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COCONUT SHELL AND HUSK ASH AS AN ADDITIVE FOR ROAD SUBGRADE

A Research Proposal Presented to the Faculty of the Civil Engineering Department of Saint Louis College City of San Fernando, La Union

In Partial Fulfillment of the Course Subject CE 515 Research Methods

By: Alcantara, Dean Trojan Limon, Roderio Lodia, Jomer Salinas, Joe Mhar

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION Background of the Study Engineers have long recognized the long term benefits of improving the strength and durability of pavement soil by mixing in a cementitious binder during reconstruction or new construction. One of their main concerns is to lessen the cost that their client may pay. These include the operating and material cost of the project. Large amount can be saved by soil stabilization in comparison to cutting and replacing the unstable soil material. When included in pavement design, stabilizing the subgrade can reduce the thickness of other pavement layers which means lesser material cost. A soil type called Lateritic Soil which is characterized by forming hard, impenetrable and often irreversible pans when dried. Laterite which is good for road construction occurs in large quantity in the tropical areas which includes Philippines. This laterite may contain some amount of clay minerals such that its strength and durability cannot be determined under load, especially in the presence of moisture. Since this type of soil is common in Philippines, it will be economically wise to improve it to meet the desired properties. Over the years, cement and lime have been used to stabilize subgrade materials. These materials have rapidly increased in price due to the sharp increase in the cost of energy since 1970s. This has recently

motivated researchers aimed at sourcing possible alternative soil stabilizing materials, especially those that are locally available and less costly. Many local materials which have been used by different researchers include: rice husk ash, sawdust ash, sugarcane ash, all of which are easily obtainable since the parent materials are usually regarded as waste. This study is therefore aimed at investigating the potentials of the Coconut Shell and Husk Ash (CSHA) as stabilizer in soil for road works since these materials are abundant in our locality.

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework Stabilization may be defined as any process by which a soil material is improved and made more stable. Soil stabilization is the treatment of natural soil to improve its engineering properties. The goals of stabilization are therefore to improve the soil strength, to improve the bearing capacity and durability under adverse moisture and stress condition, and to improve the volume stability of a soil mass. There are three purposes for soil stabilization. The first one is strength

improvement. This increases the strength of the existing soil to enhance its load-bearing capacity. The second purpose is for dust control. This is done to eliminate or alleviate dust generated by the operation of equipment and aircraft during dry weather or in arid climates. The third

purpose is soil waterproofing, which is done to preserve the natural or constructed strength of a soil by preventing the entry of surface water. Cocos Nucifera trees, otherwise known as coconut palm trees, grow abundantly along the coast line of countries within 15o of the equator where they prosper in sandy, saline soil and in tropical climates. Thus, the coconut tree is a very abundant, renewable resource of energy. The coconut husks and the shell are considered as waste materials and are usually dumped into refuse bin. These materials are then burnt into ashes in a furnace at a very high temperature to produce the coconut shell and husk ash. The coconut shell when dried contains cellulose, lignin, pentosans and ash in varying percentage. Table 1 shows the percentage composition of the shell whereas Table 2 shows the constituent in the coconut shell ash.

TABLE 1 COCONUT SHELL COMPOUND (DRY BASIS) COMPOUND Cellulose Lignin Pentosans Ash PERCENT 33.61 36.51 29.27 0.61

Source: Jasper Guy Woodroof (1979). Coconuts: Production, Processing Products. 2nd ed. AVI Publishing Co. Inc

Cellulose. Acts to distribute moisture. It prevents the buildup of moisture in one area and helping to dry the moisture more quickly.

Lignin. A durable property found in woods which is a good raw material. It is relatively resistant to decomposition and is also an excellent fuel. Pentosans. Use to make polymer materials. Ash. A fine material like silt and clay that can fill air voids and can make soil stronger. TABLE 2 COCONUT SHELL ASH COMPOUND COMPOUND Potassium Oxide Sodium Oxide Calcium Oxide Magnesium Oxide Iron Oxide + Aluminium Oxide Phosphorus Pentoxide Sulfur Trioxide Silicon Dioxide PERCENT 45.01 15.42 6.26 1.32 1.39 4.64 5.75 4.64

Source: Jasper Guy Woodroof (1979). Coconuts: Production, Processing Products. 2nd ed. AVI Publishing Co. Inc

Potassium oxide. Highly insoluble thermally stable potassium source suitable for glass, optic and ceramic application. Sodium oxide. Use in making ceramics and glasses. Calcium oxide. Also known as lime which is used as soil stabilizer. Magnesium oxide. Is one of the raw materials for making Portland Cement.

Iron Oxide. It kills bio-organisms that lives in the soil that makes it loose. Aluminium oxide. Are responsible for resistance to weathering. Phosphorus pentoxide. A powerful desiccant or a substance that induces or sustains a state of dryness. Sulfur Trioxide. Same application with Iron Oxide. Silicon dioxide. Known for its hardness. It is a primary raw material of ceramics as well as industrial Portland Cement. TABLE 3 COCONUT HUSK COMPOUND (DRY BASIS) COMPOUND Cellulose Lignin Hemicellulose
http://74.6.238.254/search/srpcache?ei=UTF8&p=coconut+%2B+lignin%2C+cellulose%2C+hemicellulose&rd=adv&meta=vc% 3Dph&fr=yfp-t701&fp_ip=ph&u=http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=coconut+%2b+lignin%2c+c ellulose%2c+hemicellulose&d=4655165000582065&mkt=en-US&setlang=enUS&w=58c4185d,96098a1b&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=L85gVIanuRxDsdQ8rfvq4w--

Soil compaction is the process in which a stress applied to a soil causes densification as air is displaced from the pores between the soil grains.

INPUT -Comparison of the

PROCESS

OUTPUT

Preliminary Test -Geotechnical Profile of each soil sample moisture content specific gravity plastic limit liquid limit plasticity index Geotechnical Profile of each soil sample moisture content specific gravity plastic limit liquid limit plasticity index
-Comparison of the

Engineering Test - Geotechnical Profile of each soil sample added with CSHA at 0, 5, 10 and 15 percent by weight optimum moisture content maximum dry density design CBR(%) Geotechnical Profile of each soil sample added with CSHA at 0, 5, 10 and 15 percent by weight optimum moisture content maximum dry density design CBR(%)

-Recommended percentage of CSHA to use

CONCEPTUAL PARADIGM
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Scope and Delimitations of the Study The scope of this study was limited only to the investigation of the different geotechnical properties of soil with the addition of various percentages of CSHA at 0, 5, 10, and 15%. These geotechnical properties refers to the moisture content, specific gravity, liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, and the shear strength of each soil sample which will be determined through various tests. The test in determining the different chemical compositions of CSHA will not anymore be conducted. The values were based on a related study which wants to test the possible application of the ashes from the coconut shells and husks. Since coconut trees are abundant in our country especially the localities here in Region I, the extension of this study is very wide. This study is very suitable for the Philippine setting. Different tests for the soil samples will be conducted at Saint Louis College using any available instruments from the laboratory room of the Engineering Department.

Significance of the Study The application of the Coconut Shell and Husk Ash as a road stabilizer is very suitable on our country. Considering the fact that we

want to lessen not only the expenses of the project but also the solid wastes that we create. We must find a way to maximize the use of our natural resources to help our country. This paper examined the geotechnical properties of lateritic soils modified with coconut shell and husk ash with a view to obtaining a cheaper and effective road stabilizer. The materials needed for this study like the coconut shells and husks were considered already as agricultural waste materials. It would be environmentally friendly if we will lessen the wastes that we are creating and use it instead as additives to strengthen the subgrade of our road. The result of this study may serve as a basis for the engineers both in public and private practice that CSHA could be use as a road stabilizer. This study will serve as a guide to all students especially those taking up Civil Engineering course to widen their knowledge about the possible application of other waste materials such as Coconut Shell and Husks. And lastly, this research wants to widen the ideas of the researchers to expand the use of the Coconut Shells and Husks for a better future especially in construction field.

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Definition of Terms The following terms were being defined operationally according to their uses in this study: Cementitious. Any of various building materials which may be mixed with a liquid, such as water, to form a plastic paste, and to which an aggregate may be added; includes cements, limes, and mortar. Liquid Limit. The water content at which a soil changes from plastic to liquid behavior. Moisture Content. The quantity of water contained in a material, such as soil, rock, ceramics, fruit, or wood. Plasticity Index. The percent difference between moisture content of soil at the liquid and plastic limits. Plastic Limit. The water content where soil transitions between brittle and plastic behavior. Shear Strength. It is a term used to describe the strength of a material or component against the type of yield or structural

failure where the material or component fails in shear. Specific Gravity. The ratio of the density (mass of a unit volume) of a substance to the density (mass of the same unit volume) of a reference substance. Subgrade. The native material underneath a constructed road, pavement or railway track. The term can also refer to imported material that has been used to build an embankment.

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Statement of the Problem The study aims to determine the effectiveness of Coconut Shell and Husk Ash (CSHA) as an additive for road subgrade. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions: 1. What is the geotechnical profile of the soil in each sample along: moisture content, specific gravity, liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index. 2. What is the geotechnical profile of the CSHA-soil in each sample along: optimum moisture content, maximum dry density and design California Bearing Ratio at the following weight percentages 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. 2.4. 0% 5% 10% 15%

3. Is there a significant difference between the geotechnical properties of the CSHA-soil with respect to weight percentages? 4. What proportion can be recommended for the use of CSHA for road subgrade?

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Hypotheses 1. There is no significant difference between optimum moisture content of the untreated soil and the soil added with CSHA of varying percentages. 2. There is no significant difference between maximum dry density of the untreated soil and the soil added with CSHA of varying percentages. 3. There is no significant difference between the design CBR of the untreated soil and the soil added with CSHA of varying percentages.

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Chapter 3 MATERIALS AND METHODS

A. Acquisition of Materials Soil samples and coconut shell and husk ash and water will be used for this study. The soil samples will be obtained from three different borrows pits meant for road construction works. These borrow pits are located in San Fernando and Caba in the province of La Union and Tagudin in the province of Ilocos Sur. The coconut shells and the husk will come from market waste dumps. B. Preparation of Materials Soil Sample The soil samples will be obtained at average depths of 4m to obtain true representative samples of the soils used for the road construction. This was meant to serve as reference guide for the soil samples after pavement construction. They were subsequently spread on matting and allowed to be properly dry to facilitate proper combustion during burning. Coconut Shells and Husk Ash The coconut shells and the husk will be burnt separately in a metal drum. The ashes formed are allowed to cool down before sieving

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through No. 200 sieve. The ashes will be stored in airtight containers to prevent moisture loss and any form of contamination. C. Engineering Tests Compaction test. It generally consists of compacting soil at known moisture content into a cylindrical mould of standard dimensions using a compactive effort of controlled magnitude. The soil is usually compacted into the mould to a certain amount of equal layers, each receiving a number blows from a standard weighted hammer at a specified height. This process is then repeated for various moisture contents and the dry densities are determined for each. California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test. It was developed by the California Division of Highways as a method of classifying and evaluating soil- subgrade and base course materials for flexible pavements. CBR is a measure of resistance of a material to penetration of standard plunger under controlled density and moisture conditions. CBR-value is a familiar indicator test used to evaluate the strength of soils which are being observed.

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D. Production of Samples Steps: 1. Obtain the soil samples needed for the test from the three different locations. 2. Conduct preliminary tests on the three soil samples for classification and identification purposes. 3. Burn the coconut shell and husk in a metal drum. 4. Collect the ash from the metal drum and let it cool. 5. Conduct a sieve analysis and collect the ash pass through the sieve No. 200. 6. Mix the ash collected to the three soil samples with the different percentages at 0, 5, 10, and 15%. 7. Conduct engineering property tests (compaction and California bearing ratio (CBR) to all the treated soil samples.

E. Instruments In order to perform this study, the following instruments are needed in gathering data for analysis and interpretation. Balance. It is a scale that is precise, accurate and designed to measure the mass or weight of the proposed materials. perpendicular to each other. Graduated Cylinder. A piece of laboratory equipment used to

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accurately measure the volume of a liquid. Mold. This will be use to prepare soil samples which will be compacted. Manual Hammer. This instrument will compact the soil samples to remove the air voids.

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