Journal Article: Performance Study on Soil Stabilisation using Natural Materials

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Here is another of my journal publications. This is related to the effect of utilizing natural materials in stabilization of soil.

Citation:

James, J., and Pandian, P.K., (2013), "Performance Study on Soil Stabilisation using Natural Materials", International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Vol. 6, No. 01, pp. 194 - 203

Performance Study on Soil Stabilisation using Natural Materials

JIJO JAMES and P. KASINATHA PANDIAN

Department of Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College, Chennai-48

Email: jijo_blitz@yahoo.co.in, pknp2020@gmail.com

Abstract: The present study focuses on the impacts of conventional ground improvement techniques on the environment, supporting the argument with documental evidence and alternatives to these techniques. The study aims at testing the effectiveness of natural materials as soil stabilizers and comparing the results of these minimal invasive alternatives with the existing techniques, to see how effective are the new alternatives in serving their purpose and saving the environment. The alternative techniques concentrate on the use of natural materials like Tamarind Kernel Powder, Egg Shell Powder, Jaggery, Chebula, etc. either in part or whole in the process of soil stabilization. Several parameters have been selected for comparison, including index properties, UCC strength and consolidation characteristics. Out of the materials identified, Tamarind Kernel Powder, Egg Shell Powder and a combination of Jaggery, Chebula and Lime have been adopted for use in soil stabilization. Each material has been tested for its capability in soil stabilization by testing the index and engineering properties of the soil after addition of the material. The addition of Tamarind Kernel Powder to soil resulted in increase in the liquid limit of the soil from 67% to 117% when 10% Tamarind kernel Powder was added to it. The addition of this material also resulted in decrease in shrinkage limit  from 15.4% for 2% addition to 11.4 % for 8% addition of Tamarind Kernel Powder. It also resulted in the increase in the free swell index of the soil from 60% to 146% for 80% addition of TKP to the soil. The maximum dry density of the soil decreased from 17.1kN/m2 to 14kN/m2 on addition of 8% Tamarind Kernel Powder. The optimum moisture content of the soil also increased from 17.5% to 25%. The UCC strength quartered from 215 kN/m2 to 64 kN/m2 for an addition of mere 8% TKP, which is 70% lesser than the UCC strength of soil. Similar test were done adding Egg Shell Powder and Jaggery:Chebula:Lime combinations to soil and the results were promising. 

Keywords: Natural Materials, Tamarind Kernel Powder, Egg Shell Powder, Jaggery, Soil stabilization

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