Paper No.

553

BIO-ENZYME STABILIZED LATERITIC SOIL AS A HIGHWAY MATERIAL

A.U. RAvi ShAnkAR*, hARShA kUmAR RAi** & RAmeShA mithAnthAyA i. *** ABSTRACT The abundantly available lateritic soil in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts does not satisfy the requirements (Liquid Limit 25% and Plasticity Index 6 %) to be used as a base course material in pavements. In order to improve its properties the soil is blended with sand at different proportions unless until it satisfies the Atterbergs Limits for sub-base course. In recent past many Bio-Enzymes have come to the market which can be used as stabilizing agent. One such stabilizing agent is TerraZyme, which is used in the present investigation to further stabilize blended soil. The effect of enzyme on soil and blended soil in terms of Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCC), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Compaction and permeability are studied. It has been observed that the enzyme treated soil showed significant improvement in terms of UCC, CBR with longer curing period. 1 INTRODUCTION Soil improvement by mechanical or chemical means is widely adopted. In order to stabilize soils for improving strength and durability, a number of chemical additives, both inorganic and organic, have also been used. Recently Bio-Enzymes have emerged as a new chemical for soil stabilization. Bio-Enzymes are chemical, organic, and liquid concentrated substances which are used to improve the stability of soil sub-base of pavement structures. 1.1 Physical Properties of Lateritic Soils Properties of laterites in Dakshina Kannada (D.K.) District have a specific gravity ranging from 2.40 to 2.65, higher values of specific gravity in lateritic soils are generally associated with soils rich in iron oxides and titaniferous minerals. In-situ dry density is found to vary depending on the chemical composition from 16 kN/m3 to 18.10 kN/m3. However, a range from 25 kN/m3 to 36 kN/m3 has been observed in some laterites (Pavate and Visweswaraiya, 1972)12. The natural moisture content is found to vary from 10 percent to 20 percent and water absorption is around 16 percent. The plasticity characteristics of the lateritic soils are considerably influenced by the amount of clay present in them. This could be interpreted in the light of the genesis, the degree of weathering and the clay mineralogy as well

The growth of the population has created a need for better and economical vehicular operation which requires good highway having proper geometric design, pavement condition and maintenance. The highways have to be maintained so that comfort, convenience and safety are provided to the travelling public. The pavements along the national and state highways in the coastal belt of Karnataka are damaged due to the poor strength of soil used and low permeability. Hence, it is necessary to have a proper diagnostic study of the soil to be used as subbase. Cost effective roads are very vital for economical growth in any country. There is an urgent need to identify new materials to improve the road structure and to expand the road network. Commonly used materials are fast depleting and this has led to an increase in the cost of construction. Hence, the search for new materials and improved techniques to process the local materials has received an increased impetus. When poor quality soil is available at the construction site, the best option is to modify the properties of the soil so that it meets the pavement design requirements. This has led to the development of soil stabilization techniques. Since the nature and properties of natural soil vary widely, a suitable stabilization technique has to be adopted for a particular situation after considering the soil properties.
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Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Mangalore 575 025, E-mail : aurshankar@yahoo.com Post Graduate Student, Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Mangalore 575 025 Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, NMAMIT, Nitte, Karkala-574 110 Written comments on this paper are invited and will be received upto 30 September 2009.

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Shankar, rai & Mithanthaya i. on with standard water spraying equipment. By altering the physical and chemical characteristics of soil, materials treated with Bio-Enzyme retain higher performance levels and extended life span. Bio-Enzyme may be used to increase the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) values of a marginal material to achieve specified standards for a base course. Bio-Enzyme manufactured in USA and Netherlands also increases the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of sub-grade soil. Among the soil materials stabilized by the Bio-Enzymes in the trials are sandy clay, silty clay, sandy silt, plastic and non-plastic clay, sandy loam, fine loam, and loam mixed with clay. The dosage levels of the Bio-Enzymes vary from 1 to 5 litres for 5 m3 of soil depending on the soil type, soil characteristics, and product concentration. The amount of dilution water depends on in-situ moisture content of soil. 1.3 Mechanism of Soil Stabilization By BioEnzyme In clay water mixture positively charged ions (cat-ions) are present around the clay particles, creating a film of water around the clay particle that remains attached or absorbed on the clay surface. The absorbed water or double layer gives clay particles their plasticity. In some cases the clay can swell and the size of double layer increases, but it can be reduced by drying. Therefore, to truly improve the soil properties, it is necessary to permanently reduce the thickness of double layer. Cation exchange processes can accomplish this. By utilizing fermentation processes specific micro-organisms can produce stabilizing enzyme in large quantity. These soilstabilizing enzymes catalyze the reactions between the clay and the organic cat-ions and accelerate the cat-ionic exchange without becoming part of the end product 1.4 TerraZyme, A Bio-Enzymatic Soil Stabilizer TerraZyme is a natural, non-toxic liquid, formulated using vegetable extracts. Apart from being a concept accepted the world over as a sound and resourceful road building practice, which completely replaces the conventional granular base and the granular sub base, it emphasizes on strength, performance and higher resistance towards deformation. Organic enzymes come in liquid form. They are perfectly soluble in water, brown in colour and smell of molasses. The specific

as the clay size content. These soils are porous and possess medium to high permeability. The coefficient of permeability of high level lateritic varies from 7 x 10-7 m/s to 16 x 10-7 m/s. The coefficient of permeability of undisturbed residual laterites soils is considerably influenced by the degree of weathering, texture of the soil and the initial void ratio (Gidigasu, 1976)6. The shear strength parameters, namely, cohesion and angle of internal friction obtained from undrained triaxial shear tests, vary from 5.88 kN/m2 to 50.99 kN/m2 and 160 to 300 respectively. The safe bearing capacity (SBC) of laterites with a factor of safety of 3, ranges from 98 kN/m2 to 196 kN/m2. Bearing capacity of these soils is found to be satisfactory, for shallow foundations. Lateritic soil considered in the present study has high plasticity index. So, to meet the specified limits of liquid limit and plasticity index and other strength characteristics of soil for airfields and roads as subbase course, soil stabilization was tried using locally available river sand and Bio-Enzyme as stabilizer. Lateritic soil was stabilized using variable enzyme dosages and strength of the stabilized soil has been evaluated after curing period of one week, two weeks, three weeks and four weeks. The tests were carried out to determine the consistency limits, CBR, unconfined compressive strength and permeability of the soil specimens with and without stabilization using enzyme. The effect of enzyme on different percentages of sand blended lateritic soil was also studied for a curing period of one week to four weeks. TerraZyme named enzyme has been used for stabilization. 1.2 Bio-Enzymes as Soil Stabilizers in Road Construction Bio-Enzyme is a natural, non-toxic, non-flammable, non-corrosive liquid enzyme formulation fermented from vegetable extracts that improves the engineering properties of soil, facilitates higher soil compaction and increases strength. Enzymes catalyze the reactions between the clay and the organic cat-ions and accelerate the cat-ionic exchange process to reduce absorbed layer thickness. For other types of chemical stabilization, chemicals are mixed with soil, which is difficult to mix thoroughly, but Bio-Enzyme is easy to use as it can be mixed with water at optimum moisture content and then it is sprayed over soil and compacted. Bio-Enzyme from Australia is a natural, non-toxic bio-degradable liquid concentrate that mixes easily in water for application

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, July-September 2009

Bio-EnzyME StaBilizEd latEritic Soil aS a highway MatErial weight is similar or equal to that of water. The pH level is between 4.3 and 4.6. Their aroma has no effect. Neither gloves nor masks are required during handling but it can cause irritation to the eyes. If they are to be stored for long periods of time without losing any of their properties, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of 550 C. There is no risk of decay. The enzymes react with oxidizing agents. TerraZyme is specially formulated to modify the engineering properties of soil. They require dilution in water before application. TerraZyme acts to reduce the voids between soil particles and minimize absorbed water in the soil for maximum compaction. This decreases the swelling capacity of the soil particles and reduces permeability. The application of TerraZyme enhances weather resistance and increases load bearing capacity of soils. These features are particularly evident in fine-grained soils such as clay in which the formulation affects the swelling and shrinking behavior. This formulation has the ability to change the matrix of the soil so that after compaction the soil loses its ability to reabsorb water and the mechanical benefits of compaction are not lost even after water is reapplied to the compacted soil. Once the enzyme reacts with the soil, the change is permanent and the product is biodegradable. 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

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Lacuoture and Gonzalez (1995) 9 conducted a comprehensive study of the TerraZyme soil stabilizer product and its effectiveness on sub-base and sub-grade soils. The variation in properties was observed over a short period only and it was found that in cohesive soils there was no major variation in properties during the early days but the soil showed improved performance progressively. Hitam and Yusof (1998)5 of Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia conducted field studies on improvement on plantation roads. TerraZyme was treated to 27.2 km of the road, which was having serious problems during the monsoon season or after heavy downpour. The sections were then monitored on the surface erosion due to rainwater and wear due to usage. After two monsoon seasons the road was found to be in very good condition in spite of large exposure to heavy rainfall. No surface damage was observed, thus requiring no repair works to the road section. TerraZyme stabilization can convert the road to an all weather road that has minimum destruction in hot and

wet season. Brazetti and Murphy (2000)3 conducted field experiments in Brazil to study the use of TerraZyme as the bio-enzyme stabilizer for road construction. The selected soils were sandy clay, silty clay, sandy silt, plastic and non-plastic clay, sandy loam, loam mixed with clay, soil mixtures with pieces of recycled pavement. The field stretches were periodically tested with DCP (Dynamic Cone Penetrometer) equipment. After the evaluation it was concluded that the enzyme stabilization is a good technique for the effective and economic solution for pavement construction. Andrew et al (2003) conducted laboratory scale testing program to evaluate the effectiveness of enzyme treatment on sub grade soil. The effectiveness of enzyme treatment was evaluated on the basis of statistical measurement of change in CBR, strength, soil stiffness and soil modulus. The CBR test appears to be a relatively poor indicator of direct soil strength for testing conditions. Isaac et al (2003) conducted a comprehensive study of the TerraZyme and its effectiveness on lateritic soil and clay type soil collected from Kerala. The reactions of the soils treated with the enzyme was observed and recorded and compared to the untreated samples for the period of 8 weeks. It was found that in all soil types considered, the CBR value has increased by addition of TerraZyme, which proved its suitability as a stabilizing agent. The increase in CBR was of the range of 136 to 1800 times that of the original value. TerraZyme is useful for clay soil and sand but is less significant to silty soils and clayey and sandy soil had increase in CBR by 700 percent. Manoj et al (2003)10 conducted a study to assess the suitability of Bio-Enzyme as soil stabilizer on five types of soils with low clay content to very high clay content. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the engineering properties of soil and strength characteristics of soil with and without stabilization with Bio-Enzyme. The Bio-Enzyme stabilization has shown little to very high improvement in physical properties of soil. This little improvement may be due to chemical constituent of the soil, which has low reactivity with Bio-Enzyme. In the cases of highly clay moderate soil, like silty soil to sandy soil, the effect of stabilization has improved the CBR and unconfined compression strength. Bergmann (2000)2 concluded that the Bio-Enzymes require some clay content in the aggregate material in order to create the reaction that will strengthen the material. The successful stabilization

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Shankar, rai & Mithanthaya i. on Table 1 Properties of Lateritic Soil S. N. Property 1 Specific Gravity 2. Grain Size Distribution Gravel (%) Sand (%) Silt (%) Clay( %) Co-efficient of Uniformity, Cu Co-efficient of Curvature, Cc 3. Value 2.45 19 50 29 2 115.4 0.74

could be achieved with as little as 2 percent clay in the aggregate material but best result seems to be achieved with 10 to 15 percent clay. It was reported that after oneweek, two-week, three-week and fourteen-week periods CBR was found as 37, 62, 66 and 100 respectively as compared to 28 percent of untreated soil. 3 EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION

To assess the suitability of Bio-Enzyme as soil stabilizer, laboratory tests were conducted to determine the engineering properties and strength characteristics of lateritic soil and blended lateritic soil with and without stabilization with Bio-Enzyme. The lateritic soil and blended lateritic soil samples considered for study were first tested for engineering properties and samples were then tested for strength parameters such as CBR and unconfined compressive strength, without stabilization and with stabilization for a curing period of two-weeks, three-weeks and four-weeks. In the above tests TerraZyme named Bio-Enzyme was used for stabilization, all the tests were performed as per relevant IS Specifications. 3.1 Materials Used & Tests Conducted

4. 5.

The materials used for the tests include the lateritic soil, 6. sand and TerraZyme (Bio-Enzyme).The lateritic soil obtained from field was tested in the laboratory for the properties like specific gravity, grain size distribution, consistency limits, compaction, unconfined compressive strength, CBR and permeability tests. The results are 7. tabulated in Table1.The sand used for the work was been obtained from the nearby river and was tested in the laboratory for the properties like specific gravity, grain size distribution, vibratory compaction and direct shear 8. tests. All the tests were performed as per IS specifications. The properties of sand are shown in Table 2. Table 1 indicate that more than 50 percent of soil is retained on These results indicate that the soil is low compressible 75 micron IS sieve and therefore grouped under coarse and it is classified as silty sand with 19 percent of gravel. grained soil as per IS classification. Coefficient of Under light and heavy compaction the MDD was found uniformity (Cu) and coefficient of curvature (Cc) were to be 19.32 kN/m3 and 19.95 kN/m3 respectively and found out to be 115.4 and 0.74 respectively. Further the OMC was found to be 13.5 percent and 11.4 percent test results indicate that the value of liquid limit is 35 respectively. The CBR values of lateritic soil at OMC for percent and plasticity index is 10 percent and it doesnt light and heavy compaction was found to be 10 percent meet the standards of sub-base course as suggested by and 14 percent respectively and at soaked condition it was found to be 4 percent and 8 percent respectively. For IRC: SP:20-2002. Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, July-September 2009

Consistancy Limits Liquid Limit (%) 35 Plastic Limit (%) 25 Plasticity Index (%) 10 Shrinkage Limit (%) 16.6 IS Soil Classification SM-GM Engineering Properties 19.32 IS Light Compaction) Max. Dry Density, kN/m3 a) OMC (%) 13.50 19.95 IS Heavy Compaction) Max. Dry Density, kN/m3 b) OMC (%) 11.40 CBR % IS Light Compaction (at OMC) 10 IS Light Compaction (Soaked) 04 IS Heavy Compaction (at OMC) 14 IS Heavy Compaction (Soaked) 08 Unconfined Compressive Strength a) IS Light Compaction (kPa) 108 b) IS heavy Compaction (kPa) 142 Co-efficient of Permeability a) IS Light Compaction (m/s) 4.78x10-8 b) IS Heavy Compaction (m/s) 2.87x10-8

Bio-EnzyME StaBilizEd latEritic Soil aS a highway MatErial light and heavy compaction the unconfined compressive strength of lateritic soil was found to be 86.87 kPa and 181.4 kPa respectively and coefficient of permeability was found to be 4.786x10-8 m/s and 2.865x10-8 m/s respectively 3.2 Tests on Blending of Soil The coarse grained soil (sand) collected is sieved and only coarse sand passing through 4.75 mm sieve and retained on 425 micron is used for adding to the test samples in different percentages. The requisite quantity of sand to be replaced for the effective blending of soil is determined in the laboratory by changing the percentage of sand till the desired limits are achieved. Consistency limit tests were carried out on soil, soil-sand mixes to ensure the specifications specified by MoRTH, IRC: SP:20-2002. Table 2 Properties of Sand Description Specific gravity Fineness modulus Loose Density( kN/m3) Vibrated Dense Density ( kN/m3) Grain size analysis Gravel (%) Sand (%) Silt (%) Clay (%) Cu Cc Direct Shear Test Angle of internal friction () Degrees Cohesion ( kN/m3) (c) Grading as per IS: 383-1970 3.2.1 Compaction Tests Compaction tests were conducted on the soil blend (lateritic soil- sand). On the soil, modified Proctors test was conducted according to relevant IS Specifications (IS: 2720 (Part-8):1980). The results of these are tabulated in Table 3. 3.2.2 CBR Tests Test value 2.64 2.18 14.13 17.13 2 98 trace 0 2 0.83 44 5 0 Zone-II

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water, corresponding to the optimum moisture content by modified Proctors test for the mix, was added and the contents were thoroughly mixed. These mixes were compacted in the CBR mould to maximum Proctors density. For soaked condition, these samples were kept in water for four days immediately after compaction. The results of compaction tests and CBR tests for blended soil with different percentages of sand are given in Table 3. 3.2.3 Permeability Tests Permeability tests were conducted on the different percentage of soil-sand mixes at modified proctor density. Predetermined quantity of water, corresponding to the optimum moisture content was added and the contents were thoroughly mixed. These mixes were compacted in the permeability mould and later these moulds were fixed to permeameter then tested. The results have been given in Table 3. The liquid limit, plastic limit and Plasticity index of lateritic soil and blended soil (sand) is tabulated in Table 3. When soil is replaced by sand from 10 percent to 60 percent at an increment of 10 percent the variation in MDD and OMC for heavy compaction is tabulated in Table 3. The liquid limit of blended soil decreases with increase in percentage of sand. The liquid limit decreased from 35 percent to 22 percent and the plasticity index decreased from 10 percent to 3 percent when soil is replaced by sand from 0 to 40 percent at an increment of 10 percent. The liquid limit of soil decreased to 25 percent by replacing soil with 30 percent of sand, further increase of sand, the liquid limit and plastic limit values reduced. The MDD value of the blended soil increased as the percentage of sand increased upto 40 percent and beyond 40 percent the OMC increases and MDD decreases. The CBR tests at heavy compaction (soaked) found that CBR increased from 8 percent to 22 percent when soil is replaced by sand from 0 to 40 percent with an increment of 10 percent, but the CBR value decreases from 22 percent to 14 percent at 60 percent of sand. The optimum sand content is found to be 40 percent. From the Table 3, it was found that coefficient of permeability increases with increase of sand content in the soil. The value increased from 2.865x10-8 m/s to 89.6x10-8 m/s when soil is replaced by 0 to 60 percent of sand.

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Shankar, rai & Mithanthaya i. on clay content and plasticity index of the soil, the required dosage of TerraZyme for mixing with soil, as suggested by supplying company is given in Table 4. Table 4 Enzyme Dosages Dosage 1 2 3 4 200 ml/m3 of Soil 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 ml/kg of Soil 0.029 0.0338 0.0406 0.050

Table 3 Consistency Limits, Compaction, CBR and Permeability Test Results (Blended Soil) Lateritic Soil (%) 100 90 80 70 60 Sand (%) 0 10 20 30 40 Liquid Limit (%) 35 31 28 25 22 Plastic Plasticity Limit Index (%) (%) 25 23 21 20 19 10 8 7 5 3

Dosage calculations are shown in Annex. 1. 3.3.1 Consistency Limits Liquid limit and plastic limit of soil mixed with variable dosage of TerraZyme are tested after 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of curing. The liquid limit and plastic limit of untreated soil is 35 percent and 25 percent. The results are shown in Table 5. Table 5 Consistency Limits of Soil Treated with Enzyme Dosage 1 1 LL PL PI LL PL PI LL PL PI LL PL PI
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Compaction, CBR and Permeability Test Results MDD CBR Coeff. Lateritic Sand OMC (kN/ (%) Permeability Soil (%) (%) (%) m3) (Soaked) K (m/s) 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 11.4 19.95 11.0 20.35 10.7 20.61 10.4 20.80 9.98 21.39 10.2 21.10 11.0 20.60 8 10 14 18 22 20 14 2.87 x10-8 5.75 x10-8 10.5x10-8 18.4 x10-8 26.8 x10-8 57.4 x10-8 89.6 x10-8

Treated Weeks 2nd 29.6 25.0 4.6 29.2 24.7 4.44 29 24.4 4.59 28.8 24.3 4.41 3rd 29.2 25.0 4.2 28.8 24.5 4.3 28.6 24.3 4.3 28.2 24.0 4.19 4th 28.7 24.9 3.80 28.5 24.3 4.2 27.9 24.0 3.90 27.6 24.0 3.67 30.0 25.0 5.0 30.0 25.0 5.00 29.9 25.0 4.9 29.6 25.0 4.60

3.3 Stabilization Using TerraZyme (Bio-Enzyme) TerraZyme a bio-enzymatic soil stabilizer improves the engineering properties of the locally available soil for the use of construction of roads. Both laboratory and field studies conducted in India have shown that soil stabilization with TerraZyme provides such a positive improvements in various soil types that the use of TerraZyme offers a substantial reduction in the construction cost of roads. Varying quantities of stabilizers can cause different effect in the same soil sample. Insufficient quantity of TerraZyme may lead to less stabilization of the soil where as excess quantities may result the stabilization ineffective and uneconomical. Hence, to determine the optimum quantity of TerraZyme for best results, CBR tests were conducted on each of the soil samples with varying quantity of TerraZyme. Depending on the soil gradation, 3

3.3.2 CBR Tests Soil was treated with 4 dosages of enzyme at optimum moisture content. CBR moulds were prepared by modified proctors method and kept in airtight bags for testing on its 7, 14, 21 and 28 days curing. Later these moulds were kept in soaked condition for 4 days and then tested for CBR. CBR values of lateritic soil with different enzyme dosages in various curing days are given in Table 6.

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, July-September 2009

Bio-EnzyME StaBilizEd latEritic Soil aS a highway MatErial Table 6 CBR and UCS Values of Soil Treated with Enzyme Dosage 1 CBR % Untreated 08 1 17 20 21 23 2 20 23 25 27 3 23 25 27 29 4 25 27 29 31 UCS of Soil in (kPa) for Period of Treatment Untreated 142 1 205 272 343 447 2 262 324 398 513 3 330 434 532 716 4 428 513 607 782 3.3.3 Unconfined Compressive Strength Tests Unconfined compressive strength of lateritic soil was evaluated by stabilization with variable dosages of enzyme for one, two, three and four curing weeks. The specimens were prepared and kept in desecrator to retain moisture of the sample so that reaction between soil particle and TerraZyme may be continued. The test results have been given in Table 6. 3.3.4 Permeability Tests Permeability tests were conducted on soil treated with enzyme at optimum moisture content. Permeability moulds were prepared and kept in airtight bags for testing on its 7, 14, 21 and 28 days curing. Later these moulds were fixed to permeameter and then tested. The test results have been given in Table 7. The four variable enzyme dosages were used for stabilize the lateritic soil. Effect of dosages of enzyme on index properties, strength and permeability properties of Lateritic soil during the curing period is shown in Tables 5 to 7. Effects of variable enzyme dosages on consistency limits of the lateritic soil after one to four weeks of curing were shown in Table 5. It was found that liquid limit and plasticity index of treated lateritic soil decreases as the amount of dosage increases
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Treated Weeks 2nd 3rd

4th

during the curing period. There is little improvement in the consistency limits by treating soil with enzyme. Enzyme dosage 4 shown slightly higher improvements in liquid limit and plasticity index compare to other smaller dosages and also found that, as curing period increases the rate of improvement increases. Liquid limit decreased from 35 percent to 27.67 percent and plastic limit 25 percent to 24 percent for the higher dosage 4 after the curing period of 4 weeks. Table 7 Coefficient of Permeability of Soil with Enzyme Dosage Treated Weeks 1 2nd 3rd 4th Coefficient of Permeability (K) m/s (x10-8) 1 2.87 2.87 2.63 2.63 2 2.63 2.39 2.39 2.39 3 1.91 1.91 1.91 1.67 4 1.91 1.67 1.67 1.67
st

The effect of enzyme dosages on CBR values of lateritic soil for a period of one to four weeks of curing are shown in Table 8. From the table it is evident that there is gradual improvement in the CBR values of treated soil when compared with untreated one, as period of curing increases the rate of improvement in CBR values also increases. Results shows that highest quantity of enzyme that is dosage 4 improves the CBR values to a higher range. CBR value of untreated soil is found to be 8 percent where the CBR value of enzyme treated soil after 4 weeks of curing is found to be 31 percent. It shows that dosage 4 improves the CBR by 213 percent after one week of curing and improves by 288 percent after four weeks curing. Dosage 3 improves the CBR by 188 percent to 263 percent, Dosage 2 improves the CBR by 150 percent to 238 percent and Dosage 1 improves the CBR by 113 percent to 188 percent after curing. It indicates that CBR value has improved to a maximum of 288 percent after four weeks of curing in a maximum dosage 4. For chemically stabilized soils the CBR test results may not be realistic. To substantiate the results UCC tests are conducted on such soils. The effect of enzyme dosages on unconfined compressive strength of lateritic soil for a period of one to four weeks of curing is shown in Table 9. Unconfined compressive strength of the soil was evaluated for untreated soil and treated

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Shankar, rai & Mithanthaya i. on blended soil improves the CBR by 238 percent after one week of curing and further improves by 300 percent after four weeks of curing. Similarly for 20 percent of blended soil the CBR improves by 200 percent to 288 percent, for 30 percent of blended soil the CBR improves by 175 percent to 275 percent and for 40 percent of blended soil the CBR improves by 163 percent to 250 percent after curing for one week to four weeks. It indicates that CBR value improved to a maximum of 300 percent for 10 percent blended soil. Tables 8 and 11 give the values of CBR for untreated soil and treated soil with enzyme. The optimum sand content to replace lateritic soil when further treated with enzyme was 10 percent. The CBR values are maximum at 10 percent as replaced. For the rest of the blending the CBR values are lesser. However, as the curing period increases the CBR values of all the blends are increasing further. 4 CONCLUSIONS

soil for one, two, three and four weeks of curing with enzyme dosages. Based on the test results it was found that unconfined compressive strength increases with higher dosages for a higher curing period. Unconfined compressive strength increases from 142 kPa to 782 kPa by treating the soil with enzyme and curing for 4 weeks. Compressive strength of the soil was found to be maximum with dosage 4. Permeability tests were carried out on lateritic soil with different enzyme dosages. The test results are tabulated in Table 6. From the tests it was found that effect of enzyme on permeability characteristics of soil is marginal. The coefficient of permeability after treating for four weeks with highest dosage is found to be 1.67x10-8 m/s, where as the value of untreated soil was 2.865x10-8 m/s. 3.4 Effect of TerraZyme on Blended Soil The CBR values of different percentage of blended soil were studied by treated with enzyme dosage of 200 ml/2 m3 for one, two, three and four weeks of curing. The test results have been tabulated in Table 8. 3.5 Test Results on Enzyme Treated Blend Soil The effect of enzyme on CBR values of lateritic soil with variable percentage of sand for a period of one to four weeks of curing are shown in Table 8. The higher enzyme dosage 4 is used for treating blended soil. From the test results it was found that as sand content increases beyond 10 percent, the CBR value decreases for enzyme treated soils. Table 8 CBR Values of Blended Soil with Enzyme Soil blend soil-sand % 100-0 90-10 80-20 70-30 60-40 1st 25 27 24 22 21 Treated ( Weeks) 2nd 3rd CBR % 29 30 30 31 29 30 27 28 24 27 4th 31 32 31 30 28

Based on the tests conducted the following conclusions have been drawn which are applicable only to materials used and test conditions adapted in the study. 4.1 Bio-Enzyme stabilization has shown medium improvement in physical properties of lateritic soil. This improvement may be due to chemical constituent of the soil which has low reactivity with Bio-Enzyme, therefore it is advisable to first examine the effect of Bio-Enzyme on soil stabilization in the laboratory before actual field trials. 4.2 The lateritic soil properties have been much improved by stabilizing with enzyme dosage of 200 ml/ 2 m3 of soil. 4.3 Enzyme is found to be ineffective for improving consistency limits. 4.4 For a higher dosage of 200 ml/ 2 m3 of soil, the CBR value of lateritic soil increased by 300 percent after four weeks of curing, unconfined compressive strength of the soil increased by 450 and permeability decreases by 42 percent. 4.5 The lateritic soil properties have been improved by adding sand. When more than 20 percent of soil is replaced by sand, consistency limits and CBR values were found to have met the specified limits (LL< 25 percent, PI< 6 percent and soaked CBR > 20 percent) of sub-base. It is observed that CBR value increases with increase in percentage of sand upto 175 percent. 4.6 The CBR values of the enzyme treated soil blend decreases with increase in sand content. The CBR

This blended soil is further stabilized by enzyme, after one week curing this value increased to 27 percent and after four weeks curing this value was increased to 32 percent. Further addition of sand and enzyme, there is decrease in CBR values. When CBR value is compared to untreated blended soil there is an increase in CBR value at higher curing periods. It shows that 10 percent of

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, July-September 2009

Bio-EnzyME StaBilizEd latEritic Soil aS a highway MatErial value of blended soil increased by 300 percent with 10 percent sand with a dosage of 200 ml/ 2 m3 of soil. 4.7 By comparing CBR values of the unblended and blended soil after enzyme treatment it was found that enzyme is not effective for soil containing higher percent of cohesion less soil. 4.8 The UCC tests are more realistic than CBR and therefore, for enzyme stabilized soils CBR tests are not recommended. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors are thankful to Mr. Apoorva Modi, Avijeet agencies, Chennai for supporting this project by supplying enzymes. REFERENCES 1. Andrew, R.Tolleson, Fadi, M. Shatnawi, Nicholos, E. Harman and Elahe Mahadavian (2003), An Evaluation of Strength Change on Sub-grade Soils Stabilized with an Enzyme Catalyst Solution Using CBR and SSG Comparisons, Geomatrics, Inc. Columbia, Sc 29210, USA, July 2003. Bergmann, Roger (2000), Soil Stabilizers on Universally Accessible Trails, Technical Report 0023-1202-SDTDC, San Dimas, Ca: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development Center, p. 10. Brazetti, R. and Murphy, S.R. (2000), General Usage of Bio-Enzyme Stabilizers in Road Construction in Brazil, 32nd Annual Meeting on Paving Brazil, October 2000. Clare, K.E. and Beaven, P.J. (1962), Road Making Materials in Northen Borneo. Brit. Road Res. Lab., Tech. paper, pp. 68-78 (Extracted from Gidigasu, 1970). Hitam, A. and Yusof, A. (1998), Soil Stabilizers for Plantation Road, National Seminar on Mechanisation in Oil Palm Plantation, 30 June 1998, Selangor, Malaysia. Gidigasu, M.D. (1976), Lateritic Soil Engineering Pedogenesis and Engineering Principles, Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, New York. IRC:SP:20-2002, Rural Roads Manual, The Indian Roads Congress, New Delhi. Isaac, K.P. Biju and Veeraragavan (2003), Soil Stabilization Using Bio-Enzyme for Rural Roads presented at the IRC Seminar Integrated Development of Rural An Arterial Road Networks

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for Socio- Economic Development, New Delhi 5-6 December 2003. 9. Lacuoture, A. and Gonzalez, H. (1995), Usage of Organic Enzymes for the Stabilization of Natural Base Soils and Sub-bases in Bagota, Pontificia Universidad Jevariana, Faculty of Engineering.

10. Shukla, Manoj, Bose, Sunil and Sikdar, P.K. (2003), Bio-Enzyme for Stabilization of Soil in Road Construction a Cost Effective Approach, Presented at the IRC Seminar Integrated Development of Rural and Arterial Road Networks for Socio-Economic Development, New Delhi 5-6 December 2003. 11. MOST (Roads Wing) (1998), Specifications for Road and Bridge Works, Third Revision, IRC, New Delhi. 12. Pavate, T.V and Vishwesswaraiya, T.G (1972), Stabilization of Lateritic Soils, Proceedings of the Symposium on Strength and Deformation Behavior of Soils, Vol.1., Bangalore, India, Annex-1 Dosages specified by the company for Lateritic soil was 200 ml for bulk volume 3.5 m3 to 2 m3 of soil. Bulk Density of Lateritic soil = 1.97 g/cc Bulk Density = Weight / Volume Weight = Bulk Density x Volume For Dosage 1 200 ml for 3.5 m3 of soil = 1.97 x 3.5 x 1000 = 6895 kg of soil For 1 kg = 0.029 ml of Enzyme For Dosage 2 200 ml for 3.0 m3 of soil = 1.97 x 3.0 x 1000 = 5910 kg of soil For 1 kg = 0.0338 ml of Enzyme For Dosage 3 200 ml for 2.5 m 3 of soil = 1.97 x 2.5 x 1000 = 4925 kg of soil For 1 kg = 0.0406 ml of Enzyme For Dosage 4 200 ml for 2.0 m3 of soil = 1.97 x 2.0 x 1000 = 3940 kg of soil For 1 kg = 0.050 ml of Enzyme

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Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, July-September 2009