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MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY in
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
by
GANESHA CHATRADA
(07TS06F)
Thesis
submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY in
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
by
GANESHA CHATRADA
(07TS06F)
I hereby declare that the report of the Post Graduate Project Work entitled
fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Technology in
bonafide report of the work carried out by me. The material contained in this report has
not been submitted to any University or Institution for the award of any Degree.
This is to certify that the P.G. Project Work Report entitled “BIOENZYME
CHATRADA, (Registration Number: O7TS06F), as the record of the work carried out
by him, is accepted as the P.G. Project Work Report submission in partial fulfillment of
Chairman- DPGC
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I express my thanks to geotechnical laboratory staff Sri. Sadanand Kadri for his co-
operation and providing the necessary assistance during the experimental investigation of
this project work.
I am thankful to all my friends and classmates for their help and support throughout
my stay in this college. I am greatly indebted to my parents who are responsible for
successful completion of my M.Tech course. At the end I thank one and all who have
supported me directly or indirectly.
GANESHA.CHATRADA
DEDICATED MY FAMILY AND
FRIENDS
ABSTRACT
Engineers are responsible for selecting or specifying the correct stabilizing method,
technique, and quantity of material required. Soils vary throughout the world and the
engineering properties of soils are equally variable. The key to success in soil
stabilization is soil testing. The method of soil stabilization selected should be verified in
the laboratory before construction and preferably before specifying or ordering materials.
Various techniques are being used for stabilization of soil. Stabilization of soil with Bio-
Enzyme is a very new method to improve the geotechnical properties of the soil. The
Bio-Enzyme when added to water and mixed with soil alters the engineering properties
depending upon the type of the soil and dosage of enzyme. These enzymes are liquid
additives, which act on the soil to reduce the voids between soil particles and minimize
absorbed water in the soil for maximum compaction. The enzymes react with the organic
matter (humid matter) in the soil to form cementatious material. This reaction
commences almost immediately and it is verified that under the right environmental
conditions about 90% of the reaction may be complete within the first 96 hours. Initial
reaction product is a formation of a gel, which crystallizes to form bonds, which hold
together particles. Loss of moisture by evaporation is essential for the crystallization of
gels. The reaction is at micron level and the presence of finely divided humid matter and
clay-sized particles is essential. Presence of clay is essential as the bonds formed bind
this size of particles. In this present study, the effectiveness of bio enzyme in stabilizing
the different types of soils of Udupi and South Kanara districts are investigated through
laboratory experiments as well as field study.
The locally available lateritic and shedi soils are procured from the field is used for the
investigation. Bio-Enzyme namely TerraZyme has been used as stabilizer. The
pavements in Udupi and Dakshina kannada districts are damaged due to improper
drainage system and Heavy rainfall (>3000 mm) added problems (about 6 month in a
year) and another reason is the failure of the sub base due to improper material usage.
The type of soils available in this region are Lateritic and shedi. The plasticity index is
much more due to the high percentage of silt and clay content in these types of soil. In
this study, lateritic and shedi soil samples were collected from various sites to investigate
the geotechnical properties. All the soil samples were tested for geotechnical properties
and treated with variable enzyme dosages. The strength parameter of the stabilized soil
has been evaluated after for a curing periods of 0, 1,2,3,4, and 8 weeks. The tests were
carried out to determine the consistency limits, unconfined compressive strength and
CBR.
Since the CBR tests results on Bio-Enzyme treated soil indicate insignificant results and
hence fatigue behavior of soil has been examined. These tests have been conducted with
different curing period and with different dosages of enzyme. The laboratory tests have
shown much improvement in its fatigue behavior. To verify the laboratory results, field
study has been done by construction a stretch of flexible pavement with enzyme
stabilized soil as sub base. Its long term effect on CBR strength is also evaluated by
conducting the field test at regular interval after the road is open to the traffic.
The field results have shown promising results in terms of strength of the stabilized soil.
The road stabilized with Bio-Enzyme after one year clearly indicates the effectiveness of
Bio-Enzyme as a stabilizing agent. Justify the use of enzyme as a stabilizer to stabilize
the sub base soil in the road construction, analysis has been done by KENPAVE
software.
CERTIFICATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ABSTRACT
CONTENTS i
LIST OF TABLES v
LIST OF FIGURES vi
1 INTRODUCTION 1-5
1.0 GENERAL 1
1.1 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AREA UNDER INVESTIGATION 2
1.2 USE OF ENZYME STABILISATION 2
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 4
1.4 SCOPE OF THE WORK 4
1.5 ORGANIZATION OF THE THESIS 4
2 LITERATURE REVIEW 6-24
2.0 SOIL STABILIZATION 6
2.1 APPLICATIONS OF SOIL STABILIZATION 6
2.2 STABILIZATION OF LATERITIC SOILS 6
2.3 TYPES OF STABILIZATION TECHNIQUES 7
2.4 BIO-ENZYMES AS SOIL STABILIZERS IN ROAD 7
CONSTRUCTION
2.5 T THE ENZYME’S CHEMICAL STRENGTHENING FUNCTION 9
2.6 MECHANISM OF SOIL STABILIZATION BY BIO-ENZYME 10
2.7 TERRAZYME, A BIO-ENZYMATIC SOIL STABILIZER 11
2.7.1 TerraZyme uses for construction 11
2.7.2 Features of TerraZyme 11
i
2.7.3 Environmental benefits of TerraZyme 12
2.8 TYPES OF SOIL AND TERRAZYME EFFECTS 12
2.9 COST SAVING FEATURE OF TERRAZYME 12
2.10 WORKING MECHANISM OF TERRAZYME 13
2.11 FAILURES IN SUBBASE 14
2.12 LITERATURE REVIEW ON USE OF BIO-ENZYMES IN SOIL 15
STABILIZATION
2.13 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS ON THE BEHAVIOR OF 18
TERRAZYME STABILIZED SOILS UNDER STATIC LOADING
2.14 BEHAVIOUR OF SOILS UNDER REPEATED LOADING 18
2.15 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS FOR SOILS UNDER REPEATED 21
LOADING
2.16 CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY 22
2.17 TERRAZYME ON INDIAN ROADS 24
3 METHODOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL 25-35
INVESTIGATIONS
3.0 GENERAL 25
3.1 DOSAGE OF ENZYME 25
3.2 TESTING PROGRAMME 25
3.2.1 Testing Programme for Basic Properties 25
3.2.2 Testing Programme for Fatigue Experiments 26
3.3 GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS TEST 29
3.4 ATTERBERG’S LIMIT 30
3.5 COMPACTION TEST 30
3.6 UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST 31
3.7 CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO TEST 33
3.8 PERMEABILITY TEST 35
ii
4.2 EFFECT OF ENZYME ON FATIGUE CHARACTERISTICS OF 38
STABILIZED SOILS
4.3 EFFECT OF ENZYME CONTENT ON FATIGUE LIFE 40
4.4 EFFECT OF CURING PERIOD ON FATIGUE LIFE 44
4.5 EFFECT OF LOADING AMPLITUDE (STRESS LEVEL) ON THE 47
FATIGUE LIFE
4.6 CORRELATION BETWEEN FATIGUE LIFE AND UNCONFINED 51
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
5 PAVEMENT ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 53-58
5.0 GENERAL 53
5.1 KENPAVE - SOFTWARE 53
5.2 PAVEMENT DESIGN USING -IRC 37-2001 53
iii
6.1.4 Effect on CBR results of Enzyme Treated Lateritic and Shedi soils 62
6.1.4.1 Effect of Enzyme on Lateritic Soil 62
6.1.4.2 Effect of Enzyme on Shedi Soil 62
6.1.5 Effect on Permeability of Enzyme Treated Lateritic and Shedi soils 63
6.1.6 Effect on Fatigue life of Enzyme Treated Lateritic and Shedi soils 63
8 CONCLUSIONS 68-69
8.0 CONCLUSIONS 68
8.1 FUTURE SCOPE 69
REFERENCES 70-72
PHOTOGRAPHS 73-75
BIO-DATA 76
iv
LIST OF TABLES
5.1 Thickness of the layers for the initial stage in analysis (for subgrade 54
soil CBR 2%, dual-tandem)
5.2 Thickness of the layers for the final stage in analysis (for stabilized 55
Base, dual-tandem)
5.3 Stress Values at response points 1 and 13 for virgin base 56
7.1 Index properties of the soil at the site before the application of Enzyme 65
v
LIST OF FIGURES
3.1 Grain size Analysis Graph for Lateritic and Shedi soil. 29
vi
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.0 GENERAL
Engineers are often faced with the problem of constructing facilities on or with soils,
which do not possess sufficient strength to support the loads imposed upon them
either during construction or during the service life of the structure. Many areas of
India consist of soils with high silt contents, low strengths and minimal bearing
capacity. These negative soil performance characteristics are generally attributed to
the nature and quantity of the fines present in the material. For better performance of
structures built on such soils, the performance characteristics of such soils need to be
improved. The poor engineering performance of such soils has forced Engineers to
attempt to improve the engineering properties of poor quality soils. There are various
methods that could be used to improve the performance of poor quality soils. These
methods range from replacing with a good quality soil to methods that involve
complex chemical process. The choice of a particular method depends mainly on the
type of soil to be improved, its characteristics and the type and degree of
improvement desired in a particular application. 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-
grade for pavement structures. Bio-Enzyme is convenient to use, safe, effective and
dramatically improves road quality.
Stabilization of soils is an effective method for improving the properties of soil and
pavement system performance. The objectives of any stabilization technique used are
to increase the strength and stiffness of soil, improve workability and constructability
of the soil and reduce the Plasticity Index. For any given soil many stabilization
methods, using different stabilizing agents, may be effective to improve the soil
properties in-place rather than removing and replacing the material. Availability or
financial considerations may be the determining factor on which a stabilizing agent is
selected.
1
1.1 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AREA UNDER INVESTIGATION
Dakshina Kannada is one of the districts of Karnataka, lying between the Arabian Sea
on the west and Western Ghats on the east (12° 27' -13° 58' north latitude and 74° 34'
- 74° 40' east longitude). The total area of the district is about 8,436 sq.km. The land
under cultivation is only about 2000 sq.km. Dakshina Kannada has a forest area of
about 4600 sq.km yielding a variety of timber. Annual rainfall ranges from 2000 to
4000 mm, mean temperature ranges from 850 F to 900 F with relative humidity of
about 85 to 90 percent.
Lateritic soils: Lateritic soils have been found in this region because of high rainfall,
high temperature and high humidity with alternate wet and dry period, which is an
ideal condition for laterisation. Nearly 40 percent of the soils are laterites. The colour
ranges from red to yellowish red. The depth of this soil varies from 30 cm to 150 cm.
The laterites have been mostly originated from igneous rocks and are well drained,
residual with the presence of excessive Fe and Al. These soils have defective grain
size distribution, with high plasticity index.
Shedi soils: Shedi soil is available at a depth of few meters from the ground surface.
Interestingly, above this poor layer, laterite soil, which is having comparatively high
strength, is present. Shedi soil is very problematic soil for engineering activity. Its
strength is high in dry condition, where as, significant reduction of strength takes
place when there is increase in moisture content. This type of soil can be found in
almost all parts of Dakshina Kannada district. Due to rapid industrialization many
industries, roads, railway lines and other structures are coming up. The ground profile
is highly undulating in Dakshina Kannada district. Hence roads or railway cuttings are
very common. The stability of slopes mainly depends on this shedi soil profile,
because laterite can withstand relatively steeper slopes. As filling material also shedi
soil poses problems.
3
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Based on the detailed literature review, the objectives of the present work are
To fulfill the above objectives, laboratory experiments are performed on Lateritic and
Shedi soils stabilized with enzyme. Laboratory Experiments are performed to evaluate
the effectiveness of enzyme in stabilizing the soils. Doing so the strength aspect is
considered. Various influencing parameters such as dosage of enzyme, Curing period
are given due consideration in evaluating the effectiveness. Once the effectiveness of
the enzyme in improving the strength characteristics are established, the optimum
dosage of enzyme for maximum strength improvement is arrived at
The performance of enzyme stabilized soils are tested for, repeated loading by
considering different stress levels and frequency.
After the first introductory Chapter, detailed reviews of literature performed towards
understanding the enzyme stabilization is presented in Chapter 2.
4
enzyme and their effect on different types of soils. The parameters such as dosage of
enzyme and curing period are selected for further study under fatigue loading
condition.
Chapter 4 deals with the studies made to understand the behavior of enzyme
stabilized soil under fatigue loading. The results of the experiments conducted under
monotonic loading conditions are used as a basis for these experiments under fatigue
loading. All the fatigue loading experiments are conducted in an automated fatigue
loading apparatus. An attempt has been made in this chapter to bring out the effect of
different parameters on fatigue life and the deformation.
Chapter 5 presents the design of pavement according to IRC-37 guidelines and it also
covers the analysis of the pavement structure using KENPAVE software.
Chapter 6 discusses the test results and analysis of the laboratory experiments carried
out in this investigation.
Chapter 7 to compare the results obtained in the laboratory and the field. Where 1.35
Km stretch of Bioenzyme stabilized soil is used.
Chapter 8 presents the general conclusions and future scope of the thesis.
5
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
The main purpose of stabilization is to improve the soil strength, bearing capacity and
durability under adverse moisture and stress conditions. Soil stabilization has been
extensively used in the roads, airfields, earthen dams and embankments, in erosion
6
controls, etc. Likewise, there are increasing pressures on the mining, forestry and
agricultural industries to minimize the production costs of their roads while delivering
optimum performance and low maintenance costs. An economically feasible solution
for achieving these objectives is the use of enzyme soil stabilization.
Yoder (1959) has categorized the various types of stabilizers according to the
properties imparted to the soil. The types of admixtures include cementing agents,
modifiers, waterproofing, water retaining, and miscellaneous chemicals. The behavior
of each of these admixtures differs vastly from the others, each has its particular use,
and conversely, each has its own limitations.
Bio-Road products are a basic fermented and formulator of soil treatment products
that create enzyme stabilization of base and sub-base soils used in road construction.
We have found from our extensive worldwide experience that enzyme stabilization is
effective when the soil contains a sizable fine-grained component. Little if any
improvement is achieved in clean sands or gravels. In a study of the performance of
over 40 miles of road surfacing stabilized with enzymes, the US Federal Highway
Administration found that the best performance was obtained with well graded
aggregates mixed with higher clay contents (5% to 15% <0.002mm). Roads treated
7
with Bio-Road products experience a cation exchange effect, a clay-water effect and
an enzyme stabilization effect.
Bio-enzyme is a natural, non-toxic, non-flammable, non-corrosive liquid enzyme
formulation fermented from vegetable extracts that improves the engineering qualities
of soil, facilitates higher soil compaction densities, and increases stability. Enzymes
catalyze the reactions between the clay and the organic cat-ions and accelerate the cat-
ionic exchange process to reduce adsorbed 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.
In Brazil, Bio-Enzymes are now being used for projects in private sectors as well as in
municipal, state and some federal projects. Based on laboratory experience and field
tests, programme standards for the selection of materials for road construction have
been developed, and construction materials are now specified using these standards.
Bio-enzyme from Australia is a natural, non-toxic bio-degradable liquid concentrate
that mixes easily in water for application with standard water spraying equipment.
Bio-Enzyme is a low cost additive with long lasting effects. 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 (MOD) and Unconfirmed 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 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 litters for 5 m3 of soil
depending on the soil type, soil characteristics, and product concentration. The
amount of dilution water depends on soil dryness. In the field, measurements are
made to determine the difference between the actual field soil moisture content (%)
and the optimum moisture content (%) to add water to obtain OMC for maximum
compaction
8
In the countries that are using bio-enzyme stabilizers, the usage costs are much lower
than conventional chemical stabilizers. This is because their cost is lower, the
application is simpler and less expensive, and transport is cheaper. Even when modest
increments in the road stability occur, there is an increased cost-effectiveness and
improvement in performance and durability of the road.
According to the literature, when mixed with water and applied, the enzyme solution
combines the inorganic and organic material in the soil through a catalytic bonding
process, producing a “cementation” action. Soil stabilization using enzymes is a
relatively new approach to soil improvement. Unlike cement, lime and cationic asphalt
emulsion, enzymes are considered non-traditional additives,
9
generates itself. However, since it cannot be removed, it will remain in situ until it
degrades. The enzyme’s degradation time however, has not been fully established.
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
adsorbed on the clay surface. The adsorbed 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. Cat-ion
exchange processes can accomplish this. By utilizing fermentation processes specific
micro-organisms can produce stabilizing enzyme in large quantity. These soil-
stabilizing 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.
TerraZyme replaces adsorbed water with organic cations, thus neutralizing the
negative charge on a clay particle.
The organic cations also reduce the thickness of the electrical double layer. This
allows TerraZyme treated soils to be compacted more tightly together.
TerraZyme resists being replaced by water, thus reducing the tendency of some clays
to swell.
10
TerraZyme promotes the development of cementitious compounds using the
following, general reaction:
11
2.7.3 Environmental benefits of TerraZyme
Minimizes material loss of surface gravel on soil roadways due to erosion or
abrasion by traffic.
Reduces the ongoing cost and environmental impact of the purchase, transport
and spreading of replacement gravel
Reduces health and cleanliness concerns by impeding the occurrence of dust
from loose fine material on road surfaces. Dust reductions of at least 75%
occurred in our Canadian program.
Minimizes the harmful production and use of crushed rock and historical
mineral stabilizers in road construction and maintenance
Reduces fuel usage associated with frequent, short interval road repairs
Lessens the impact of open gravel mines and pits. TerraZyme allows
maximum leveraging of existing sources.
Reduces potential for loss-of-control vehicle accidents due to loose gravel
TerraZyme can be used for various soil types ranging from black cotton soils to hard
murram. TerraZyme works with all types of soil, which has a minimum 10% of clay
particles. Soil after being treated with TerraZyme behaves like a semi rigid pavement
structure.
12
2.10 WORKING MECHANISM OF TERRAZYME
TerraZyme is a surfactant (an ionic surface active agent), which changes the
hydrophilic nature of clay and lime materials to hydrophobic. Its application not only
assists in the expulsion of water from soils, but also aids the lubrication of soil
particles and increases the compatibility of many soils. The reaction of TerraZyme on
these materials is particularly effective because of the ion-exchange capacity of clay
minerals the property that clay minerals have of absorbing certain ions such as the
TerraZyme molecule, thereby changing its physical properties. Of special importance
is that TerraZyme changes the plastic characteristics of these materials due to a
reduction in its water absorbing capacity. Unlike most other soil stabilizers, the effect
of TerraZyme on these materials is permanent.
TerraZyme was developed to assist engineers with the removal of adsorbed water in
materials in order to achieve maximum density with less mechanical effort and to
prevent the absorption of water that results in permanently stabilized construction
materials.
Most materials are made up of stacks of silica and alumina sheets. The arrangements
of these result in different clay minerals such as Kaolinite, Smectite, Illite, etc. A
simplified explanation is that these clay minerals have a predominately positive
electrical or an ionic charge. This causes clay minerals to have a strong attraction for
any cations present. Cations, or negative molecules, are therefore attracted to the
positive clay minerals like iron filings to a magnet. In close proximity to the clay
molecule or particle, the electrostatic forces are larger and thereby the ions are held
very firmly. Nominal temperatures will not remove them. This layer of water is
known as the electrostatic diffused double layer. This water is known as the adsorbed
water. Moving further away from the clay particle, the water molecules are no longer
in an attracted or orientated state, and this water is known as random water and it is
also called absorbed water. Certain materials, like Smectite, have spaces between the
plates or layers that can adsorb water, causing them to expand. These are known as
expansive or swelling materials and are the cause of many failures in foundations or
road works. The solution therefore is to obviously expel or prevent the adsorption of
water. If some powerful positive molecules can be supplied, the negative charge of
13
the clay minerals can be satisfied and balanced out .At the same time, any weaker cat
ions such as water can be disassociated and replaced, and/or occupation of the vacant
ionic sites on the surface of the clay can take place. Large cat ions, such as sodium or
water, cannot easily fit into these sites and is disassociated or replaced. Small cat ions,
on the other hand, fit firmly into these vacated sites and cannot be removed. We
therefore have the situation that the clay's negative charge is in balance and positive
ions cannot be removed, thereby rendering the clay inert to water. The soil mass is
now a permanently stable, Water Repellent Road Surface similar to rigid pavement.
14
subsequent loading, part of the deformation may be permanent due to compaction of
soil, this may be called consolidation deformation. But if the applied stress excessive
with respect to the stability and if plastic flow takes place as in the case of wet clayey
soil this deformation is called plastic deformation and is not even partly recoverable.
Hitam and Yusof of Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia (1998) conducted
field studies on improvement on plantation roads. The road was a soil road that
becomes impassable and poor due to adverse weather conditions. 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. The researchers have concluded that TerraZyme stabilization can convert the
road to an all weather road that has minimum destruction in hot and wet season.
Brazetti and Murphy (2000) 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
their evaluation they reached the conclusion that enzyme stabilization is a good
technique for the effective and economic solution for pavement construction.
15
Andrew R. Tolleson et al (2003) in their research on “ An Evaluation of Strength
Change on Subgrade Soils Stabilized with an Enzyme Catalyst Solution Using CBR
and SSG Comparisons”, a laboratory bench scale testing program was conducted to
evaluate the effectiveness of enzyme treatment on subgrade soil. Their objective was
to study the potential applicability of tested enzyme for unpaved road in-situ
stabilization. The effectiveness of enzyme treatment was evaluated on the basis of
statistical measurement of change in CBR strength, soil stiffness and soil modulus. It
was concluded that the CBR test appear to be a relatively poor indicator of direct soil
strength for testing conditions. Notwithstanding, the test results showed CBR
strength gain and to a lesser degree strength gain measured by the means of the SSG
equipment resulting from the application of the enzyme solution on most soils tested,
indicating a promising potential for subgrade stabilization using the enzyme solution.
Manoj Shukla et al (2003) conducted a study to assess the suitability of Bio enzyme
as soil stabilizer, and five types of soils are consider for the study 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. They concluded that 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. Therefore it is advisable to first examine the effect of Bio enzyme
on soil stabilization in the laboratory before actual field trail. In some cases the soil is
16
very week like highly clay moderate soil, like silty soil to sandy soil, the effect of
stabilization has improved the CBR and unconfined compression strength.
17
2.13 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS ON THE BEHAVIOR OF TERRAZYME
STABILIZED SOILS UNDER STATIC LOADING
TerraZyme content and water requirements depend upon the type of soil to be
stabilized. Laboratory tests using particular soil and TerraZyme are required to obtain
the optimal enzyme content and water requirement for a required application.
The Soil-TerraZyme blends typically have a different maximum dry density and
optimum moisture content. In addition these blends exhibit dependence of compaction
behavior upon the delay between blend preparation and compaction. Moreover, the
changes in compaction characteristics depend upon the soil type.
The unconfined compressive strength is often taken to be the parameter by which the
mechanical characteristics of a subgrade are judged. The unconfined compressive
strength shows a strong dependence on moisture content. The strength increases up to
a certain moisture content and then decreases, such that optimum moisture content,
corresponding to the maximum unconfined compressive strength for the soil-
TerraZyme blend, may be defined.
18
deformation accumulating various factors including moisture content, density,
deviator stress, confining pressure, load frequency, freeze and age were investigated
to determine their individual contributions to deformation accumulation. Extensive
repeated load test have been conducted in this research.
The analyses of test results indicate that, strong log liner relationship exists between
accumulated permanent deformations of subgrade using data from lab tests of short
duration. Test results also suggests that main contributors to the accumulation of
permanent deformation of moisture content, deviator stress, first cycle, freeze thaw
and ageing period for thixotropic soils.
Le Quang et al (2004) carried a series of triaxial tests on prismatic dense sand and
gravel specimens to investigate the effect of large number of cyclic loading on their
deformation. Deformation was measured locally to avoid the effects of membrane
penetration at the side surface of the specimen and of bedding error at the top and
bottom ends of the specimen on the measured strains. It was observed that applying
10,000 cycles of vertical loading at certain amplitude, the overall stress- strain
relationship at larger stress amplitude changed largely. In addition, after enough pre-
straining by cyclic loading, dense granular materials showed almost non-linear elastic
behavior. The test results suggest the existence of high stress amplitude so that if a
large number of cyclic loading with this amplitude is applied, dense granular
materials would become stable. This amplitude would be linked with the other factors,
such as the density of the specimen and the number of cycles. On the other hand,
small strain Young’s moduli are affected only to limited extent by a large number of
cyclic loading.
Seed et al, (1960) studied the effects of repeated loading on the strength and
deformation of compacted clay. A silty clay (LL=37%, PL=23%) was used for
testing. After mixing, the soil specimens were cured for 24 hours before they were
compacted using the Triaxial kneading compactor compacted specimens were
trimmed for testing to a diameter of 35.6mm and a height of 71.2 mm. The degree of
saturation ranged from 92% to 97%. A dial indictor was used to measure the
deformation of specimens. Water was used to provide confining pressure of 100 kPa.
The deviator stress was provided by an air pot and ranged from 20 to 800 kPa. The
19
original plan was to create a 0.1second load duration which would represent the time
of loading for a moving vehicle at 88 km/h. However, the actual duration of deviator
stress was set to 1 second due to limitations of the self-designed test apparatus. The
load duration was reduced to 0.2-0.33 second in later work when equipment
modifications made that possible. Specimens were subjected to around 100,000 load
applications.
Lutfi Raad (2000) investigated an improved method of analysis for pavements with
stabilized layers. The method incorporates the bimodular properties (i.e., tensile
modulus different than compressive modulus) of the stabilized layers and the stress
dependent behavior of granular and subgrade soils. This method was used to predict
stresses, resilient strains, and deformations using a finite element representation of
pavement structures. The method also studied the behavior of cement and lime
stabilized layers under repeated loads. Results of limited number tension and flexure
tests conducted showed that an increase in bimodular ratio tends to increase the
tensile strain and decrease the tensile stresses on the underside of the stabilized layers.
For soils without thixotropic properties, deformation under repeated loads was
observed to be independent of load frequency provided that the applied stress
is small enough not to change the structure and density, and the loading rate is
within the range of 3 to 20 applications per minute.
High deviator stress could cause a specimen to fail without previous excessive
deformation.
The resilient modulus increased as the stress increased, except when the
applied stress was near the failure stress.
20
2.15 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS FOR SOILS UNDER REPEATED
LOADING
The following is a synopsis of the major findings of the various research reported in
this literature review.
Most researchers found that permanent deformation and log of the number of
load applications have a linear relationship ep = ANb .This equation widely
accepted in practice, especially for cohesive subgrade soils
The first-cycle of deformation dominates the magnitude of permanent
deformation. It is vitally important to identify and separate the deformation of
soils under the first cycle of load application when conducting repeated load
tests. Load duration of 0.1 sec. was usually used. The number of load
applications ranged from 10,000 to 100,000.
Most researchers used 20 to 30 cycles per minute as the load frequency. At
least one researcher reported that the rest period did not affect the
development of permanent strain as long as the rest period was greater than
0.33 sec. Another researcher found that frequencies in the range of 1 to 20 Hz
did not affect the accumulation of specimen deformation provided that the soil
did not demonstrate thixotropic potential and the degree of saturation was not
high.
There exists a threshold stress for soils. Loading above this stress will cause
failure after a small number of load applications. This suggests that an
“endurance limit” or dynamic strength” could be a good indicator for
evaluating permanent deformation behavior of subgrade soils.
The compacted densities ranged from 90% to 100% moisture contents were
either close to Plastic Limit and/or the Wet side optimum moisture content. No
information about the effect of freeze- thaw on soils was found.
Most of the researchers used cyclic, haversine and sinusoidal waveforms. Due
to limited data it is difficult to do the comparisons to know the effect of
waveforms on fatigue life.
Loading period used by most of the researchers is in the range 0.06 to 0 10
sec.
21
Loading frequency used by various researchers is in the range of 0.75 Hz. to
54 Hz. But most commonly use is around 1-2 Hz. Loading frequency and
duration have a significant effect on fatigue life. Increasing the frequency of
load pulse increases the fatigue life. Fatigue life is dependent upon the speed
of loading or frequency with the largest changes occurring below 3.67 Hz.
Compact the treated bed using an adequate smooth drum or rubber tired roller.
Compact from the edges towards the center of the road. Check the compaction
percentage to confirm that it meets design. The treated road may be used for light
traffic immediately after compaction. Protect the surface with a seal coat if the road
will be used as paved road.
23
2.17 TERRAZYME ON INDIAN ROADS
The road was surfaced with Asphalt has last for three monsoons already and caters to
a very high traffic. In Sriperambadur near Chennai TerraZyme roads have been
constructed as a replacement of the conventional granular base and sub base having
concrete as the driving surface. On National Highway TerraZyme road was
constructed in association with the Highway research Station, and the highlight of the
project was the better performance of the unsurfaced TerraZyme roads in comparison
conventional WBM and asphalt surface. TerraZyme roads have been used as loading
base, parking areas and yard areas in various projects around the country.
24
CHAPTER 3
3.0 GENERAL
This chapter details with concept of experimental investigation carried out for two
different types of soils namely lateritic and shedi soils. The costal belt of Udupi and
Dakshina Kannada mainly consist of lateritic soil with clay content varies from 10%
to 50%. In recent years due to the industrial growth in Mangalore the traffic
movement has increased to a greater extent. Since the roads are not properly designed
the premature failure of pavement are taking place very often. This is mainly because
of sub base failure in almost all the cases. An attempt is made in this study to improve
the strength the sub base by stabilizing the soil by Bio-enzyme. 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
Shedi soil without and with bio-enzyme.
Considering research studies done with bio enzyme the dosage depending upon types
of the soil and it is per/m3 of soil. Most of the research studies have been done based
on the dosage recommended by the suppliers. The test conducted by Dr. Sunil Bose
and Dr. P. K Sikdar at CRRI (Central road research institute) Delhi, used the optimum
dosage of enzyme based on optimum CBR value of treated soil which also depending
upon per/m3 of soil. In this experimental investigation 2%,4%,6% and 8% dosage is
consider to study the variation in geotechnical properties of the lateritic and shedi soil.
25
the UCC strength of virgin and stabilized soils. The details of testing programme for
the basic properties of soil are tabulated in Table 3.1.
All the fatigue load experiments are conducted on cylindrical specimens, cured for
predetermined period. For such tests the parameters varied are, enzyme dosage, curing
period and stress level. The stress level in the present study is taken as a fraction of
the UCC strength of their respective specimen at the same condition of enzyme
dosage and curing. The detailed experimental programme for fatigue studies on
stabilized soils are tabulated in Table 3.2.
26
Table 3.3 Properties of Terrazyme
SECTION I - IDENTITY
Identity (As It Appears On Label): N-Zyme
SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS IDENTITY INFORMATION
Hazardous Components
(Specific Chemical Identity, Common None
Names):SECTION III - PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Boiling Point: 212oF
Specific Gravity: 1.05
Melting Point: Liquid
Evaporation Rate: Same as water
Solubility in Water: Complete
Appearance/Odor: Brown liquid, Non-obnoxious
SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: None
Unusual Fire/Explosion Hazards: None
SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA
Unstable or Stable: Stable
Conditions to Avoid: Temperature above 45oC (130oF); pH
below 3.5, above 9.5
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Caustics, Strong bases
Hazardous Polymenzation: Will NOT occur
SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD
Inhalation: None
Route(s) of Entry: Skin: None
Ingestion: None
Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic): None
NTP: NA
Carcinogenicity: IAEC: Monographs: NA
OSHA Regulated: No
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure: None
SECTION VII - PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE
Steps To Be Taken If Material Is
Released or Spilled: Wash down with water
Waste Disposal Method: Flush into any sewage system
Procedures To Be Taken In Handling and Store at temperatures below 45oC
Storing: (130oF)
Other Precautions: None
SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES
Respiratory Protection (Specific Type): Not required
Working/Hygienic Practice: Normal good practices
27
Table: 3.4 Geotechnical properties (Lateritic and Shedi Soils)
28
3.3 GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS TEST
Sieve analysis and sedimentation analysis tests are conducted for grain size
distribution. The sedimentation analysis was done by hydrometer method using
sodium hexametaphosphate as the dispersing agent. The test was conducted as per IS
2720 (part4) 1985.
The grain size analysis test results for the Lateritic and shedi soils are tabulated in
Table: 3.4 and graphically presented in Fig: 3.1
29
3.4 ATTERBERG’S LIMIT
The untreated soil samples consistency limits test results are tabulated in Table3.4 and
the enzyme treated soil samples consistency limits are tabulated in Table 3.5
Standard test equipment and procedure available for compaction test was used in the
present work for light (IS: 2720 (PART 7)-1980,”Determination of water content –
Dry density Relation using Light compaction”) and heavy compaction (IS: 2720 (part
8)-1983, “Determination of water content–Dry Density Relation using Heavy
Compaction”). Automotive compaction equipment is used in this study, for the
purpose of calculating OMC and MDD. Graph is plotted between water content (IS:
2720 (part 2)-1973, “Determination of water content”) and dry density, from the peak
of the graph OMC and MDD values are taken from the respective graphs. The IS
Light and Heavy compaction test results for untreated soil and enzyme treated soil
samples are tabulated in Table 3.6 and 3.7.
30
Table: 3.6 IS Light Compaction Results
The UCC test was conducted to find the angle of internal friction and cohesion value.
Standard test equipment and procedure available for UCC test was used in the present
work (IS: 2720 (part 10)-1973, “Determination of Unconfined Compression
strength”). The Unconfined compression test results for virgin soil samples are
tabulated in Table 3.4. The unconfined test for the enzyme dosage of 2%, 4%, 6% and
8% for the curing period of zero, one, two, three, four, six and eight weeks are
tabulated in the Table 3.8, 3.9 and the variation of UCC values with different dosages
of enzyme and curing period are graphically presented in Fig 3.2
31
Table: 3.8 Unconfined Compression values for Lateritic Soil
2% Enzyme 4% Enzyme 6% Enzyme 8 % Enzyme
Curing (MDD=1.95 (MDD=2.06 (MDD=1.91 (MDD=2.05
Period gm/cc) gm/cc) gm/cc) gm/cc)
(week) (OMC=14.13%) (OMC=12.91%) (OMC=14.72%) (OMC=11.51%)
UCC(kN/m2)
0 237 264 242 246
1 343 432 378 365
2 461 592 474 464
3 523 675 648 636
4 652 776 730 720
6 702 837 775 733
8 794 892 802 796
32
Fig: 3.2 Variation of Unconfined Compression Test Results with Different
Enzyme Dosages & Different Curing Period for Lateritic and Shedi Soil
Standard test equipment and procedure available for California Bearing Ratio test was
used in the present work (IS 2720 (part 16)-1979, “Laboratory Determination of
CBR”). The test was conducted at both OMC and soaked condition for light and
heavy compaction. Unsoaked and soaked CBR test results for the virgin soil samples
are tabulated in Table 3.4 and from the unconfined test result it is found that optimum
Enzyme dosage of 2% and 4% for Shedi and lateritic soils respectively. The CBR
tests are conducted at 2% and 4% of Enzyme dosage for the curing period of zero,
one, two, three, four, six and eight weeks. Unsoaked and soaked CBR test results are
tabulated in Table 3.10 and the variation of CBR results for different curing periods
are graphically presented in Fig 3.3 and 3.4.The CBR values obtained from the test
results indicates very unrealistic. Therefore, this test is not valid for stabilized soils.
The UCC test is more realistic and therefore these are conducted to observe the
change in strength as curing period and dosage increases.
33
Table: 3.10 Unsoaked and Soaked CBR test results
1 55 24 47 6
2 69 46 62 7
3 111 60 78 9
4 165 102 92 10
Fig: 3.3 Variations of CBR Results with 4% Enzyme Dosages & Different
Curing Period for Lateritic soil
34
Fig: 3.4 Variations of CBR Results with 2% Enzyme Dosages & Different Curing
Period Shedi soil
The permeability tests are conducted as per standard procedure (IS: 2720 (part 17)-
1986, “Laboratory determination of permeability”) for treated and virgin soil samples
and the test results are tabulated in Table 3.11.
35
CHAPTER 4
4.0 INTRODUCTION
The results of the CBR experiments presented in earlier Chapter showed, the CBR
value is more than 100%. For semi rigid pavement CBR values are not recommended.
Hence fatigue tests have been conducted to determine its response for repeated
loading condition.
The type of specimen tested for fatigue capacity of the enzyme stabilized specimen is
similar to the one tested for their unconfined compression test. A cylindrical specimen
of length to diameter ratio of 2 is used.
b) Testing Equipment
The Fatigue test equipment that is capable of applying the repeated loads at a
frequency 0 to 12 Hz is used in the present investigation. The equipment is procured
from SPANTROICS, Bangalore.
36
Fig 4.1 Schematic Diagram of Accelerated Fatigue Load Test Set-up
c) Testing Procedure
All the fatigue loading tests are conducted on cylindrical specimens using a fatigue
testing equipment. For this propose the following testing procedure is adopted
The Cylindrical specimen is mounted on the loading frame and the Deflection
sensing transducers (LVDT) are set to read the deformation of the specimen.
The load cell is brought in contact with the specimen surface.
In the control unit through the dedicated software, the selected loading stress
level, frequency of loading and the type of wave form are fed in to the loading
device
The loading system and the data acquisition system is switched on
simultaneously and the process of fatigue load application on the test
specimen is initiated
The repeated loading, at the designated excitation level (i.e. at the selected
stress level and frequency) is continued till the failure of the test specimen.
The data acquisition system continuously record the vertical deformation of
the test specimen with cycles of loading until the failure and the output file is
given noted as a Result file.
The failure pattern of the test specimen is noted down manually.
37
4.2 EFFECT OF ENZYME ON FATIGUE CHARACTERISTICS
OF STABILIZED SOILS
To bring out the effect of enzyme on the performance of stabilized soils, when
subjected to repeated loads, experiments are conducted on all the two types of soils. A
comparative study between virgin and stabilized soils indicates that the enzyme
stabilization is effective in improving the strength. The enzyme treated specimens
experience a large number of loading cycles, before failure whereas their untreated
counterpart (shown in Table 4.1) failed within a few number of loading cycles. This
trend of results is observed for the two soils tested under different Curing period and
stress level. These experimental results clearly shows that the untreated soil
specimens which were not capable of taking any loading cycles develop itself into a
material, upon treatment with enzyme, that are capable of taking considerable number
of repetitive loading.
To bring out the influence of various parameters viz., the percentage of enzyme, stress
level and curing period, the maximum number of loading cycles a specimen capable
of taking before being failed as “Fatigue life” in this study.
38
Table 4.1: Fatigue life of untreated soil specimens at different stress levels
39
4.3 EFFECT OF ENZYME CONTENT ON FATIGUE LIFE
40
Fig: 4.2 Effect of Enzyme content on Fatigue life of Enzyme treated Lateritic soil
specimen at different stress level and 2Hz Frequency
41
Fig 4.2 presents the data for stabilized Lateritic soil subjected to repeated loads at
30,40,50,60 and 80% stress level and at frequency of 2 Hz. The figures include the
experimental results conducted with different curing periods also. The fatigue life of
the stabilized soil initially increases as the Enzyme content increase. The increase is
upto 4% Enzyme content and the further increase in Enzyme content, the fatigue life
of the stabilized soil reduces. This trend is observed for the entire specimen tested at
different stress level. It is also observed that for different curing periods the trend
remains same.
b) Shedi soil
42
Fig: 4.3 Effect of Enzyme content on Fatigue life of Enzyme treated Shedi soil
specimen at different stress level and 2 Hz Frequency
Fig 4.3 presents the data for stabilized Shedi soil subjected to repeated loads at
30,40,50,60 and 80% stress level and at frequency of 2 Hz. The fatigue life of the
43
stabilized soil initially increases as the Enzyme content increase. The increase is upto
2% Enzyme content and the further increase in Enzyme content, the fatigue life of the
stabilized soil reduces. This trend is observed for the entire specimen tested at
different stress level. It is also observed that for different curing periods the trend
remains same.
44
Fig: 4.4 Effect of Curing period on Fatigue life for different percentage of
Enzyme treated Lateritic soil
45
b) Shedi soil
46
Fig: 4.5 Effect of Curing period on Fatigue life for different percentage of
Enzyme treated Shedi soil
Fig 4.5 presents the data of the experiments performed with 2, 4, 6 and 8% Enzyme
stabilized Shedi soil at different stress level. It is observed from these figures that the
fatigue life of the stabilized Shedi soil increases linearly with the curing periods. The
curing period was extended upto a period of 8 weeks and observed marginal change in
the fatigue life.
47
Fig: 4.6 Effect of stress level on Fatigue life for different percentage of Enzyme
treated Lateritic soil
48
The stress level is started from 30% of UCC strength and extended up to an 80%,
beyond this the fatigue life of the stabilized specimen were negligibly small. It is
evident that at lower stress level of 30%, the specimen exhibits a high fatigue life.
With further increase in stress level, the fatigue life of stabilized specimen reduces
considerably in a exponential manner beyond about 80% stress level, the fatigue life
is small. Further, it is interesting to observe from these figures that, the fatigue life at
any stress level increases as the curing period advances. For example at a stress level
of 30% for 2% Enzyme stabilized specimen, the fatigue life increased from about
15,000 cycles after 0week curing to 70,000 cycles after 8 weeks of curing.
b) Shedi soil
49
Fig: 4.7 Effect of stress level on Fatigue life for different percentage of Enzyme
treated Shedi soil
The experiments conducted on shedi soil show the similar trends as lateritic soil with
respect to stress level v/s Log of fatigue life. At low stress level the fatigue life is
more in both shedi and lateritic soil, but in shedi soil the fatigue life is about 60%
lesser than that of lateritic soil. This may be due to less percentage of clay available in
shedi soil for the reaction with Terrazyme.
50
4.6 CORRELATION BETWEEN FATIGUE LIFE AND
UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
Fig: 4.8 Correlation between fatigue life and UCC for Lateritic soil
Considering the difference stress level and the corresponding fatigue life the
correlation between the fatigue life v/s UCC strength the equation has been generated
for lateritic soil upto 98% of accuracy. This equation has been generated for stress
levels 30 to 80% and it is found that the accuracy of fatigue life varies from 98% to
99%.
51
b) Shedi soil
Fig: 4.9 Correlation between fatigue life and UCC for Shedi soil
Considering the difference stress level and the corresponding fatigue life the
correlation between the fatigue life v/s UCC strength the equation has been generated
for Shedi soil upto 97% of accuracy. These equations have been generated for stress
levels 30 to 80% and it is found, that the accuracy of fatigue life varies from 95% to
97%.
52
CHAPTER 5
PAVEMENT ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
5.0 GENERAL
This package can be used to analyze both rigid as well as flexible pavements
considering different types of loads and stresses likely to be induced over the
pavement. It is being widely used now-a-days, and it was found that the results
obtained from KENPAVE are well with those obtained from other conventional
method. The main drawback is that, the structure cannot be analyzed in 3D form
which would be better needed while designing flexible highway and runway
pavements, where the loads induced are massive in nature.
INPUT PARAMATERS
1. Contact radius (CR) = 150 mm
2. Contact pressure (CP) = 560 kPa
Table 5.1 Thickness of the layers for the initial stage in analysis (for subgrade soil
CBR 2%, dual-tandem)
54
Table 5.2 Thickness of the layers for the final stage in analysis (for stabilized
Base, dual-tandem)
55
Table 5.3 Stress Values at response points 1 and 13 for virgin base
56
Table 5.4: Stress Values at response points 1 and 13 for stabilized Base
INTERIM
MAJOR MINOR
POINT VERTICAL VERTICAL VERTICAL PRINCIPAL
PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL
NO. DISP STRESS STRESS
COORDINATE STRESS STRESS
z z 2
1 3
Response Point 1
1 0 1.121 560 7151.112 430.567 7128.752
1 50 0.87 37.117 38.447 -8.086 -6.691
1 200 0.489 7.287 7.713 -0.592 -0.208
1 250 0.424 5.553 5.831 -0.456 -0.228
1 300 0.374 4.361 4.544 -0.357 -0.217
1 480 0.259 2.15 2.199 -0.163 -0.131
1 660 0.197 1.267 1.284 -0.088 -0.077
1 760 0.174 0.998 1.008 -0.067 -0.061
Response Point 13
13 0 0.976 0 1065.694 39.081 844.896
13 50 0.853 12.154 12.154 -6.524 6.973
13 200 0.523 8.343 8.343 -0.653 -0.008
13 250 0.448 6.294 6.294 -0.499 -0.174
13 300 0.391 4.861 4.861 -0.389 -0.209
13 480 0.265 2.29 2.29 -0.187 -0.151
13 660 0.199 1.307 1.307 -0.107 -0.096
13 760 0.175 1.011 1.011 -0.083 -0.076
Fig 5.3 plan and cross section of pavement for stabilized base
57
Fig 5.4 Stress variation at response point 1
The tyre pressure induced at node of response 13 is very low compared to the node at
1. This obviously due to the reason that node at this response point is away from the
area of tyre-pressure application. Also, the stresses induced at node under response
point 13 are low compared to the node under response point 1.
At most of the nodes, the stresses induced due to tyre pressure are found to be
decreasing as the base is changed from virgin base to stabilized base of node under
response point 1, where the stresses are found to increase. This may be due to the
reason that the thickness is reduced as the strength of base is increased and that the
nodes are exactly under point of application of tyre pressure.
58
CHAPTER 6
Analysis and discussion of the results have been presented in this chapter.
59
6.1 TESTS ON ENZYME TREATED SOIL
The four different enzyme dosages are used to stabilize the lateritic soil and shedi soil
(2%,4%,6% and 8%) with the different curing period of zero, one, two, three, four, six
and eight weeks. Effect of enzyme dosage on index properties, strength and
permeability properties of a lateritic and shedi soil during the curing period are
tabulated in Tables 3.5 to 3.11.
6.1.1 Effect on Consistency Limits of Enzyme Treated Lateritic and Shedi soils
The Atterberg limits tests are conducted for the zero week curing periods with
different enzyme dosage of 0% to 8% at an increment of 2%. After one week curing
period the test can not be performed, because the soil becomes very stiff.
Effects of variable enzyme dosages on consistency limits are shown in Table 3.5. It is
found that liquid limit decreases from 50.6% to 40.5% with the increase of Enzyme
dosage from 0% to 8% at an increment of 2% and plastic limit marginally increases
from 31.54% o 34.21 % at the earlier stage and remains constant for higher enzyme
dosage.
There is marginal improvement in the consistency limits by treating soil with enzyme.
Enzyme dosage of 8% has shown higher improvement in liquid limit and plasticity
index compare to other smaller dosages. Liquid limit and plastic limit decreased by 10
% and 3 % respectively for the higher dosage of 8%.
Effects of variable enzyme dosages on consistency limits are tabulated in Table 3.5. It
is found that liquid limit decreases from 44.70% to 32.00% with the increase of
Enzyme dosage from 0% to 8% at an increment of 2% and plastic limit marginally
increases from 20.58 % to 24.36 % at the earlier stage and remains constant for higher
enzyme dosage.
There is marginal improvement in the consistency limits by treating soil with enzyme.
Enzyme dosage of 8% has shown higher improvement in liquid limit and plasticity
60
index compare to other smaller dosages. Liquid limit and plastic limit decreased by 11
% and 6 % respectively for the higher dosage of 8%.
6.1.2 Effect on Heavy Compaction of Enzyme Treated Lateritic and Shedi soils
6.1.2.1 Effect of Enzyme on Lateritic Soil
These results are tabulated in Table 3.6. The MDD and OMC values for untreated
sample are 1.86 and 13.2 % respectively. Whereas for enzyme treated samples there is
an increase in MDD at 4 % dosage and further increase in dosage these values are
decreasing. From the test results it can be concluded that the optimum dosage to get
maximum MDD is 4 %.
These results are tabulated in Table 3.7. The MDD and OMC values for untreated
sample are 1.90 and 12% respectively. Whereas for enzyme treated samples there is
an increase in MDD at 2 % dosage and further increase in dosage these values are
decreasing. From the test results it can be concluded that the optimum dosage to get
maximum MDD is 2 %.
Unconfined compressive strength of the soil is evaluated for treated soil for zero, one,
two, three, four, six and eight weeks of curing with enzyme dosage of 2%, 4%, 6%
and 8%. Based on the test results which are tabulated in Table 3.8 it is found that the
unconfined compression strength increases with the curing period of zero to eight
week. Further it is found that unconfined compressive strength increases with 2% and
4% and gradually decreases with 8% of Enzyme for zero to eight weeks of curing
period which is presented in Fig 3.2. The Unconfined compressive strength increased
from 237.0 kN/m2 to 892.38 kN/m2 for curing period of zero to eight weeks. The
maximum unconfined compressive strength is 892.38 kN/m2 with 4% of Enzyme
dosage for a curing period of eight weeks.
61
6.1.3.2 Effect of Enzyme on Shedi soil
Unconfined compressive strength of the soil is evaluated for treated soil for zero, one,
two, three, four, six and eight weeks of curing with enzyme dosage of 2%, 4%, 6%
and 8%. Based on the test results which are tabulated in Table 3.9 it is found that the
unconfined compression strength increases with the curing period of zero to eight
week. Further it is found that unconfined compressive strength decreases from 2% to
8% for zero to eight weeks of curing period which is presented in Fig 3.2. The
Unconfined compressive strength increased from 203.47 kN/m2 to 771.89 kN/m2 for
curing period of zero to eight weeks. The maximum unconfined compressive strength
is 771.89 kN/m2 with 2% of Enzyme dosage for a curing period of eight weeks.
6.1.4 Effect on CBR results of Enzyme Treated Lateritic and Shedi soils
The CBR test is conducted with 2% and4% Enzyme dosage for Lateritic soil and
Shedi soil (based on UCC test results) for varying curing period of zero, one, two,
three and four weeks. The results are shown in the Table 3.10 and graphically
represented in Fig 3.3
For stabilized soils the CBR test results obtained are not realistic. That’s
why this method is not suggested for any chemically treated soil.
62
6.1.5. Effect on Permeability of Enzyme Treated Lateritic and Shedi soils
Permeability tests were carried out on lateritic and shedi soils with different enzyme
dosages2%, 4%, 6% and 8% for zero curing periods. The test results are tabulated in
Table 3.11.
Based on the test results, as the dosage of Bioenzyme increases from 0 % to 8% there
is a considerable decrease in the co efficient of permeability. The test results also
indicate that there is not much variation in the co efficient of permeability beyond 4%
and 2% of enzyme dosage in Lateritic and Shedi soil respectively.
6.1.6 Effect on Fatigue life of Enzyme Treated Lateritic and Shedi soils
Experiments were conducted to study the effect of stress level on fatigue life of
enzyme stabilized soil specimens. The stress amplitude is started from 30% of UCC
strength and conducted up to a loading amplitude of 80% beyond which the fatigue
life of the stabilized specimens were negligibly small. It is observed that the fatigue
life of the soil samples tested are influenced by the dosage of enzyme used. At lower
stress level of 30% the specimens exhibit a high Fatigue life. With further increase in
stress level, the fatigue life of stabilized specimen reduces considerably. Further, it is
interesting to observe in figures that, the fatigue life at any stress level increases as the
curing period increases.
63
CHAPTER 7
FIELD STUDY
7.0 GENERAL
To compare the test results obtained in the laboratory the experiments were conducted
in the field by constructing a road with enzyme stabilized lateritic soil for a stretch of
1.35 kms.
64
TEST ANALYSIS
Table 7.1 Index properties of the soil at the site before the application of Enzyme
Table 7.2 Results of Dynamic Cone Penetration Test conducted after enzyme
treatment
Site No 1 2 3 4 5
Sl. No.
No. of
Penetr
No. of
Penetr
No. of
Penetr
No. of
Penetr
No. of
Penetr
blows
blows
blows
blows
blows
in cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
ation
ation
ation
ation
ation
1 0 3.7 0 3.6 0 3.3 0 3.3 0 3.4
2 3 5.6 3 5.3 3 4.5 3 4.5 3 4.5
3 6 6.5 6 5.8 6 5.0 6 5.0 6 5.0
4 9 6.5 9 6.1 9 5.3 9 5.5 9 5.4
5 12 7.4 12 6.1 12 5.7 12 5.9 12 5.7
6 15 7.4 15 6.1 15 6.0 15 6.1 15 5.8
7 18 7.4 18 6.3 18 6.2 18 6.2 18 6.0
8 21 7.5 21 6.6 21 6.5 21 6.4 21 6.1
9 24 7.5 24 6.7 24 6.7 24 6.4 24 6.3
10 27 7.7 27 6.8 27 7.0 27 6.4 27 6.5
Final 30 7.8 30 7.0 30 7.2 30 6.7 30 6.5
reading
DCP 1.37 1.14 1.3 1.14 1.13
mm mm mm mm Mm
65
Conclusion on DCP Test
1. The DCP test conducted at 5 points of enzyme treated soil shows that DCP
value is less than 3mm at all points and it clearly indicates that the CBR value
is more than 100%
2. It is evident from the that result that the surface soil treated with enzyme has
substantially improved CBR values as compared to untreated soil.
CBR Value
Trail No Penetration @ 2.5mm Penetration @ 5mm
(%) (%)
1 92 131
2 101 153
3 87 138
66
Fig 7.1 Co-relation between DCP readings and CBR values
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CHAPTER 8
CONCLUSIONS
8.0 CONCLUSIONS
Based on the tests conducted in laboratory the following conclusions have been
drawn.
1. CONSISTENCY LIMITS
a) For the Laterite soil, as the percentage of Enzyme dosage increases from 0%
to 8% there is decrease in the liquid limit from 50.6% to 40.5% and slight
increase in the plastic limit from 31.5% to 34.2%.
b) Similarly for Shedi soil, the liquid limit decrees from 44.7% to 32.00% and
slight increase in the plastic limit from 20.6% to 24.4%.
2. COMPACTION
The MDD and OMC of lateritic soil after treating with optimal 4% Enzyme is found
to be 2.05 gm/cc and 13% respectively. Whereas for the Shedi soil it is 1.85gm/cc and
11.93% respectively.
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5. PERMEABILITY TEST
The experimental result shows that the Co-efficient of permeability decreases for a
dosage of 4 % Enzyme and more or less same trend is observed for higher dosages.
a) The properties of lateritic and Shedi soil have been improved by stabilizing
with enzyme dosage of 4% and 2% respectively.
b) Bio-Enzyme stabilization has shown medium improvement in physical
properties of lateritic and Shedi soil. This improvement may be due to
chemical constituent of the soil, which has low reactivity with Bio-Enzyme;
therefore it is always advisable to first examine the effect of Bio-Enzyme on
soil in the laboratory before trying in the field.
6. FATIGUE ANALYSIS
Fatigue life is defined as the number of loading cycle a soil specimen can withstand
before being failed at a predefined stress level.
a) The fatigue life increases for lateritic soil with a enzyme dosage of 4% and
shedi soil with 2%. Beyond this dosage the improvement in fatigue life is very
insignificant.
b) The fatigue life of the stabilized soil increases upto a curing period of 4 weeks
and beyond that there is a marginal increase.
a) The DCP test conducted after stabilizing the sub base using enzyme indicates
that there is an increase in CBR (800%) value as compared to untreated soil.
b) The test conducted after one year of construction indicates a 94% CBR value
which is quite promising.
69
REFERENCES
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70
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71
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PHOTOGRAPHS
73
FATIGUE SETUP
74
FIELD CBR APPARATUS
75
BIO-DATA
Personal Profile
Educational Qualification
76