INTRODUCTION 1

INTRODUCTIO
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1.1 General

The Road Network of a country is an indicator of extent of its development. Thus,

more and more road development projects are being undertaken and executed
these days. Therefore, it becomes imperative on our part to ensure the quality of
roads being constructed. So, we have to analyze the behaviour of the road
pavement, mainly the CBR behaviour.

1.2 Introduction

Soil is defined as naturally occurring relatively loose/unconsolidated material

lying on the earth’s surface. It may be either organic or inorganic in character.
Soil is formed by the process of weathering of rocks, i.e. disintegration of rocks
and minerals at or near the earth surface through the actions of natural or
mechanical and chemical agents into smaller and smaller grains.
The factors of weathering may be atmospheric, such as changes in temperature
and pressure; erosion and transportation by winds, water and glaciers; chemical
action such as crystal growth, oxidation, hydration, carbonation and leaching by
water, especially rain water, with time.
Obviously, soils formed by mechanical weathering (i.e., disintegration of rocks by
the action of wind, water and glaciers) bear a similarity in certain properties to the
minerals in the parent rock, since chemical changes which could destroy their
identity do not take place.
Soils may be broadly classified as: -
• Coarse-grained soils
• Fine-grained soils
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
INTRODUCTION 2

1.2.1 Coarse Grained Soils

Their average grain size is greater than 0.075mm. Gravels and sands are
coarse-grained soils.

1.2.2 Fine Grained Soils

Their average grain size is less than 0.075mm. Silts and clays are fine-grained
soils.

1.3 Aim of the Study

The present study aims at studying the effect of sand on the CBR behaviour of
the fine-grained soils when applied in various percentages. So for the same
purpose we have used the soil procured from a road construction site near
Bemina where the soil is water logged and is in a swampy and marshy area. This
study aims at finding out the possibility of using sand as a stabilizing agent in
improving the CBR and drainage properties of the fine-grained soils in
waterlogged areas. Sand being a low cost alternative for the improvement of the
much needed hike in the CBR values of the soils, has been studied. Since sand
is locally available so its use for the improvement of the fine-grained soils is fully
justified.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING