SOIL STABILISATION USING EGG SHELL

Project report submitted in fulfillment of the requirement for

the degree of

Bachelor Of Technology
(CIVIL ENGINEERING)
Under the supervision of By Project Members
Er. Gaurav Juneja
Associate Professor Ilyas Hussain(BT4010291)
Piyush Justa (07btl5010779)
Rohit Kumar( BT4010240)
Manzoor Ahmad(BT4010269)
Ishfaq Rashid(BT4010292)
Himanshu Chauhan(BT4010265)
Nihal Tomar(BT4010228)
Anit Kumar(BT4010255)
Anit Raj(BT4010289)
Jomnya Taye(07btl5010789)
Subhana Kosar(BT4010298)
Maroof Khan(BT4010253)
Sameer Ahmed(BT4010281)
Sahil Sharma(BT4010243)
Vivek(BT4010249)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We express our Sincere thanks and profound gratitude to ER. GAURAV

JUNEJA B.tech, Associate professor in CIVIL ENGINEERING for his
valuable guidance , in completing the project on CLAY STABILISATION
USING EGG SHELL successfully
We are also thankful to the working staff of civil engineering department for
helping at many stages during the execution of our project.
ABSTRACT

Nowadays, considerable attention has been paid to the utilization of alternative materials,

which bear higher engineering quality than traditional materials and are financially affordable.

Soil is one of the most important materials used in a variety of construction projects including

earth canals and earth dams. The fact that soil may provide all the resistance characteristics

necessary for a project illustrates the importance of various methods used to improve soil

quality. Clay soil is widely used in most of the construction projects. Clay soils, particularly

soft clay soils, have good plastic properties so that increased moisture results in their decreased

shear strength, compressive strength and volume changes. These damages typically take an

irreparable toll on structures, which further clarifies the importance of soil improvement.

Considering millions of tons of waste produced annually across the country, which not only

poses the problem of disposal but also adds to environmental contamination and health risks,

utilization of such refuse and industrial wastes and their subsidiary products as alternatives to

construction materials may effectively contribute to environmental preservation and

minimization of their adverse effects on the Environment. In the present study, eggshell powder

was used as a waste to combine with soil so that index properties compaction and shear

strength properties of clay soil were investigated at different mixture proportions. Then the

shear strength of soils already measured, were compared with those of the experimental

specimens mixed with eggshell powder at different proportions.

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Contents Page no.

List of Figures

List of Tables

Abstract

Chapter – 1

INTRODUCTION

Chapter – 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Soil Stabilization

2.2.1 Definition

2.1.2 Needs and Advantages

2.1.3 Method

2.2 Applications of Agricultural and Domestic Wastes in Geotechnical Applications.

2.2.1 Agricultural wastes

2.2.2 Domestic Waste

2.3 Soil Properties

2.3.1 Atterberg Limits

2.3.2 Specific Gravity

2.3.3 Shear Strength

Chapter – 3

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION

3.1 Scope of work

3.2 Material Used

3.3 Brief steps involved in experiments

3.3.1 Specific Gravity of Soil

3.3.2 Liquid Limit

3.3.3 Plastic Limit

3.3.4 Proctor Compaction Test

3.3.5 Unconfined Compression Strength Test

Chapter – 4
ii
RESULTS AND DISSCUSSIONS

4.1 Specific gravity

4.2 Index Properties

4.2.1 Liquid Limit

4.2.2 Plastic Limit

4.4.3 Plasticity Index

4.4 Standard Proctor Compaction Test

4.4 Unconfined Compression Test

4.5 Discussion

4.5.1 Inferences from UCS Test

CONCLUSIONS

References

iii
 CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION

For any land-based structure, the foundation is very important and has to be strong to support the

entire structure. In order for the foundation to be strong, the soil around it plays a very critical role.

So, to work with soils, we need to have proper knowledge about their properties and factors which

affect their behavior. The process of soil stabilization helps to achieve the required properties in a

soil needed for the construction work.

From the beginning of construction work, the necessity of enhancing soil properties has

come to the light. Ancient civilizations of the Chinese, Romans and Incas utilized various methods

to improve soil strength etc., some of these methods were so effective that their buildings and

roads still exist.

In India, the modern era of soil stabilization began in early 1970’s, with a general shortage

of petroleum and aggregates, it became necessary for the engineers to look at means to improve

soil other than replacing the poor soil at the building site. Soil stabilization was used but due to the
1
use of obsolete methods and also due to the absence of proper technique, soil stabilization lost

favor. In recent times, with the increase in the demand for infrastructure, raw materials and fuel,

soil stabilization has started to take a new shape. With the availability of better research, materials

and equipment, it is emerging as a popular and cost-effective method for soil improvement.

Here, in this project, soil stabilization has been done with the help of cement and egg shell

powder. Egg shells are obtain as waste after the use of eggs. The improvement in the shear strength

parameters has been stressed upon and comparative studies have been carried out using unconfined

compression test.

Soil modification or stabilization is usually carried out to achieve the following

goals:

• Increasing soil strength, geotechnical properties and bearing capacity

• Preventing structure subsidence

• Reducing adhesion in highly adhesive soils

• Increasing adhesion in soils with low adhesion (sands)

• Increasing safety factor against slope, levees and earth dam sliding

• Reducing soil plasticity index.

2
 CHAPTER-2
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Soil Stabilization

2.1.1 Definition

Soil stabilization is the process of altering some soil properties by different methods,

mechanical or chemical in order to produce an improved soil material which has all the desired

engineering properties.

Soils are generally stabilized to increase their strength and durability or to prevent erosion

and dust formation in soils. The main aim is the creation of a soil material or system that will hold

under the design use conditions and for the designed life of the engineering project. The properties

of soil vary a great deal at different places or in certain cases even at one place; the success of soil

stabilization depends on soil testing. Various methods are employed to stabilize soil and the

method should be verified in the lab with the soil material before applying it on the field.

Principles of Soil Stabilization:

• Evaluating the soil properties of the area under consideration.

• Deciding the property of soil which needs to be altered to get the design value and choose

the effective and economical method for stabilization.

• Designing the Stabilized soil mix sample and testing it in the lab for intended stability and

durability values.

2.1.2 Needs & Advantages

3
 Soil properties vary a great deal and construction of structures depends a lot on the bearing

capacity of the soil, hence, we need to stabilize the soil which makes it easier to predict the load

bearing capacity of the soil and even improve the load bearing capacity. The gradation of the soil is

also a very important property to keep in mind while working with soils. The soils may be well-

graded which is desirable as it has less number of voids or uniformly graded which though sounds

stable but has more voids. Thus, it is better to mix different types of soils together to improve the

soil strength properties. It is very expensive to replace the inferior soil entirely soil and hence, soil

stabilization is the thing to look for in these cases.

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

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

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

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

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

which is very useful especially in dry and arid weather.

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

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

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

content.

• Stabilization improves the workability and the durability of the soil.

2.1.3 Methods

A. Mechanical method of Stabilization

• In this procedure, soils of different gradations are mixed together to obtain the desired

property in the soil. This may be done at the site or at some other place from where it

4
 can be transported easily. The final mixture is then compacted by the usual methods to

get the required density.

B. Additive method of stabilization

• It refers to the addition of manufactured products into the soil, which in proper quantities

enhances the quality of the soil. Materials such as cement, lime, bitumen, fly ash etc. are

used as chemical additives. Sometimes different fibers are also used as reinforcements in

the soil.

C. Agriculture and Domestic waste method of stabilization

It is important to mention here that recent trends on soil stabilization have evolved

innovative techniques of utilizing local available environmental and industrial waste material for

the modification and stabilization of deficient soil. In the process of soil stabilization and

modification emphasis is given for maximum utilization of local material so that cost of

construction may be minimized to the minimum extent. At the same time safe disposal of

agricultural and domestic wastes become challenging task for engineers. Hence an attempt has

been made by researchers to use agricultural and domestic wastes as soil stabilizers. The beneficial

effects of certain agricultural and domestic wastes are discussed below.

2.2.1 Agricultural wastes

1) Rice husk ash

Rice husk ash is a major agricultural product obtained from paddy. For every 40 kN of rice

10kN of husk is produced. The husk is disposed off either by dumping it in an open heap near the

mill site or on the road side to be burnt later. Burning the rice husk generated about 15-20% of its

weighing as ash. The ash being very light is easily carried by wind and water contributing to air

and water pollution. The huge quantity of ash generated requires large areas for disposal. The high

5
percentage of siliceous material present in rice husk ash indicated that it has pozzolanic properties.

The normal method of conversion of husk to ash is by incineration. Musa Alhassan investigated

soil-RHA with respect to compaction characteristics, California bearing ratio (CBR) and

unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests. The results obtained, indicates a general decrease in

the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and increase in Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) with

increase in RHA content. There was also slight improvement in the CBR and UCS with increase in

the RHA content. Hence Rice husk ash can be used as stabilizer to solve many problems associated

with its accumulation.

2) Sugarcane bagasse ash

The Bagasse Ash is the fibrous waste produced after the extraction of the sugar juice from

cane. This material usually poses a disposal problem in sugar factories particularly in tropical

countries. In many tropical countries there are substantial quantities of Bagasse (the fibrous residue

from the crushing the sugar cane) and husks from rice both are rich in amorphous silica, which

react with lime. Mohammed Abdullahi investigated and reported that The Optimum Moisture

Content (OMC) increased while Maximum Dry Density (MDD) decreased with increasing bagasse

and cement content when added with lateritic soil. The cohesion decreases while the angle of

internal friction increases. This may be due to reduction of clay - size fraction. The liquid limit

reduced while the plastic limit increased and consequently the plasticity index reduced with

increase in bagasse ash content. The reduction in plasticity was due to a reduction in liquid limit.

Hence sugarcane bagasse ash can be effectively used as a soil stabilizer.

3) Groundnut shell ash

Groundnut shell is an agricultural waste obtained from milling of groundnut. The ash from

groundnut shell has been categorized under pozzolana, with about 8.66% Calcium Oxide (CaO),

6
1.93% Iron Oxide (Fe2O3), 6.12% Magnesium Oxide (MgO), 15.92% Silicon Oxide (SiO2), and

6.73% Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3). The utilization of this pozzolana as a replacement for traditional

stabilizers will go a long way in actualizing the dreams of most developing countries of scouting

for cheap and readily available construction materials. Groundnut shell ash has been used in

concrete as a partial replacement material for cement. Oriola, Folagbade et al conducted a series of

laboratory tests such as unconfined compressive Strength and California Bearing Ratio tests on

highly expansive soil with ground nut shell ash and observed improvement of UCC and CBR

values. Hence ground nut shell ash in soil stabilization gives greater benefits to the environment

than simply disposing it in the environment.

4) Burnt olive waste

Olive waste is the byproduct obtained from extracting the olive oil from olives. The

quantity of the by-product olive cake residue generated in most parts of the Mediterranean

countries continues to increase and expected to be double in amount within 10–15 years. This

increase intensifies the problems associated with the disposal of this by-product. Olive cake

residue has a potential for use as a soil stabilizer and large volumes can be beneficially used. This

study is directed towards determining if olive cake residue can be utilized to increase the strength

and stability of expansive soils which constitute a costly natural hazard to lightweight structures on

shallow foundations. Mousa F. Attom et al proposes a partial solution to the problems associated

with the increase of olive waste in Jordan. Chemical analysis was performed to identify the

constituents of the olive waste after burning at 550°C. A laboratory study consists of the following

tests on samples treated with burnt olive waste: Atterberg Limits, Unconfined Compressive

Strength, Standard Proctor Density, and Swelling Pressure tests. It was found that the addition of

2.5% by weight of the burnt olive waste will increase the unconfined compressive strength and the

7
maximum dry density, while the addition of 7.5% of the olive ash by weight minimizes the

swelling pressure of the soil. The test results show promise for this material to be used as stabilizer

and to solve many of the problems associated with its accumulation.

2.2.2 Domestic wastes

Domestic waste materials comprise waste generated in the form of post-consumer

commercial and household waste. Domestic waste materials include paper waste, plastics,

Scrap tires, glass/ceramics, and carpet waste.

1) Waste papers

Waste paper refers to discarded forms of newspaper, magazines, office paper and other

paper products of various grades and fibers. According to Tchobanoglousb et al. (1993) waste

paper constitutes the largest component of municipal solid waste by weight. The types of paper

that are recyclable include newspaper, corrugated cardboard, high-grade paper, and mixed paper.

The process of waste paper recycling begins at the community level where it is sorted and left for

collection. After collection it is sorted further at the waste collection facility and finally baled or

shredded. Although the vast majority of this waste paper is recycled to produce other paper

products, its use has been extremely limited in highway applications, mainly in aesthetic

applications.

2) Plastics

Plastics are much more varied in terms of origin and properties. Trash bags, plastic pipes,

milk jugs, battery casings, plastic cups/plates, and plastic soda bottles all are potential sources for

waste plastic. These sources are composed of various types of polymers among them Poly

Ethylene Terephthalate (PETE) in soda bottles, High- Density Polyethylene (HDPE) in milk

8
bottles, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) in piping, Low-Density Poly Ethylene (LDPE) in thin film

packaging, Polypropylene(PP) in crates, and polystyrene (PS) in cups/plates. The properties of the

recycled plastic rest mainly on the type of resin or polymer used in the product, as are recycling

options and processing. For example, reclaimed HDPE and PETE bottles are granulated into small

flakes and separated by floatation. The flakes are then melted and turned into pellets or formed into

plastic lumber.

3) Waste glass

The majority of recycled glass is used as feed stock for the production of other glass

containers, but it is also used in engineering applications. As a product of super cooling, it is

composed primarily of silicon dioxide (sand) and sodium carbonate. Crushed waste glass typically

exhibits angular particles. Further crushing can cause a decrease in the angularity and produce a

material similar in properties to natural sand. Waste glass was investigated for use in asphalt

pavement, base, and embankment applications.

4) Carpet waste

Carpet waste, also referred to as carpet fibers, consists of waste from industrial production

and discarded consumer carpet. The carpet waste generated each year and accumulated in landfills

represents an abundance of useful resources, as it may be converted into various useful products.

The rate of carpet disposal is about 2-3 million tons per year in the U.S. and about 4-6 million tons

per year worldwide. A carpet typically consists of two layers of backing (usually fabrics from

polypropylene tape yarns), joined by CaCO3 filled styrene-butadiene latex rubber (SBR), and face

fibers (majority being nylon 6 and nylon 66 textured yarns) tufted into the primary backing. To use

post-consumer carpet as concrete or soil reinforcement, the carpet is shredded to recover fibers. It

is generally not necessary to disassemble yarns in the carpet into individual fibers. Youjiang Wang
9
studied the use of Recycled carpet waste fibers as reinforcement in concrete and soil to improve

their properties. Besides performance enhancement, the use of recycled fibers for concrete and soil

reinforcement offers additional benefits such as low cost raw materials, resource utilization and

reduced need for land filling.

5) Scrap tires

Scrap tires perhaps rank among the most extensively researched and implemented recycled

materials in recent years. Potentially usable forms include whole tires, sliced tires, tire chips, tires

herds, and smaller, soil-like particles referred to collectively as crumb rubber. A typical whole

scrap automobile tire weighs about 91N, while a typical truck tire weighs about 182N. However

not all of the rubber is recoverable. The size of the tire chips is a function the shredding machine

itself. To produce a smaller sized chip, it is often necessary to employ more than one processing

machine. Slit tires are basically whole tires spit in half or have the sidewall separated from the

tread. Shredded or chipped tires undergo two stages of shredding. Primary shredding produces

strips 30 to 45cm in length. Secondary shredding produces lengths of 10 to 15cm. Ground rubber is

produced as regularly shaped and cubical particles as large as ¾ of an cm. Crumb rubber exhibits

fine particles ranging in size from passing No.4 to No.200 sieves. Composed primarily of various

types of rubber, recycled tire shreds also contain carbon black, polymers, and fabrics as well as

steel wire or belt materials. Craig H. Benson after his investigation reported that Shredded tires can

be used as lightweight fill, backfill behind the retaining walls, construction of high strength

embankments, drainage material, daily cover at a landfill, thermal insulation to protect landfill

lining systems from freezing and also used in leachate collecting systems because scrap tires can

adsorb toxic organic chemicals normally found in leachate.

6) Eggshell powder
10
 Eggshell Powder (ESP) has not being in use as a stabilizing material and it could be a good

replacement for industrial lime, since its chemical composition is similar to that of lime. Chicken

eggshell is a waste material from domestic sources such as poultries, hatcheries, homes and fast

food centers. This amounts to environmental pollution. Eggshell waste falls within the category of

waste food, they are materials from the preparation of foods and drinks, if subjected to adequate

scrutiny, and they could be suitable for soil stabilization. The use of lime for stabilization is

becoming expensive requiring an economical replacement.

Literature has shown that eggshell primarily contains lime, calcium, and protein. It has

being in use as a source of lime in agriculture, which confirms that lime is present in considerable

amount in eggshell. Subsequent findings revealed that ESP was used for stabilization of a cohesion

less soil in Japan. This study is thus directed towards identifying eggshell powder as an effective

stabilizing agent by replacing a certain percentage of lime in the stabilized soil with ESP. Since the

quantity of eggshell that may be required for ‘stabilization of a large area may not be met, it is

suggested ‘that the ESP be used as a supplement in lime stabilization. O.O. Amu et al studied the

effect of eggshell powder on the Stabilizing Potential of Lime on an Expansive Clay Soil. He

conducted series of tests to determine the optimal quantity of lime and the optimal percentage of

lime-ESP combination. The optimal quantity of lime was gradually replaced with suitable amount

of eggshell powder. Results of the Maximum Dry Density (MDD), California Bearing Ratio

(CBR), Unconfined compression test and Untrained triaxial shear strength test all indicated that

lime stabilization at 7% is better than the combination of 4% ESP + 3% lime.

11
2.3 Soil properties

2.3.1 Atterberg Limits

1) Shrinkage Limit:

This limit is achieved when further loss of water from the soil does not reduce the volume

of the soil. It can be more accurately defined as the lowest water content at which the soil

can still be completely saturated. It is denoted by wS.

2) Plastic Limit:

This limit lies between the plastic and semi-solid state of the soil. It is determined by

rolling out a thread of the soil on a flat surface which is non-porous. It is the minimum

water content at which the soil just begins to crumble while rolling into a thread of

approximately 3mm diameter. Plastic limit is denoted by wP.

3) Liquid Limit:

It is the water content of the soil between the liquid state and plastic state of the soil. It can

be defined as the minimum water content at which the soil, though in liquid state, shows

small shearing strength against flowing. It is measured by the Casagrande’s apparatus and

is denoted by wL.

12
2.3.2 Specific gravity

Specific gravity of a substance denotes the number of times that substance is heavier than

water. In simpler words we can define it as the ratio between the mass of any substance of a

definite volume divided by mass of equal volume of water. In case of soils, specific gravity is the

number of times the soil solids are heavier than equal volume of water. Different types of soil have

different specific gravities, general range for specific gravity of soils:

Sand 2.63-2.67

Silt 2.65-2.7

Clay and silty clay 2.67-2.9

Organic soil <2.0

Table-2.1

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2.3.3 Shear strength

Shearing stresses are induced in a loaded soil and when these stresses reach their limiting

value, deformation starts in the soil which leads to failure of the soil mass. The shear strength of a

soil is its resistance to the deformation caused by the shear stresses acting on the loaded soil. The

shear strength of a soil is one of the most important characteristics. There are several experiments

which are used to determine shear strength such as DST or UCS etc. The shear resistance offered is

made up of three parts:

i) The structural resistance to the soil displacement caused due to the soil particles getting

interlocked,

ii) The frictional resistance at the contact point of various particles, and

iii) Cohesion or adhesion between the surface of the particles.

In case of cohesion less soils, the shear strength is entirely dependent upon the frictional

resistance, while in others it comes from the internal friction as well as the cohesion.

Methods for measuring shear strength:

a) Direct Shear Test (DST)

This is the most common test used to determine the shear strength of the soil. In this

experiment the soil is put inside a shear box closed from all sides and force is applied from one

side until the soil fails. The shear stress is calculated by dividing this force with the area of the soil

mass. This test can be performed in three conditions- undrained, drained and consolidated

undrained depending upon the setup of the experiment.

b) Unconfined Compression Test (UCS test)

14
 This test is a specific case of triaxial test where the horizontal forces acting are zero. There

is no confining pressure in this test and the soil sample tested is subjected to vertical loading only.

The specimen used is cylindrical and is loaded till it fails due to shear.

CHAPTER-3
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS
3.1 Scope of work
The experimental work consists of the following steps:

1. Specific gravity of soil

2. Determination of soil index properties (Atterberg Limits)

i) Liquid limit by Casagrande’s apparatus

ii) Plastic limit

3. Determination of the maximum dry density (MDD) and the corresponding optimum

moisture content (OMC) of the soil by Proctor compaction test

4. Determination of the shear strength by:

i) Unconfined compression test (UCS)

15
3.2 MATERIALS USED

Soil

The soil used in this study was collected from village sahnewal District Ludhiana. The

sample was thoroughly oven dried, weighted and stored in sacks at room temperature. The general

properties of the soil was thoroughly studied in the laboratory. The soil was tested for liquid limit,

optimum moisture content, maximum dry density and unconfined compression strength.

2) Egg Shell Powder (ESP)

Eggshell powder (ESP) has not being used as stabilizing material and it could be good

replacement for industrial lime, since it’s chemical composition is similar to that of lime. Chicken

eggshell is a waste material from domestic sources such as fast food joints and homes. Literature

has shown that eggshell powder primarily contains CaO (99.83%) and the remaining consists of

Al2O3, SiO2, Cl, Cr2O3, MnO and CuO. The eggshell waste was washed and dried before

grinding. The eggshell powder was sieved using IS Sieve No.200 (75μ), and the powder passing

the sieve was used. This sieve was chosen in order to achieve a uniform powdery.

16
3.3 Brief steps involved in experiments

3.3.1 Specific gravity of the soil

The specific gravity of soil under investigation was determined as per standard density

bottle method and with usual test method prescribed in I.S. 2720 (Part 3) 1980.

The pycnometer was dried thoroughly and weighted with cap tightly screwed on. The cap

and pycnometer was made with a vertical line parallel to the axis of the pycnometer so that each

time the cap was screwed the same amount. The cap was unscrewed and about 200gm of oven

dried soil passing 4.75mm I.S. Sieve was put in and weighted again. Sufficient water was add to

cover the soil about half full and cap was screwed on. It was then shaken well and connected to

vacuum pump to remove entrapped air. Air was allowed to evacuate for at least 20 minutes.

Pycnometer was shaken occasionally to assist in the air evacuation. After the entrapped air had

been largely removed, the pump was disconnected and pycnometer was filled with water about

three fourth full. Vacuum was reapplied for at least 5 minutes. Evacuation was continued until very

few bubbles appear on the top of the water. After the air had been eliminated, pycnometer was

filled with water completely up to the mark. The pycnometer was dried from the outside and

weighted. Then pycnometer was filled with water up to its top and screwed. The pycnometer was

weighted after drying it on the outside thoroughly. The test was repeated twice more.

(𝑤2−𝑤1)
Specific Gravity =
(𝑤4−𝑤1)−(𝑤3−𝑤2)

W1 = Weight of bottle in gram.

W2 = Weight of bottle + Dry soil in gram

W3 = Weight of bottle +Soil + water

W4 + Weight of bottle + Water

17
3.3.2 Liquid limit

The Liquid limit of the soil under analysis was determined according to the standard

procedure prescribed in I.S.270 (Part V) 1970.

About 120 gm. of oven dry soil was sieved through 425 micron I.S. sieve after that soil

mixed with known quantity of water in a dish for obtain uniform past. After required time of

maturing of soil to ensure that water will penetrate into the pores of soil, a small amount of soil of

this paste is placed in the cup of the liquid limit device, and the surface is smoothened and levelled

with a spatula to a maximum depth of 1 cm. By using casagrande tool width 2mm at bottom, 11

mm at top and 8mm deep a groove is cut through the sample along the symmetrical axis of the cup

in one stoke.

After cut by groveling tool, the handle of casagrande tool is turned until the two parts of

the soil sample come in to contact the bottom of the groove along a distance of 12mm at a rate of 2

revolutions per second and number of blows were recorded ranging between 25 and 40 at

incensing percentage of water. Moisture content at recorded number of bows as per the standard

procedure and flow curve is prepared.

3.3.3 Plastic limit

For determination of the plastic limit of a soil I.S. 2720 (Part 5)-1970 was followed. Soil is

air-dried and sieved through a 425𝜇 IS sieve. About 30gm of soil is taken in evaporating dish. It is

mixed thoroughly with distilled water till it becomes plastic and can be easily molded with fingers.

About 10gm of the plastic soil mass is taken in one hand and ball is formed. The ball is

rolled on a glass plate to form a soil thread of uniform diameter. The rate of rolling is kept about

18
80 to 90 strokes per minute. The process is repeated till the thread crumbles. The water content at

which the soil starts crumble just about 3mm diameter is determine by standard procedure.

Ip = WL - WP

WL- Liquid limit

WP- Plastic limit

Liquid Limit, wL

Fig.-3.1

19
3.3.4 Standard Procter Test

This test was performed as per standard procedure laid down in I.S. 2720 (Part 7) 1965. It

consists of mound 1000 ml capacity with an internal diameter of 100 mm and internal effective

height is 127.3 mm. The hammer has a mass of 2.6 kg and the free fall o hammer is 310mm.

About 2.5 Kg of oven dry and cooled soil was taken. The soil was sieved through I.S sieve

of 4.75mm. This soil was mixed thoroughly by adding 10% of water by weight. The sample was

covered with wet cloth and allowed to mature. The mould was cleaned, dried and greased lightly.

The empty mould attached to base plate was weighted without collar. The collar was then attached

to the mould. The mixed soil sample then placed n mould to about one-third of its height and each

layer was compacted by 25 free falls of standard hammer. The soil surface of compacted soil was

screeched with spatula before the second layer was placed. Utmost care was taken that blows were

equally distributed over the surface of each layer. After three layers were laid, collar

was removed and excess of the soil was trimmed of to make it level with mould. Mould and soil

together was weighed. Its dry density was determined as per the standard procedure.

𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑(𝑔𝑚𝑠)

Wet density =
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 (𝑐𝑐)

𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 (𝑔𝑚𝑠)

Moisture content % = × 100
𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 (𝑔𝑚𝑠)

𝑊𝑒𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦
Dry density (gm. /cc) = 𝑚𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡
1+
100

20
3.3.5 Unconfined Compression Strength Test

This test was conducted as per I.S 2720 (Part 10) - 1973

a) Preparation of Sample

Required quantity of oven dried soil was sieved through I.S sieve 475𝜇 and then soil

sample was prepared by taking into consideration of weight of the soil calculated from the volume

of mould and maximum dry density. Tap water was used and mixed at O.M.C. A homogeneous

sample was prepared by mixing thoroughly the soil and water in an open bowl. Mould used was

split type and it was properly greased with oil from inside and soil mixture prepared was put in

layers and compacted. The sample was removed by splitting the mould into two parts.

a) Testing of soil sample

The specimen was placed on the bottom plate of the unconfined compression machine

(proving ring type) then raised gradually to make its contact with the upper plate. The dial gauge

and proving ring were set to zero. The compression load was applied to the specimen by turning

the handle to produce an axial strain of 1⁄2 to 2% per minute. The shearing was continued till the

specimen failed. The compression force was determined from the proving ring reading and axial

strain was counted from the dial gauge reading. Three samples were tested in this way and the

average reading was considered by taking least count of proving ring as 0.5kg/ division and by

dividing it with the X-sectional area at the center of bulge.

21
 qu = 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑 ⁄𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎(𝐴′ )

qu = Compressive stress

A’= Cross- sectional area / (1-𝜀 )

CHAPTER- 4
RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS

22
 Determination No.
S.No Observation and calculations
1 2
1 Mass of empty pycnometer (M1) 624g 624g

2 Mass of pycnometer and dry soil (M2) 833g 830g

3 Mass of pycnometer soil, filled with water (M3) 1598g 1595g

4 Mass of pycnometer filled with water only (M4) 1466g 1464g

Calculations

5 (M2-M1) gm. 209g 206g

6 (M3-M4 ) gm. 132g 131g

(5)
7 G = (5)−(6) 2.71 2.74

Table- 4.1

Result. Specific gravity of solids = 2.72

23
4.2 Index Properties

4.2.1 Liquid Limit

Determination No.
S.No Observation and calculations
1 2 3 4

1 No. Blows (N) 40 33 30 20

2 Moisture Content Container No. 1 2 3 4

3 Mass of empty container (M1)gm. 31 32 32 31

4 Mass of container + wet soil (M2)gm. 46 47 46 45

5 Mass of container + dry soil (M3)gm. 42 42.8 41.7 40.3

Calculations

6 Mass of water = (M2-M3 ) gm. 4 4.2 4.3 4.7

7 Mass of dry soil = (M3-M1 )gm. 11 10.8 9.7 9.3

(6)
8 Water content, w = × 100 % 38% 42% 44% 50%
(7)

Table-4.2

60
50
50 44.32
42
38
40
Water content (%)

30

20

10

0
10 100
Number of blows (N)

Fig.-4.1

Liquid limit as obtained from graph = 45

24
 (Corresponding to 25 blows)

4.2.2 Plastic Limit

Determination No.
S.No Observation and calculations
1 2

1 Moisture Content Container No. 1 2

2 Mass of empty container (M1) gm. 32gm 32gm

3 Mass of container + wet soil (M2) ) gm. 38.16gm 38.50gm

4 Mass of container + dry soil (M3) ) gm. 36.96gm 37.23gm

Calculations
Table- 4.3
5 Mass of water = (M2-M3 ) gm. 1.2gm 1.27gm
Result.
Plastic Limit 6 Mass of dry soil = (M3-M1 ) gm. 4.96 5.23gm 24.23%
(5) Plasticity
7 Water content, w = × 100 % 24.19% 24.28%
Index = (6) Liquid Limit –
Plastic Limit
= 45-24.33 = 20.67
From Liquid Limit chart soil was CI type

By similar method liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index is determined at various
percentage of ESP and results of experiment shown in

4.2.3 Influence ESP on Atterberg’s limits

ESP % L.L % P.L % P.I %

0 45 24.33 20.67
1 42.2 23.72 18.48
3 40.6 22.68 17.52

25
 5 36.5 21 15.5
10 34 22 12
15 33.7 22.8 10.9
20 33.9 23.8 10.1

Table- 4.4

PI PL LL
45
40
35
% WATER CONTENT

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
ESP %

Fig.-4.2

Fig show that up to 15 of ESP is added, there is a considerable decrese in PI, and after that value

seems to be almost constant.

5.3 Standard Proctor Test

Diameter of mould = 100mm Height of mould = 127.3

Volume of mould, V = 𝜋⁄4 × (10)2 × 127.3 = 1000 ml

Specific Gravity of Solids, G = 2.72

26
 Determination No.
S.No Observation and calculations
1 2 3 4

1 Mass of empty mould + base plate 5400g 5400g 5400g 5400g

2 Mass of mould + base plate + compacted soil 6873g 7100g 7048g 7042g
Calculations
3 Mass of compacted soil, M= (2-1) 1468g 1695g 1648g 1642g
4 𝑀 1.46g/ml 1.69g/ml 1.648g/ml 1.642g/ml
Bulk density, 𝜌 =
𝑉
5 Water content, w 9% 16% 19.6% 21%
𝜌
6 Dry density, 𝜌𝑑 = 1.34 1.45 1.38 1.35
1+𝑤
7 𝐺 𝜌𝑤 1 .84 .93 .97
Void ratio, e = −1
𝜌𝑑
8 Dry Density at 100 % saturation
𝐺 𝜌𝑤 2.15g/ml 1.87g/ml 1.77g/ml 1.71g/ml
(𝜌𝑑) theomax =
1+𝑤𝐺
9 𝑤𝐺 24 % 50 % 54 % 57%
Degree of Saturation, S = × 100
𝑒

Table-4.5
1.76
1.7419
1.74
Dry Density ,𝜌𝑑

1.72

1.7
1.6846

1.68

1.66
1.6468

1.64
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22
water content, w (%)

Fig.-4.3

5.3.1 Influence of ESP on OMC and Dry Density

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

0 16.2 1.45

1 16.3 1.42

3 17 1.40

5 17.85 1.395

27
 10 18.9 1.39

15 19 1.375

20 19 1.34

Table-4.6

It can be inferred from Figure 4 that there is increase in OMC with increase ESP. The

increase is due to the 19.2

19
18.8
addition of ESP, which 18.6
18.4
18.2
decreases the quantity of 18
OMC (%)

17.8
17.6
free silt and clay fraction 17.4
17.2
17
and coarser materials with 16.8
16.6
16.4
larger surface areas were 16.2
16
1.5 0 20 40
formed. This implies also
Maximum Dry Density (gm/cc)

1.48 % ESP
that more water is needed in 1.46
1.44
order to compact the soil- 1.42 Fig.-4.4
1.4
ESP mixture.
1.38
1.36
The MDD decreases 1.34
1.32
by increase the content of 0 10 20 30
% OMC
ESP. The MDD decreases

in MDD can be attributed to replacement of soil by the ESP which has relatively low specific

gravity

Fig.-4.5

28
5.4 Unconfined Compression Test

1. Unreinforced

Dial gauge Proving ring load

Strain(ϵ) corrected area Axial Stress
reading reading (kg)
(kg/cm2)
50 0.00641 15 19.75 7.5 .37
100 0.012 35 19.86 17.5 .88
150 .0192 62 20.01 31 1.54
200 .0256 77 20.14 38.5 1.91
250 .0320 90 20.27 45 2.22
300 .030 98 20.40 49 2.40
350 .044 93 20.53 46.5 2.26
400 .0312 85 20.68 42.5 2.05
Table-4.7

2.5

2
Axial Stress
kg/cm2

1.5

Fig.- 4.6
0.5
As
0
0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06
Strain

obtained from graph,

USC = 2.37 kg/cm2

29
30
Conclusions

Egg shell powder is added in the Clay Soil. Following conclusions were
obtained based on the experimental investigations
The Optimum Moisture content was found to be increased
o The California bearing ratio was found to be increased.
o The unconfined compressive strength will be increased.
o specific gravity of the clay was found to be 2.7
o Addition of various % of egg shell powder and quarry dust
into the soil progressively decreases Optimum
moisture and increases Maximum dry density.

References

1. Amu.o.o (2005), “Effect of Egg Shell Powder on the Stabilizing

Potential of lime on an Expansive Clay
Soil”, Research Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, Vol: 1(1),
pp.: 80-84 .
2. Akshaya Kumar Sabat (2012), “Effect of Propylene Fiber on
Engineering Properties of Rice husk ash –
Lime Stabilized Expansive soil”, vol (2012), Bund.t.
3. HarshitaBairaj, Yadav R.K, Jain .R (2014), “Effect of jute fibers on
Engineering Properties of Lime
Treated Black Cotton Soil”, International Journal of Engineering
Research & Technology (IJERT),
ISSN: 2278-0181, vol 3 issue 2, Feb 2014.
4. IS 2720 Part – III Section 2 , 1997, “Methods of tests for Soils” ,
(Specific gravity),BIS , New delhi.
5. IS 2720 Part – V 1995, “Methods of tests for Soils”, (Atterberg limit),
BIS ,New delhi.
6. IS 2720 Part – VIII 1997, “Methods of tests for Soils”, (Proctor
compaction test), BIS ,New delhi.
7. IS 2720 Part – XVI 1979, “Methods of tests for
31