefore reduced pavement thickness
and increased stability. Optimum moisture content and maximum dry density increases with
increase in percentage of rubber crumb powder. The soil stabilized with rubber crumbs along
with lime is more suitable for shallow foundation. It’s a cost effective method of stabilization
and a best solution for environmental problem. It’s a new resource for the construction
industry.

B. Sri Vasavi, Dr. D.S.V. Prasad – “Stabilization of Expansive Soil Using Crumb
[8]
Rubber Powder and Cement” (2016)
This paper presents the stabilization of expansive soil using crumb rubber powder (CRP) and
cement at varying percentages (2%, 5%, 7% and 9% and also 2%, 4% and 6% respectively).
The soil properties, compaction, California bearing ratio and direct shear test were used to
gauge the behavior and performance of stabilized soil.
Black cotton soil is the soil which exhibits swelling in rainy season and shrinkage in

summer season. This kind of abnormal behavior is due to the presence of montmorillonite
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Yadav J.S, S.K.Tiwari - “Effect of inclusion of Crumb Rubber on the unconfined compressive strength

[9]
and wet-dry durability of cement stabilized clayey soil” (2016) Crumb rubber and cement were

added to clayey soil at ranges of 2.5%-10% and 3%-6% respectively. The results of the

investigation revealed that the incorporation of crumb rubber influenced the unconfined

compressive strength, axial strain at failure, energy absorption capacity and wet-durability of

the cement-stabilized clay. The study reveals that as the content of crumb rubber in the

cement-stabilized clayey soil increases the unconfined compressive strength deceases but

prosperously changes the behavior of cement stabilized clay from brittle to ductile. The

weight loss of the cement-stabilized clay mixed with crumb rubber increases as the content of

crumb rubber increases. With the prolongation of the curing period, the weight loss of

cement-stabilized clay mixed with crumb rubber decreases. Further, the weight loss of 90

days cured specimens of clayey soil incorporated with 6% cement and crumb rubber up to

5% meets the recommendation of the material to be used in construction of road pavements

as a base, sub-base and shoulder.

Soil sample was taken from Jaipur city. Some of the properties such as Atterberg
limits, Specific gravity, Maximum dry density, and Optimum moisture content were being
determined. Crumb rubber obtained from the S&J Granulate solution having the particle size
between 0.8-2 mm was used in this investigation.OPC-43 grade cement was used for the
determination. Both maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of the clay
decreases with the addition of crumb rubber, whereas inclusion of cement in the rubberized
clay leads to decreases in the density and increased the optimum moisture content of the
mixtures.

Rathan Raj R, Bhanupriya S, Dharani R – “Stabilization of soil using Rice Husk Ash”
[10]
(2016)
In this present investigation the type of solid waste namely rice husk ash for stabilization is
selected to study the effects of same on the index on engineering characteristics of
problematic soil. The rice husk ash is mixed with soil in various proportions like 5%,
10%,20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 80%. The natural soil sample 1(clay soil) was collected from site
in Kodambakam area at 1.5 m depth from ground level by making open trench. Soil sample
2(alluvial soil) was collected from the site near by Chennai at 1.50m depth from the ground level
by making open trench.

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of RHA. The maximum dry density increased in the case of addition of RHA to alluvial soil.
The optimum moisture content decreased steeply for80% for clay soil and the maximum dry
density increased. The undrained cohesion value of soil mixed with alluvial soil and clay soil
decreased and angle of internal fraction increased for both clay and alluvial soil.

Vishnu T.C, Raseem Rasheed, Rameesha K – Soil Stabilization Using Rice Husk Ash,
[11]
Lime and Jute (2016)
The proposed project is to examine how much strength can attain by clay soil when stabilized
using RHA, jute and lime. The following tests such as specific gravity determination,
consistency limits, wet sieve analysis, hydrometer test, compaction test, California bearing
ratio test, unconfined compressive strength test are carried out.
The material used in this project is clayey soil is taken from the paddy field. RHA was
produced by burning in open air. Jute fiber was obtained from local market and used
reinforce the soil. This results being obtained for the collected soil sample are that; the
addition of various % of lime and RHA into the soil progressively deceases the OMC and
increases MDD. The combination of 6% lime and 6% RHA was obtained as optimum.
Among various combination of jute, 25 jute of aspect ratio 25 proves to be more effective as
compare to lower percentages because when the length of the jute fiber increases, more and
more soil particles will get bonded together precisely increased of jute fiber increases the
reinforcement among the soil and jute fiber.

P.T.Ravichandran, K.Divya Krishnan – Effect of addition of Waste Tyre Crumb

[12]
Rubber on Weak Soil Stabilization (2016)
In this work, the possibility of using crumb rubber powder was an additive to improve the
strength of soft soil was investigated. Two types of problematic clay soils were stabilized
with various percentages of crumb rubber (5, 10, 15 and 20%).
The two soil samples A1and A2 used in the study collected at a depth of about 0.7m

below the ground level from the site as disturbed but representative soils. The soil collected

was air-dried and then pulverized. From the gradation analysis the sample A1 and A2

contained 97% and 94% of fine grained soils. The soil being classified as Clay of High

Compressibility (CH) based on the gradation and consistency limits of soil. The crumb

rubber

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powder was obtained from recycled rubber from automotive and truck scrap tires and the size
ranges from 425micron to 600micron. Specific gravity of crumb rubber determined ranges
from 0.8 to 0.9. The compaction tests on virgin soils and soils with crumb rubber powder
were conducted to determine its compaction characteristics (OMC and MDD) by replacing
5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight of soil. Crumb rubber powder mixed with both the soils
showed improvement in CBR value with its addition up to 10% and there onwards decreased
with further increase in crumb rubber powder. The use of crumb rubber as a stabilizer
introduces a low cost method for stabilization.

Dilip Shrivasthava, A.K. Singhai, R.K. Yadav – “Effect of Lime and Rice Husk Ash on
[13]
Engineering Properties of Black Cotton Soil (2014)
The wide spread of black cotton soil has posed challenges in the construction activities. The

black cotton soil used was collected from Jabalpur; the rice husk ash was collected from the

rice mill. The black cotton soil is mixed with 5% of lime and soaked for 4 days after oven

drying; the following samples are prepared by mixing different % rice husk ash to it.

A series laboratory experiments as conducted on 5% lime mixed with black cotton

soil blended with rice husk ash in 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by weight of dry soil. A
significant increase in CBR and UCS strength was obtained

Ghagte Sandeep Hambirao, Dr. P.G.Rakaraddi – “Soil Stabilization using Waste

[14]
Shredded Rubber Tyre Chips” (2014)
In the present investigation, shredded rubber from waste has been chosen as the
reinforcement material and cement as binding agent which was randomly included into the
soil at three different percentages of fiber content i.e., 5%, 10% and 15% by weight of soil.
The low strength and high compressible soft clay soils were found to improve by addition of
shredded rubber and cement.
In the present investigation attempt is made to stabilize the Black Cotton Soil

collected from Bagalkot city and Shedi soil collected from Haliyal road of Dharwad city with

randomly distributed shredded rubber tyre chips with 5%, 10%, 15% and cement with 2%

and 4%.The unconfined and CBR tests were carried out in the laboratory for different mix

proportions of rubber with black cotton soil and shedi soil. An Ordinary Portland Cement

(OPC) of 53 grade has be used for the treatment.

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California bearing ratio increases with the increase in cement content at an optimum fiber
content of 5%.
The literature survey describes the experimental investigations being carried out to
study the effect of various stabilizing agents such as Rice husk ash, Crumb Rubber, Fly ash,
Lime, Cement, Coconut Coir fiber on the geotechnical properties of Expansive soils. The
properties of stabilized soil such as compaction characteristics, unconfined compressive
strength and California bearing ratio are to be evaluated.
In the present project the effective utilization of Rice husk ash and Crumb Rubber to
improve the geotechnical properties of Black Cotton soil is carried out in percentages of 5,
10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 % are being adopted.
Initially the geotechnical properties of Black cotton soil are examined. Later the
stabilizers are added in the above mentioned percentages and the geotechnical properties are
examined further the results are to be evaluated and the appropriate proportions are to be
considered.

2.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

1) To study the effect of rice husk ash and crumb rubber on the characteristics of soil and to
suggest a suitable soil stabilizer.
2) The project aims to examine the geotechnical properties like specific gravity, liquid limit,
plastic limit, plasticity index, flow index, compressive strength and CBR percent
characteristics for soil stabilization.

3)Assess the basic geotechnical properties of Black Cotton Soil (BCS) including its natural
moisture content, specific gravity, grain size distribution, and soil classification
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Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY

Civil engineering projects located in areas with soft or weak soils have traditionally
incorporated improvement of soil properties by using various methods. Soil stabilization is
being used for a variety of engineering work, were the main object is to increase the strength
or stability of soil and to reduce the construction cost by making best use of locally available
material.
Soil stabilization involves the use of suitable stabilizing agent (binder material) in
weak soil to improve its geotechnical properties such as compressibility, strength,
permeability and durability. The components of stabilization technology include soils, soil
minerals and stabilizing agent or binder (cementitious materials). The use of agricultural
waste such as Rice Husk Ash and Crumb Rubber being the recycled rubber produced from
automotive and truck scrap tires would reduce the environmental hazards.

3.1 MATERIALS

3.1.1 Black Cotton Soil (BCS)

The black cotton soil is brought from the Mavinalli, Indi taluk Bijapur district. BCS are

derived from basaltic bedrock and behaviour is attributed to the presence of mineral

montmorillonite. These soils are alkaline in nature with low potassium and nitrogen content.

Figure 3.1.1 Black Cotton Soil procured from Indi

These soils are residual deposit formed from the basalt and trap rocks, they are quiet

suitable for growing for cotton and are of quiet high plasticity, high shrinkage and swelling

characteristics, shearing and bearing capacity of soil is extremely low. The overcome these

circumstance it should be treated and stabilized. The black cotton soil has posed challenges

and problems to the construction activities. Black Cotton Soil is clayey soil grayish to

blackish in colour. The mineral made up of sheet like units.

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thickness of each unit is about 10Å and the dimensions in the other two directions are
indefinite. The gibbsite layer may include atoms of aluminum, iron, magnesium or a
combination of these. In addition, the silicon atoms of tetrahedron may interchange with
aluminum atoms. These structural changes are called amorphous changes and result in a net
negative charge on clay mineral. Cat ions which are in soil water (i.e. Na+, Ca++, K+, etc.)
are attracted to the negatively charged clay plates and exist in a continuous state of
interchange.
3.1.2 Rice Husk Ash (RHA)
The rice husk ash is obtained from RK Rice Mill, Deshihalli, Bangarpet taluk Kolar district.

Figure 3.1.2 Rice Husk Ash procured from Bangarpet

Rice husk is an agricultural waste obtained from milling of rice. The husk obtained is
not suitable as an animal feed because of its abrasive character and almost negligible
digestible protein content, its high ash and lignin content make it unsuitable as raw materials
of paper manufacturing. In order to reduce such volume of a waste, rice husk is burnt either
in open heaps or as a fuel in oven for rice drying, power generation etc. The rice husk
consists about 7-90 % of silica present in rice husk in amorphous form and it is considered as
a pozzolonic material. Cellulose (C5H10O5), Lignin (C7H10O3), Hemicellulose, SiO2,. The rice

husk ash to be more precise has the characteristics based on the components, the temperature

of the burning and the time of burning. The silicates are the components that give the

pozzolonic reactivity capacity for rice husk ash. In order to gain this, the silica must remain

in its non-crystalline form. They should gain a highly porous structure within their

microstructure. So, this makes clear that a proper

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quality burning of rice husk ash would remove the cellulose and rice husk components preserving
the original cellular structure of the rice husk particles. The chemical composition of the Rice
husk ash in general is given below:
Table 3.1.2 Chemical composition of the Rice husk ash
Sl.No. Particulars Proportion (%)
1 Silicon Dioxide 86.94
2 Aluminum Oxide 0.2
3 Iron Oxide 0.1
4 Calcium Oxide 0.3 – 2.25
5 Potassium Oxide 2.15– 2.30
6 Magnesium Oxide 0.2– 0.6
7 Sodium Oxide 0.1– 0.8

The feasibility of utilization of Rice Husk Ash can be enumerated as follows:

a) Its high silica content makes it useful for strengthening building materials.

b) It resists moisture penetration and fungal decomposition, decomposes slowly,

insulates well and is renewable.

c) Less expensive and more abundant than the wooden chip found in traditional board.

d) Termite-resistant because of their silica, which termites have difficulty consuming.

e) The silica benefits the environment in many ways in reducing the wastes going into
landfills.
3.1.3 Crumb Rubber (CR)
The Crumb rubber which is used in our project is obtained from Kolar-Vemgal Rubber
Retreading Centre.

Rubber does not decompose and as result an economically feasible and

environmentally sound disposal method has to be followed. Utilization of crumb rubber as
soil stabilizer not only soils environmental problems but also provides new resource for
construction industry. As the soft soil is weak enough to stably withstand the load acting upon
it the use scrap tyre powder is to stabilize the soil by reducing the environmental impact.

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Figure 3.1.3 Crumb Rubber procured from Kolar

There are two major technologies for producing crumb rubber- Ambient Mechanical
Grinding and Cryogenic Grinding. Cryogenic process is more expensive but it produces
smoother and smaller crumbs. The chemical composition of the Crumb Rubber in general is
according to the table3.1.2.
Table 3.1.3 Chemical composition of Crumb Rubber
Sl.No. Particulars Test Data (%)
1 Acetone extract 10.0
2 Rubber hydrocarbon 25.0
3 Carbon black content 30
4 Natural rubber content 31.0
5 Ash content 4.0

The feasibility of utilization of crumb rubber can be enumerated below:

a) Rubber crumb is sold as a feedstock for chemical devulcanization or pyrolysis process,
added to asphalt for highway paving and pavement sealers, or used for the production
of large number of recycled rubber containing products.
b) The application of recycled tire is a practical and ecological solution, which not only
helps the environmental balance but also supplies some needs within the industrial,
sports, decorative, animal and urban sectors.
c) As the soft soil is weak enough to stably withstand the loads acting upon it the use of

scrap tire powder for stabilization of soil in order to reduce the environmental impact.

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3.2 METHODOLOGY

STABILIZATION OF BLACK COTTON SOIL USING RICE HUSK ASH

AND CRUMB RUBBER

MATERIALS
Black Cotton Soil (Bijapur)
Rice Husk Ash (Bangarpet)
Crumb Rubber (Kolar)

Pulverization of
materials

BCS (Without BCS+RHA BCS+CR BCS+RHA+CR

stabilizers) (Increments (Increments of 5%) (Increments of 5%,
of 5%) with 2.5% each)

TESTS TO BE CONDUCTED
1) Grain size analysis
2) Oven drying method
3) Determination of Specific gravity
4) Determination of Liquid limit and Plastic limit
5) Light for the determination of water content-dry
density relation
6) Unconfined compressive test
7) CBR Test

Test Result computation and

optimum proportions are being
arrived

Figure 3.2 Methodological framework of the project

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3.3 TESTS CONDUCTED

The below are the tests to be conducted is on the black cotton soil without the stabilizers
initially for the determination of the geotechnical properties further by the addition of the
stabilizers in increments of 5% to 30% properties of the stabilized samples are being
assessed.

3.3.1 Grain Size Analysis

This method is for the quantitative determination of grain size distribution in soils. Wet
sieving shall be applicable to all soils due to the presence of considerable amount of clay. The
grain size distribution is found by mechanical analysis. The test is conducted according to IS
2720 (Part 4) – 1985.
Suitable quantity of soil about 1000 g passing through 4.75 mm sieve is taken in 75μ

sieve and is washed thoroughly using clean water until clear water appears and retained

portion of soil is kept for oven drying. Retained sample is sieved using either mechanical

sieve shaker or manually sieved. Set of IS sieves as 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm,600μ, 425 μ,

300μ, 75μ were used. Sieve the soil in a mechanical sieve shaker for 10 minutes. Weigh the

material retained on each sieve. Percentage of soil passing 75μ is considered as combination

of silt and clay, soil retained above 75μ is coarse sand, medium or fine sand. Particles

retained above 2.36mm sieve are considered as gravel portion of soil under investigation.

3.3.2 Determination of Specific Gravity

This standard lays down the methods of test for the determination of specific gravity of soil
particle of fine grained soils. The test is conducted according to IS: 2720 Part 3 – 1980.Specific
gravity is defined as the ratio of the mass/weight of a given volume of dry soil solids at a given
temperature to the mass/weight of an equal volume of distilled water at that temperature, both
weights being taken in air. It gives an idea about the suitability of the soil as a construction
material, higher value of specific gravity gives more strength for Roads and Foundations.

3.3.3 Determination of Liquid Limit

Liquid limit is generally determined by the mechanical method using Casagrande’s

apparatus. As per this method the liquid limit is defined as the moisture content at which 25

blows or drops in standard liquid limit apparatus will just close a groove of standardized

dimensions cut in the sample by the grooving tool by a specified amount.

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Casagrande apparatus is a mechanical device, consisting of a cup and arrangement for

raising and dropping through a specified height of 10mm. There are two standard grooving tools.
Other apparatus required include spatula, evaporating dish, moisture containers, balance of
capacity 200 grams and sensitivity to 0.01 g and thermostatically controlled drying oven to
maintain 105˚C to 110˚C.
About 120 g of dry soil sample passing 425 micron IS sieve is weighed and mixed

thoroughly with distilled water in the evaporating dish to form a uniform thick paste. The liquid

limit device is adjusted to have a free fall to cup exactly through 10 mm. The paste should have a

fairly stiff consistency such that in the trial run, 30-35 blows or drops of the cup are required to

close the standard groove for a specified length of 12 mm at the bottom. The soil paste is remixed

and a portion of the paste is placed in the cup of the apparatus above the lowest spot and

squeezed down with the spatula to have a horizontal surface. The soil paste is trimmed by firm

strokes of the spatula in such a way that the maximum depth of soil sample in the cup is 10 mm.

The soil sample in the cup is divided along the diameter through the centre line of the cam

followed by firm strokes of the grooving tool so as to get a clean sharp groove. The V shaped

grooving tool is used only in clayey soils free from sand particles or fibrous materials.

In the next trial, additional small quantity of water is added to the soil paste in the dish,
mixed well using a spatula and the required quantity of paste is placed in the test cup and the
operations are repeated to determine the number of blows required in this trial. As the water
content in the paste is increased, the number of blows required to close the groove decreases. The
process is repeated for more trials with slightly increased water contents each time, noting the
number of blows so that there are at least 4 to 6 uniformly distributed readings of number of
blows between 15 and 35.

3.3.4 Determination of Plastic Limit

Plastic limit (PL) is the water content at which the soil rolled into thread of smallest diameter

possible starts crumbling and has a diameter of 3 mm. Evaporating dish of about 120 mm

diameter, spatula, ground glass plate, moisture containers, rod of 3 mm diameter, balance

sensitivity to 0.01g, drying oven controlled at temperature 105˚C to 110˚C.

About 30 g of dry soil sample passing through 425 micron IS sieve is weighed out. The
soil is mixed thoroughly with distilled water in the evaporating dish till the soil paste is plastic
enough to be easily moulded with fingers.

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A small ball (of about 8 g weight) is formed with the fingers and this is rolled between the
fingers and the ground glass plate to a thread throughout its length. The pressure just sufficient to
roll into a thread of uniform diameter should be used. The rate of rolling should be between 80 to
90 strokes per minute counting a stroke as one complete motion of hand forward and back to the
starting position again. The rolling is done till the diameter of the thread is 3 mm. Then the soil is
kneaded together to a ball and rolled again to form thread. During this process of alternate rolling
and kneading there will be loss in water content in the soil sample and it gradually become stiffer.
The process of kneading and rolling into thread is continued until the thread starts crumbling
under the same pressure required for rolling, when the thread just reaches a diameter of 3 mm and
the soil sample can no longer be rolled into thread of smaller diameter.
By trial, the thread which starts crumbling at 3 mm diameter under normal rolling
pressure should be obtained and the pieces of the crumbled thread of soil sample should be
immediately transferred to an air tight moisture container, lid tightly placed quickly and weighed
to find the wet weight of the thread. Any delay in transferring the sample of thread to the
container or closing with the lid tightly could result in considerable loss in the moisture due to
rapid evaporation. The container with the soil specimen is kept in the oven for about a day and
dry weight is found. The water content of the soil thread is determined which is plastic limit of
the soil. The above process is repeated three to four more times so as to get at least three
consistent values of plastic limit.

3.3.5 Determination of Water Content, Dry Density relation using Light Compaction This
method is for the determination of the relation between the water content and the dry density of soil
using light compaction. In this test 2-6 kg rammer falling through a height of 310 mm is used. The test
is conducted according to IS: 2720 Part 7 – 1980. The Standard Proctor Test is conducted to study the
density of soil and its corresponding optimum moisture content. Compaction of soil is a mechanical
process by which the soil particles are constrained to be packed more closely together by reducing the air
voids. Soil compaction causes decrease in air voids and consequently an increase in dry density. This may

result in increase in shearing strength. Mould of capacity 1000 cm3 with diameter of 100 mm and

height 127.3 mm, metal rammer of 50 mm diameter, 2.6 kg weight with a free drop of 310 mm,
IS sieve 4.75 mm. Other accessories like moisture containers, spatula, trowel, balances of
capacity 10 kg and200 g, drying oven, and measuring cylinder. Take about 2.5 kg of air dried soil
sample passing through 4.75 mm IS sieve. Add required water to it and mix thoroughly and keep it for
soaking in an air tight container for

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about 16-20 hours. Find the mass of the empty and clean cylindrical mould along with the base
plate fixed to it. Attach the collar and apply grease to the inside of mould and collar.Mix the
matured soil thoroughly and fill the soil in 1000cc mould.
For light compaction, compact the moist soil in three equal layers, each layer being given
25 blows from the rammer weighing 2.6 kg with a drop of 310 mm for 1000cc mould by
distributing the blows evenly. Each layer of the compacted soil should be scratched with the
spatula before putting the soil for next layer. The amount of soil should be just sufficient to fill
the mould leaving about 5 mm to be struck off when the collar is removed. Remove the collar,
trim the excess soil using a straight edge, clean the mould from outside and take the mass of the
mould with base plate and compacted soil. Eject out the soil from the mould and take a
representative sample for water content determination. Repeat the above procedure for 5 to 6 time
with increasing water content.

3.3.6 Determination of Unconfined Compressive Strength

This method is for the determination of compressive strength of clayey soil, remoulded or
compacted, using controlled rate of strain. Unconfined compressive strength defines the load per
unit area at which an unconfined cylindrical specimen of soil will fail in the axial compressive
test. The test is conducted according to IS: 2720 Part 10 – 1991.
The shear strength of the soil is determined by conducting unconfined compression test.
Unconfined compression tests are carried out on cohesive soil specimen. The cylindrical test
specimen may be directly placed in a compression testing machine and the compressive load
applied. Strain controlled compression testing machine with proving ring assembly to measure
load applied, dial gauge to measure deformation and moulds and tools to prepare test specimen.
Take 1000 g of dry soil sample passing through 425 micron IS sieve. Add optimum water

to it and mix thoroughly. The specimen of required size is obtained using sampling tube. Measure

the initial length and diameter of the specimen. Put the specimen on the bottom plate and raise it

to make contact with the upper plate. Adjust the compression dial gauge and load dial gauge to

zero. Compress the specimen to produce an axial strain rate of 0.5-0.2% per minute. Record both

the dial gauge readings at suitable time intervals or at least at every 1 mm deformation of the

specimen. Compress the specimen till the cracks is definitely developed or stress strain curve is

well past its peak or 20% of vertical deformation is reached whichever occurs earlier.

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3.3.7 Determination of CBR

The laboratory method is for the determination of California Bearing Ratio (CBR). The ratio

expressed in percentage of force per unit area required to penetrate a soil mass with a circular

plunger of 50 mm diameter at the rate of 1.25 mm/min to that required for corresponding

penetration in a standard material. The test is conducted according to IS: 2720 Part 16 – 1987.

The CBR test denotes a measure of resistance to penetration of a soil or flexible pavement
material, of standard plunger under controlled test conditions.CBR test equipment consists of a
motorized loading machine fitted with the plunger which penetrates at the specified rate into the
test specimen placed in the CBR mould.
Hollow cylindrical mould of inner diameter 150 mm and height 175 mm, spacer disc,
compaction rammer of 4.89 kg with a drop of 450 mm, metal weights i.e., two discs weighing 2.5
kg each. Other accessories like IS sieve 19 mm, tray, mixing bowl, straight edge, filter paper,
weight balance, measuring jar.
Take 5 kg of dry soil sample passing through 19 mm IS sieve. Add optimum amount of
water to it and mix thoroughly. Apply grease to the inner surface of the CBR mould, place the
spacer disc at the bottom of the mould and keep a filter paper over it and fill the soil sample into
the mould in five layers with each layer being tamped for 56 blows using 4.89kg rammer with a
free fall of 450 mm, to obtain the required density. Keep the surcharge weight of 5 kg i.e., two
discs weighing 2.5 kg each. Test the samples in unsoaked condition are tested for CBR using
motorized loading machine.
The mould with base plate is placed under the penetration plunger of the loading machine.
The penetration plunger is seated at the centre of the specimen and is brought in contact with top
surface of the soil sample by applying a seating load of 4 kg. The dial gauge for measuring the
penetration values of the plunger is fitted in position and the penetration dial gauge is set to zero.
The dial gauge of the proving ring for load readings (or the load cell reading) is also set to

zero, not considering the seating load. The load is applied through the penetration plunger of the

motorized loading machine at a uniform rate of 1.25 mm per minute. The load readings are

recorded at penetration readings of 0.0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 mm. In case the

load readings start decreasing before 12.5 mm penetration, the maximum load value and the

corresponding penetration value are recorded. After the final reading, the load is released and the

mould is removed from the loading machine.

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Chapter 4

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS & DISCUSSION

Wet sieve Analysis, Atterberg limits, Compaction tests, Unconfined Compressive Strength and
CBR percent tests are conducted on Black Cotton Soil to determine the initial characteristics. The
tests are further conducted by the addition of stabilizers Rice Husk Ash with Black Cotton Soil,
Crumb Rubber with Black Cotton Soil and combination of the RHA and CR with Black Cotton
Soil in the increments of 5% to 30%. The analysis has been discussed below.

4.1 WET SIEVE ANALYSIS

Wet sieve analysis on Black Cotton Soil collected from Indi, Bijapur was carried out in order
to classify the soil. The following observations are being made:
Sample taken (passing 4.75mm sieve before washing) = 1000g Sample

retained on 0.075mm sieve after washing and drying = 115g

Table 4.1 Wet Sieve Analysis on Black Cotton Soil

Sl.No. IS sieve Individual Mass of Mass of %Mass Cumulative % Finer
size(Particle weight of soil soil of soil % retained N=100-C
size-D)mm sieve (g) retained (g) retained C
(g)
1 4.75 332 332 0 - - 100

2 2.36 336 342 6 5.3 5.3 94.7

3 1.18 326 363 37 32.74 38.04 61.96

4 0.600 326 335 9 7.96 46 54

5 0.425 172 187 15 13.27 59.27 40.73

6 0.300 224 241 17 15.04 74.31 25.69

7 0.075 224 253 29 25.66 99.97 0.03

8 Pan 280 280 0 0 99.97 0.03

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PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF BCS

120

100

80
% 60
40
20
0
0.01 0.1 1 10
PARTICLE SIZE (log scale)

Figure 4.1 Grain Size Analysis of Black Cotton Soil

4.2 PROPERTIES OF BLACK COTTON SOIL

Table 4.2 Properties of Black Cotton Soil from Indi, Bijapur
Sl. No. Properties Values

1. Specific Gravity 2.78

2. Liquid Limit (%) 69

3. Plastic Limit (%) 37.5

4. Flow Index (%) 65

5. Plasticity Index (%) 31.5

6. Standard Proctor Compaction test

a)Maximum Dry Density(MDD) (g/cc) 1.7

b)Optimum Moisture Content (OMC)(%) 24

7. Unconfined Compressive 44.14

2
Strength(UCS)(kN/m )

8. CBR Percent 2.2

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4.3 TESTS CONDUCTED ON BCS TREATE D WITH SOIL

STABILZERS – RH A, CR, combination of RHA & CR
4.3.1 Liquid Limit
Table 4.3.1Variation of Liquid Limit of BCS treated with varying percentages of stabilizers

LIQUID LIMIT (%)

% of Soil Stabilizer BCS+RHA BCS+CR BCS+ RHA+CR

0 69 69 69

5 41 61 44

10 34 52 43

15 33 35 39

20 45 40 34

25 60.4 45 52

30 62 62.5 60.4

LIQUID LIMIT(LL)
80
60
LL(%)

40
20
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30

% of Soil stabilizers
LL variation for RHA

LL variation for CR

LL variation for the mix combination of RHA and CR

Figure 4.3.1 Variationn of Liquid Limit of BCS treated with varying percentages of stabilizers

OBSERVATION & DISCUSSION:

1. Liquid Limit for Black Cotton Soil alone is found to be 69%.
2. LL of BCS on addition of 15% RHA is found to be 33% whi ch yields better results.
There is a subsequent decrease of LL upto 15% addition o f CR and further LL
increases on increa sing percentage of CR.
3. LL of BCS on ad dition of 15%CR is found to be 35% which yields better results.
There is a subsequent decrease of LL upto 15% addition o f CR and further LL
increases on increa sing percentage of CR.

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4. LL of BCS on addition of 20%RHA+CR is found to be 34% which yields better

results. There is a subsequent decrease of LL upto 20% addi tion of RHA+CR and
further LL increases on increasing percentage of RHA+CR.
5. LL is the minimum water content at which the soil mass is still in liquid state but has
enough shearing strength to prevent flowing.
6. A high LL normal ly indicates a high compressibility and high shrinkage or swelling

potential, thus the d ecrease of LL is to be assured by the utilizati on of stabilizers.

4.3.2 Plastic Limit

Table 4.3.2 Variation of Plastic Limit of BCS treated with varying percentages of stabilizers

PLASTIC LIMIT (%)

% of Soil Sta bilizer BCS+RHA BCS+CR BCS+RHA+CR

0 37.5 37.5 37.5

5 33 42 3 2.65
10 25 62.5 22.2
15 23.3 32.65 16.7
20 32.65 75 36.6

25 42 76.5 43
30 54.22 80.2 52.2

PLASTIC LIMIT(PL)
90
80
70
60
50
PL(%

40
30
20
10
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
% of Soil stabilizers
PL variation for RHA

PL variation for CR

PL variation for the mix combination of RHA and CR

Figure 4.3.2 Variation of Plastic Limit of BCS treated with varying percentages of stabilizers

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OBSERVATION & DISCUSSION:

1. Plastic Limit for Black Cotton Soil alone is found to be 37.5%.
2. PL of BCS on addition of 15% RHA is found to be 23.3% which yields better results.
There is a subsequent decrease of PL, upto 15% addition of RHA and further PL
increases on increasing percentage of RHA.
3. PL of BCS on addition of 15%CR is found to be 32.65% which yields better results.
There is a subsequent decrease of PL upto 15% addition of CR and further PL
increases on increasing percentage of CR.
4. PL of BCS on addition of 15% RHA+CR is found to be 16.7% which yields better
results. There is a subsequent decrease of PL upto 15% addition of RHA+CR and
further PL increases on increasing percentage of RHA+CR.
5. PL is the water content at which the soil will just begin to crumble when rolled into a
thread of approximately 3mm diameter. Fine Grained soils become plastic as their
moisture content is increased, leading to loss in shear strength and durability.
6. The clay content in the soil influences the PL wherein, higher the percentage of clay in

soil higher would be its PL and higher would be the surface for water absorption.

4.3.3 Plasticity Index

Table 4.3.3 Variation of Plasticity Index of BCS treated with varying percentages of stabilizers

PLASTICITY INDEX
(%)

% of Soil Stabilizer BCS+RHA BCS+CR BCS+RHA+CR

0 31.5 31.5 31.5

5 18.4 19.34 22.3

10 9.1 10.5 20.8

15 9.7 2.35 11.35

20 7.78 35 2.6

25 12.35 31.5 8.2

30 23.85 47.7 9

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PLASTICITY INDEX (PI)

60
50
40
30

PI
20
10

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
% of Soil stabilizers

PI variation for RHA

PI variation for CR

PI variation for the mix combination of RHA and

CR

Figure 4.3.3 Variation of Plasticity Index of BCS treated with varying percentages of stabilizers

OBSERVATION & DISCUSSION:

1. Plasticity Index for Black Cotton Soil alone is found to be 31.5% .
2. PI of BCS on addit ion of 20% RHA is found to be 7.78% whi ch yields better results.
There is a subseq uent decrease of PI, upto 20% addition of RHA and further PI
increases on increa sing percentage of RHA.
3. PI of BCS on addi tion of 15%CR is found to be 2.35% which yields better results.
There is a subseque nt decrease of PI upto 15% addition of CR a nd further PI
increases on increasing percentage of CR.
4. PI of BCS on add ition of20% RHA+CR is found to be 2.6% which yields better
results. There is a subsequent decrease of PI upto 15% addition of RHA+CR and
further PI increases on increasing percentage of RHA+CR.
5. As PI is the measure of plasticity of soil, higher the PI valu e higher would be its
suspicion to the increase of swelling and shrinkage property.

4.3.4 Flow Index

Table 4.3.4 Variation of Flow Index of BCS treated with varying percent ages of stabilizers

FLOW INDEX (%)

% of Soil Sta bilizer BCS+RHA BCS+CR BCS+RHA+CR

0 65 65 65

5 56 56 60

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Stabilization of Black Cotton S oil using Rice Husk Ash and Crumb Rubber 2023-2024

10 46 35 43

15 33 30 22

20 50 23 56

25 60 45 64

30 65 52 70

FLOW INDEX (FI)

80

60

40
FI

20

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30

% of Soil stabilizers

FI variation for RHA

FI variation for CR

FI variation for the mix combination of RHA and CR

Figure 4.3.4 Variation of Flow Index of BCS treated with varying percentages of stabilizers

OBSERVATION & DISCUSSION:

1. Flow Index for Bla ck Cotton Soil alone is found to be 65%.
2. FI of BCS on addition of 15% RHA is found to be 33% whic h yields better results.
There is a subseq uent decrease of FI, upto 15% addition of RHA and further FI
increases on increa sing percentage of RHA.
3. FI of BCS on addition of 20%CR is found to be 23% which yiel ds better results.
There is a subsequent de crease of FI upto 20% addition of CR and further FI increases
on increasing percentage of CR.
4. FI of BCS on addition of 15% RHA+CR is found to be 22% which yields better
results. There is a subsequent decrease of FI upto 15% addition of RHA+CR and
further FI increases on increasing percentage of RHA+CR.
5. FI is a measure of the rate at which a soil mass loses its shear strength with an increase
in water content. So il with lower value of FI has higher shear strength.

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 Stabilization of Black Cotton S oil using Rice Husk Ash and Crumb Rubber 2023-2024

4.3.5 Compaction Test

Table 4.3.5 Variation of OMC & MDD when BCS treated with varying percentage of stabilizers

% of BCS+R HA BCS+CR BCS+RHA+CR

Stabilizer

OMC (%) MDD(g/cc) OMC (%) MDD(g/cc) OMC (%) MDD(g/cc)

0 24 1.7 24 1.7 24 1.7

5 22 1.72 22.2 1.65 23 1.7

10 20 1.74 14 1.72 20 1.72

15 19.5 1.75 18 1.7 18 1.73

20 18.18 1.4 32.5 1.32 38.1 1.2

25 32.5 1.3 36 1.3 10.55 1.3

30 42 1.2 40.2 1.2 36 1.3

OP TIMUM MOISTURE CONTENT(OMC)

45
40
35
30
OMC(%)

25
20
15
10
5
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
% of Soil stabilizers

OMC variation for RHA

OMC variation for CR

OMC variation for the mix combination of RHA and CR

Figure 4.3.5(a) Variation of Optimum Moisture Content of BCS treated with v arying percentages of
stabilizers
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Stabilization of Black Cotton S oil using Rice Husk Ash and Crumb Rubber 2023-2024

MAXIMUM DRY DENSITY(MDD)

2
1.5

MDD(g/cc)
0.5

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 0

% of Soil Stabilizers
MDD variation for RHA

MDD variation for CR

MDD variation for the mix combination of RHA and CR

Figure 4.3.5(b) Variation of Maximum Dry Density of BCS treated with varying percentages of stabilizers

OBSERVATION& DIS CUSSION:

1. Optimum Moistur e Content and Maximum Dry Density for Black Cotton Soil
alone are found to be 24 % and 1.7g/cc respectively.
2. MDD of BCS on a ddition of 15% RHA is found to 1.75g/cc an d corresponding
OMC for 15% RHA is found to be 19.5% which yield better results. There is a
subsequent increase of MDD and consequent decrease of OMC upto 20% addition of
RHA and further MDD decreases and its corresponding OMC in creases on increasing
percentage of RHA .
3. MDD of BCS on addition of 10% CR is found to be 1.72g/cc and corresponding OMC
for 10% C R is found to be 14% which yield better results. There is a subsequent
increas e of MDD and consequent decrease of OM C upto 10% addition of CR and
further MDD decreases and its corresponding OMC increases on increasing
percentage of CR.
4. MDD of BCS o n addition of 15% RHA+CR is found to be 1.73g/cc and
corresponding OM C for 15% RHA+CR is found to be 18% wh ich yield better
results. There is a subsequ ent increase of MDD and consequent decrease of OMC
upto 15% addition of RHA+CR and further MDD decreases and its corresponding
OMC increases on increa sing percentage of CR.
5. As the particles come closer, the voids are reduced and this ca uses the increase in dry
density. The MDD occurs at an OMC. A greater compactive effort reduces the OMC
and increases the MDD.
6. OMC/ MDD are important to achieve suitable compaction, primarily in order to
reduce the suscept ibility of soil to a settlement.

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Stabilization of Black Cotton S oil using Rice Husk Ash and Crumb Rubber 2023-2024

4.3.6 Unconfined Compression Test

Table 4.3.6 Variaation of UCS when BCS treated with varying percentages of stabilizers
2
UNCO NFINED COMPRESSION STRENGTH (kN /m )

% of Soil Stabili zer BCS+RHA BCS+CR BCS+RHA+CR

0 44.14 44.14 4 4.14
5 51.012 48.06 66.4

10 55.19 53.6 5 6.89

15 68.67 23.74 8 5.34

20 60.22 22.44 6 8.67

25 48.06 20.3 55.9

30 23.74 19.8 53.6

UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

(UCS)
100

80

60
UCS(kN/m2)

40

20

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30

% of Soil stabilizers

UCS variation for RHA

UCS variation for CR

UCS variation for the mix combination of RHA a nd CR

Figure 4.3.6 Vari ation of UCS of BCS treated with varying percentage s of stabilizers

OBSERVATION & DISCUSSION:

1. Unconfined Com pressive Strength for Black Cotton Soil alone is found to be
44.14kN/m2.
2. UCS of BCS on a ddition of 15% RHA is found to be 68.67kN/m 2 which yields better
results. There is a subsequent increase of UCS upto 15% addition of RHA and further
UCS decreases on increasing percentage of RHA.
3. UCS of BCS on addition of 10% CR is found to be 53.06kN/m 2 which yields better
results. There is a subsequent increase of UCS upto 10% addition of CR and further
UCS decreases on increasing percentage of CR.

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Stabilization of Black Cotton S oil using Rice Husk Ash and Crumb Rubber 2023-2024

4. UCS of BCS on addition of 15% RHA+CR is found to be 85.34kN/m 2 which yields

better results. The re is a subsequent increase of UCS upto 15% addition of RHA+CR
and further UCS decreases on increasing percentage of RHA+C R.
5. The brittle behavior of BCS is decreased thus, increasing the stiffness of stabilized
soil with the inclus ion of Crumb Rubber. The measurement of t he shearing strength
of cohesive soil.

4.3.7 CBR Percent ch aracteristics

Table 4.3.7 Variation of CBR of BCS treated with varying percentages of stabilizers
CBR (%)
% of Soil Stabilizer BCS+RHA BCS+CR BCS+RHA+CR
0 2.2 2.2 2.2
5 2.8 2.0 2.3
10 2.9 3.27 2.76
15 2.6 2.3 2.915
20 1.02 1.1 2.8
25 1.1 1.1 2.6
30 0.72 1.82 2.4

CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO(CBR)

3.5

3
2.5

2
CBR(%)

1.5

1
0.5

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
% of Soil stabilizers
CBR variation for RHA

CBR variation for CR

CBR variation for the mix combination of RHA and CR

Figure 4.3.7 Vari ation of CBR of BCS treated with varying percentage s of stabilizers

OBSERVATION & DISCUSSION:

1. California Bearing Ratio percent for unsoaked condition of Black Cotton Soil alone is
found to be 2.2%.

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Enhancing the Stability of Black Cotton Soil with Rice Husk Ash and
shreddedRubber Additives 2023-2024

2. CBR of BCS on addition of 10% RHA is found to be 2.9% which yields better results.
There is a subsequent increase of CBR upto 10% addition of RHA and further CBR
value decreases on increasing percentage of RHA.
3. CBR of BCS on addition of 10% CR is found to be 3.27% which yields better results.
There is a subsequent increase of CBR upto 10% addition of CR and further CBR
value decreases on increasing percentage of CR.
4. CBR of BCS on addition of 15% RHA+CR is found to be 2.915% which yields better
results. There is a subsequent increase of CBR upto 15% addition of RHA+CR and
further CBR value decreases on increasing percentage of RHA+CR.
5. The increase in CBR percentage increases the bearing capacity of Black Cotton Soil
and also significant reduces in the pavement thickness can be considered in the design
process.

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Enhancing the Stability of Black Cotton Soil with Rice Husk Ash and
shreddedRubber Additives 2023-2024

Chapter 5
CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of present experimental study the following conclusions are drawn:
1. It is observed that for stabilized Black Cotton soil the Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit,

Plasticity Index, Flow Index is found to be decreasing with an optimum proportion of

15% RHA+CR when compared with BCS alone and thus, it reduces the potential towards

swelling and shrinkage and also the loss in shear strength of soil is minimized.

2. Based on the Plasticity chart of Soil Classification IS: 1498-1970 the Black Cotton Soil
being utilized in the experimental study is of clayey soil having high Plasticity and is
inorganic in nature.
3. It is observed that for the stabilized Black Cotton soil the Optimum Moisture Content is
found to be decreasing and there is a consequent increase in Maximum Dry Density for
the optimum proportion of 15% RHA+CR when compared with BCS alone thus, this
reduces the susceptibility of soil to settlement.
4. It is observed that for stabilized Black Cotton soil the Unconfined Compressive strength
is found to be increasing for an optimum proportion of 15% of RHA+CR when compared
with BCS alone thus, this increases the stiffness of the Black Cotton Soil.
5. It is observed that for stabilized Black Cotton soil the CBR percentage is found to
increase for the optimum proportion of 15% RHA+CR when compared with BCS alone
thus, this increases the bearing capacity of soil.
6. The investigations demonstrates that Rice Husk Ash and Crumb Rubber can be made
used in treating expansive soil to a certain extent in solving the environmental problem of
waste tyre and agricultural waste disposal.

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Enhancing the Stability of Black Cotton Soil with Rice Husk Ash and
shreddedRubber Additives 2023-2024

5.1 SCOPE FOR FURTHER STUDY

1. The determination of Shrinkage limit, Triaxial Compression test, Direct Shear test,
Permeability test for the varying proportions of soil stabilizers are to be carried out.
2. Field determination of the geotechnical properties of Black Cotton Soil can be
implemented and studied.
3. CBR percent characteristics for the varying curing period are to be carried out.
4. Extensive research can be carried out by blending the Black Cotton soil with other
materials like Flyash, Burnt Brick Dust, Crushed Glass, Cement Dust, Bitumen etc, in
their varying proportions which can partially solve the disposal problem and reduce its
environmental impact.
5. The cost estimation for a particular practical case is to be carried.
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[14] Ghagte Sandeep Hambirao, Dr.P.G.Rakaraddi(2014), “Soil Stabilization using
Waste shredded Rubber Tyre chips”, IOSR-JMCE Vol.11 Issue 1
[15] IS:2720(Part 4)- 1985 Methods of test for soils: Grain Size Analysis
[16] IS:2720 (Part 2)-1973 Methods of test for soils: Determination of water content
[17] IS:2720 (Part 03-01) - 1980 Methods of test for soils: Determination of specific
gravity of fine grained soil

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 Enhancing the Stability of Black Cotton Soil with Rice Husk Ash and
shreddedRubber Additives 2023-2024

[18] IS:2720 (Part 05)-1985 Methods of test for soils: Determination of liquid and plastic
limit
[19] IS:2720(Part 13)-1986 Methods of test for soils: Direct Shear Test
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[21] IS:2720 (Part 08)-1983 Methods of test for soils: Determination of water content-
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[22] IS:2720 (Part 10)-1991 Methods of test for soils: Determination of unconfined
compressive strength
[23] IS:2720 (Part 11) -1993 Methods of test for soils: Determination of shear strength
parameters of soil from consolidated undrained Triaxial compression test without
measurement of pore water pressure
[24] IS: 2720 (Part 16)-1987 Methods of test for soils: Laboratory determination of CBR
[25] Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering Book Dr.K.R.Arora

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