Improvement of Soil Subgrade Characteristics Using Coir Fibre

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY
CERTIFICATE
Certified that this project entitled IMPROVEMENT OF SOIL
SUBGRADE CHARACTERISTICS USING COIR FIBRE submitted by these
students mentioned below of Civil Engineering Department, Lovely Professional
University, Phagwara, Punjab has carried out the project under my supervision.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Khangembam Sahendra Singh

Khangembam Suresh Singh
Maibam Ajay Meitei
Khumanthem Homeshwar Singh
Phuritsabam Macha Nilathoi
This report has not been submitted to any other university or institution for
the award of any degree.
Ms. Meghna Sharma

Head of Department
Civil Engineering
MENTOR
Assistant Professor
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES iv
LIST OF FIGURES.. v
1. INTRODUCTION... 1
2. LITERATURE REVIEW 2-10
2.1 Properties of coconut fibres 3-6
2.2 Fibre Reinforced soil and its mechanism 7
2.3 Coir geotextiles and its applications 8-10
3. FIELD STUDY 11-12
4. MATERIALS AND TEST PROCEDURES.13-20
5. EXPERIMENTAL READINGS....21-42
6. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS..43-62
7. CONCLUSIONS....63-64
REFERENCES AND BIBLOGRAPHY... 65
LIST OF TABLES
1.Table showing physical properties of coir fibre...3
2.Table showing mechanical properties of coir
fibre..3
3.Table showing chemical properties of coir fibre. 6
4.Table showing laboratory value for parent soil.................. 13
5.Readings for various test............21-42
iv
LIST OF FIGURES
1.Longitudinal and cross-section of a fibre cell. 2
2.Stress-strain curve for natural fibres... 4
3.Mechanism showing crack resisted by fibres...7
4.Atterberg limit test...14
5.Proctor compaction test....17
6.Direct shear test....19
7.Graph for various test.43-62
CHAPTERS
1. Introduction...1
2. Literature review...2-10
3. Field study11-12
4. Materials and test procedures...13-20
5. Experimental readings..21-42
6. Results and discussions43-62
7. Conclusions..63-64
REFERENCES.65
vi
CHAPTER 1: Introduction
Soil has been used as a construction material since immortal. Being poor in
mechanical properties, it has been put into challenges by civil engineers to
improve its properties depending upon the requirement which varies from site to
site. During last 25 years, much work has been done on strength deformation
behavior of fiber reinforced soil and it has been established beyond doubt that
addition of fiber in soil improves the overall engineering performance of soil.
Among the notable properties that improved are greater extensibility, small loss
of post peak strength, isotropy in strength and absence of planes of weakness.
Fiber reinforced soil has been used in many countries in the recent past and further
research is in progress for many hidden aspects of it. Fiber reinforced soil is
effective in all types of soils (i.e. sand, silt and clay).
Of all the natural fiber coir has the highest tearing strength and retains this
property even in wet condition. Coir or coconut fiber belongs to the group of hard
structural fibers. It is an important commercial product obtained from the husk of
coconut. The coir fiber is elastic enough to twist without breaking and it holds a
curl as though permanently waved. So this coir fiber waste can be used in
stabilization of soil and thus it can be effectively disposed off. The inclusion of
fibers had a significant influence on the engineering behavior of soil-coir
mixtures. The addition of randomly distributed polypropylene fibers resulted in
substantially reducing the consolidation settlement of the clay soil. Length of
fibers has an insignificant effect on this soil characteristic, whereas fiber contents
proved more influential and effective. Addition of fiber resulted in decrease in
plasticity and increase in hydraulic conductivity. As a result there has been a
growing interest in soil/fiber reinforcement. The work has been done on strength
deformation behavior of fiber reinforced soil and it has been established beyond
doubt that addition of fiber in soil improves the overall engineering performance
of soil.
1
CHAPTER 2: Literature Review

Coconut fiber is extracted from the outer shell of a coconut. The common
name, scientific name and plant family of coconut fiber is Coir, Cocos nucifera
and Arecaceae (Palm), respectively.
There are two types of coconut fibers, brown fiber extracted from matured
coconuts and white fibers extracted from immature coconuts. Brown fibers are
thick, strong and have high abrasion resistance. White fibers are smoother and
finer, but also weaker. Coconut fibers are commercial available in three forms,
namely bristle (long fibers), mattress (relatively short) and decorticated (mixed
fibers). These different types of fibers have different uses depending upon the
requirement. In engineering, brown fibers are mostly used.
2.1 PROPERTIES OF COCONUT FIBRES

Physical and mechanical properties
The physical and mechanical properties of coconut fibers are presented in
Table 1 and 2 respectively given below.
Table 1: Physical properties
Table 2: Mechanical properties
There are variations in properties of coconut fibers, and this makes it

difficult
for
their frequent use as construction material. The purpose of
compilation of data for the properties of fibers is to get a guideline, but after
compilation, a huge variation is seen. There should be some standards for such
variations, just like we have standards for sand and aggregates.
Figure 3 shows stress-strain relationship for coconut fibers as reported by some

researchers. Coconut fiber is the most ductile fiber amongst all natural fibers.
Coconut fibers are capable of taking strain 4-6 times more than that of other
fibers as shown in Figures 3a and 3b.
Fiber dimensions of the various individual cells are said to be dependent on the
type of species, location and maturity of the plant. The flexibility and rupture of
the fiber is affected by the length to diameter ratio of the fiber and this also
determines the product that can be made from it. The shape and size of central
hollow cavity, lumen, depends on (i) the thickness of the cell wall and (ii) the
source of the fiber. The hollow cavity serves as an acoustic and thermal insulator
because its presence decreases the bulk density of the fiber [Flower et al. (2006)
as cited by Afa Austin Waifielate Bolarinma Oluseun Abiola (2008)].
Afa Austin Waifielate Bolarinma Oluseun Abiola (2008) evaluated the
mechanical properties (load-extension curves, stress-strain curves, Youngs
modulus, yield stress, stress and strain at break) of inner and outer coconut fibers
experimentally, and the results were verified by finite element method using a
commercial software ABAQUS. The author found that the inner coconut fiber
had a higher mechanical strength as compared to that of outer fiber, but the outer
coconut fiber had a higher elongation property which could makes it to absorb or
with stand higher stretching energy as compared to the inner coconut fiber.
Chemical properties
The components of natural fibres are cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin,
waxes and water soluble substances. The cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are
the basic components of natural fibres.
Cellulose: Cellulose is the basic structural component of all plant fibers.
Hemicellulose: Hemicellulose is made up of chains of sugars. They comprise a
group of polysaccharides (excluding pectin) bonded together in relatively short,
branching chains and remains associated with the cellulose after lignin has been
removed.
Lignin: Lignin is the compound that gives rigidity to the fiber. Natural fibers
could not attain rigidity without lignin. It is very high among all other natural
fiber.
Pectin: Pectin is the basic structural component of all plant fibers. The outer cell
wall is porous and consists also of pectin and other non-structural carbohydrates.
The pores of the outer skin are the prime diffusion paths of water through the
material.
Table 3: Chemical Properties of coir fiber
Ramakrishna and Sandararajan (2005b) investigated the variation in chemical

composition and tensile strength of four natural fibers (coconut, sisal, jute and
hibiscus cannabinus fibers), when subjected to alternate wetting and drying and
continuous immersion for 60 days in three mediums (water, saturated lime and
sodium hydroxide). Chemical composition of all fibers changed for tested
conditions (continuous immersion was found to be critical), and fibers lost their
strength. But coconut fibers were reported best for retaining a good percentage of
its original tensile strength for all tested conditions.
2.2 FIBRE REINFORCED SOIL AND ITS MECHANISM
The fiber reinforced soil is a composite material, made up of soil mixed with
fibers at a percentage by volume of the soil. By the introduction of fibers
homogeneously throughout the soil, we increase the strength of the bond, thereby
increasing shear strength. Consider a soil element at equilibrium subjected to the
stress as shown in fig .Such an element will be subjected to both diagonal tension
and compression. Since the soil is very weak in tension, it will fail diagonally due
to diagonal tension.
When fibers are introduced into the soil, the fibers will carry the tension and thus
carries additional loads. In figures, only the fibers along the failure plane are
shown, but the fibers will be spread homogenously throughout the soil.
Fig. Soil subjected to axial load
Fig. Formation of diagonal crack
Fig. Crack resisted by the fibers

7
2.3 COIR GEOTEXTILE AND ITS APPLICATIONS
Coir geotextiles with its Indianised connotation "Coir Bhoovastra", a generic

member of the geosynthetic family, are made from the coconut fiber extracted
from the husk of the coconut fruit as explained in the following section. Like their
polymeric counter parts, coir geotextiles can be synthesised for specific
applications in geotechnical engineering practice. Coir geotextiles is not a
consumer product, but a technology based product. A range of different mesh
matting is available, meeting varying requirements.
Coir fibers can be converted into fabric both by woven and non-woven process.
Coir mesh matting of different mesh sizes is the most established coir geotextiles.
Mesh matting having different specifications is available under quality code
numbers H2Ml to H2MIO. These qualities represent coir geotextiles of different
mesh sizes ranging from 3.175mm to 25.4mm. Several types of non-woven
geotextiles also exist. Most of the non-woven mats are made from loose fibers,
which are interlocked by needling or rubberising. Non-woven geotextiles are
available in several dimensions and have a minimum thickness of2mm.
Application of coir geotextile

Coir geotextiles find application in a number of situations in geotechnical
engineering practice. Coir geotextiles can be used as an overlay or interlay, the
former protecting the surface from run off and the latter performing the functions
of separation, reinforcement, filtration and drainage.
Some of the major application areas are detailed below.
Unpaved roads
Unpaved roads are mainly low volume roads constructed in rural areas. The
unsatisfactory performance of roads arises mainly from two factors, namely, the
poor quality of subgrades and the insufficient thickness and quality of sub base
and base courses. All these factors can be mitigated by the use of coir geotextiles
either alone or in conjunction with other products / materials. In cohesionless soil
lateral confinement by coir geotextiles can improve the shear resistance and the
bearing capacity of the subgrade soil and consequently reduces the thickness of
the pavement material. In cohesive soils adequate drainage of the subgrade can
be achieved by depressing the water table by use of coir geotextile drains. In very
poor soil the use of coir geotextile composite blankets, and strip drains can help
in quickening the consolidation of non-expansive clays and reducing the
construction time of high embankments. Coir geotextiles can also be used in
pavement layer to reduce thickness, increase fatigue resistance and reduce
reflection cracking due to traffic.
Embankments and slopes

Constructions of bunds in marshy areas pose the problem of inadequate shear
strength of soil to support the soil fill for the required height. Coir geotextiles can
be used both for the foundation support and also within the fill, particularly for
tilter and separation function, so that the erosion of the sides can be prevented.
Use of coir geotextile in protecting natural slopes is well established. Coir fibers
are effective in preventing failures due to reversal of pore pressures, through
drainage without removal of soil particles. Also with the provision of
reinforcements, the stabilisation of the side faces can be improved which
otherwise would be very difficult to maintain the slope.
Retaining walls
Retaining walls are conventionally built to withstand lateral pressure of soil fill
through the action of gravity, which involves additional vertical force on soil.
This necessitates a strong foundation or large base width and hence costly. Coir
geotextiles can be used in the fill itself so that no additional facing wall is required
to resist the lateral pressure. This is particularly suited to walls having low height
and where foundation soil is weak. The use of coir geotextiles is not advisable for
construction of tall retaining walls because of their low tensile strength.
French drains
These are drainage measures for subgrade soil to lower the water table to protect
road formations without the use of slotted pipes to take the collected water. Coir
geotextiles with high transmittivity like needled felt with mesh core can be used
in the place of pipes and thicker layers can be used to reduce the quantity of
pervious sand surrounding the drain.
Vertical drains
Construction of embankment over soft and sensitive clays requires accelerated
consolidation. Several methods such as sand drains, metal drains, geosynthetic
prefabricated vertical drains (PVD) etc., are used for this purpose. Instead of this,
coir geotextile drains can be used. In such cases, even if the coir decays in course
of time, the initial period helps in consolidation and long-term stability is not
affected due to the presence of fibers.
10
CHAPTER 3: Field Study
Amit tiwari et.al [1] represents a study focus on to analyze property of soil
such as Atterbergs Limits, Compaction Curve (O.M.C. and M.D.D.), Shrinkage
Limit, California Bearing Ratio, Swelling Pressure, Permeability, direct shear
test, effect of Fly Ash, Coconut fiber& crushed Glass with various percentages
along with Black cotton Soil, combination on the above proportion of ingredients,
use of waste products instead of conventional materials like cement, lime, etc. &
how to increase cost benefit ratio. To achieve this goal experimental study on 48
trial samples test were carried in two phase such as in first phase, the physical
properties of soil such as hygroscopic moisture content grain size distribution,
specific gravity, Atterbergs limits, Direct shear test, Swelling pressure, MDDOMC, CBR, Permeability test values are determined. In second phase, various
test investigation performed on black cotton soil using different percentages of
Fly Ash (FA) at 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, Coconut Coir Fiber (CCF) at 0.25%,
0.5%, 0.75%, 1% & Crushed Glass (CG) at 3%, 5%, 7% (glass crushed to have
gradation of sand size).
R.R.Singh et.al [2] represents a study to analyze both unsoaked and soaked
CBR value of soil increases with the increase in fiber content. Soaked CBR value
increases from 4.75% to 9.22% and unsoaked CBR value increases from 8.72%
to 13.55% of soil mixed with 1% coir fiber. UCS of the soil increases from 2.75
kg/cm to 6.33 kg/cm upon addition of 1% randomly distributed coconut fiber.
Adding of coconut coir fiber results in less thickness of pavement due to increase
in CBR of mix and reduce the cost of construction and hence economy of the
construction of highway will be achieved. This is because of composite effect of
natural fiber changes the brittle behavior of the soil to ductile behavior.
11
Kundan Meshram et.al [3] Now-a-days, geotextiles are widely used in

highway engineering, to solve a variety of problems related to drainage,
separation and reinforcement of pavement structure. Geotextiles made of natural
fibers such as coir, jute etc., are emerging as alternatives to polymeric geotextiles.
Coir net is readymade material, cheap, easy laying in field and biodegradable.
Under the traffic loads, the soil sub-base is subjected to compression in the
vertical direction accompanied by tension in the lateral direction. Also, during
dry weather conditions, cracks develop at the soil surface due to tensile stresses
induced as a result of drying and shrinkage. During wet weather conditions, water
starts to rise in the sub-base by capillary action from soil sub-grade. Materials
like coir, lime etc. are needed to improve the compressive as well as the tensile
strength and the permeability characteristics of the sub-base for a better
performance of the pavements.
12
CHAPTER 4: Materials and test procedure

1. Soil
The soil used in this project is the local soil of Lovely Professional University.
The properties of soil are as under
Sl. no Properties of soil

Atterberg Limit (%)
Laboratory value
1.
2.
Liquid limit
36%
Plastic limit
17.64 %
Plasticity index
18.36 %
Indian standard classification
CI(clay of intermediate
plasticity)
3.
Proctor test results

Maximum dry density
Optimum moisture content(OMC) in %
1.58 g/cc
18 %
2. Coir:
The coir is extracted from dried coconut husk. The diameter of the fibre is 0.5
mm. The coir is cut into pieces of 3cm to 5 cm, as those percentage remains o.25,
0.50, 0.75 and 1%.
13
TEST PROCEDURE
1. ATTREBERG LIMIT TEST:
Liquid limit Test: The liquid limit is the moisture content at which the groove,
formed by a standard tool into the sample of soil taken in the standard cup, closes
for 10 mm on being given 25 blows in a standard manner. At this limit the soil
possess low shear strength
Apparatus Required:
1. Balance 2. Liquid limit device (Casagrendes) 3. Grooving tool 4. Mixing
dishes
5. Spatula 6. Electrical Oven
Procedure
1. About 120 gm of air-dried soil from thoroughly mixed portion of material
passing 425 micron I.S sieve is to be obtained.
2. Distilled water is mixed to the soil thus obtained in a mixing disc to form
uniform paste. The paste shall have a consistency that would require 30 to 35
drops of cup to cause closer of standard groove for sufficient length.
3. A portion of the paste is placed in the cup of LIQUID LIMIT device and spread
into portion with few strokes of spatula.
4. Trim it to a depth of 1cm at the point of maximum thickness and return excess
of soil to the dish.
5. The soil in the cup shall be divided by the firm strokes of the grooving tool
along the diameter through the centre line of the follower so that clean sharp
groove of proper dimension is formed.
14
6. Lift and drop the cup by turning crank at the rate of two revolutions per second
until the two halves of soil cake come in contact with each other for a length of
about 1 cm by flow only.
7. The number of blows required to cause the groove close for about 1 cm shall
be recorded.
8. A representative portion of soil is taken from the cup for water content
determination.
9. Repeat the test with different moisture contents at least three more times for
blows between 10 and 40.
Liquid limit test:
Apparatus Required:
1. Porcelain dish.
2 .Glass plate for rolling the specimen.
3 Air tight containers to determine the moisture content.
4. Balance of capacity 200gm and sensitive to 0.01gm
5. Oven thermostatically controlled with interior of non-corroding material to
maintain the temperature around 105 and 110 degree celsius.
Procedure:
1. Take about 20gm of thoroughly mixed portion of the material passing
through 425 micron I.S. sieve obtained in accordance with I.S. 2720 (part 1).
15
2. Mix it thoroughly with distilled water in the evaporating dish till the soil
mass becomes plastic enough to be easily moulded with fingers.
3. Allow it to season for sufficient time (for 24 hrs) to allow water to permeate
throughout the soil mass.
4. Take about 10gms of this plastic soil mass and roll it between fingers and
glass plate with just sufficient pressure to roll the mass into a threaded of
uniform diameter throughout its length. The rate of rolling shall be between 60
and 90 strokes per minute.
5. Continue rolling till you get a threaded of 3 mm diameter.
6. Kneed the soil together to a uniform mass and re-roll.
7. Continue the process until the thread crumbles when the diameter is 3 mm.
8. Collect the pieces of the crumbled thread in air tight container for moisture
content determination.
9. Repeat the test to at least 3 times and take the average of the results
calculated to the nearest whole number.
2. PROCTOR COMPACTION TEST:
Apparatus Required:
1. Proctor mould having a capacity of 2250 cc. The mould shall have a detachable
collar assembly and a detachable base plate.
2. Rammer: A mechanical operated metal rammer having a 5.08 cm diameter face
and a weight of 2.5 kg. The rammer shall be equipped with a suitable arrangement
to control the height of drop to a free fall of 30 cm.
3. Sample extruder, mixing tools such as mixing pan, spoon, towel, spatula etc.
16
4. A balance of 15 kg capacity, Sensitive balance, Straight edge, Graduated

cylinder, Moisture tins.
Procedure:
1. Take a representative oven-dried sample, approximately 5 kg in the given pan.
Thoroughly mix the sample with sufficient water to dampen it with approximate
water content of 5 %.
2. Weigh the proctor mould without base plate and collar. Fix the collar and base
plate. Place the soil in the Proctor mould and compact it in 3 layers giving 25
blows per layer with the 2.5 kg rammer falling through.
3. Remove the collar; trim the compacted soil even with the top of mould using
a straight edge and weigh.
4. Divide the weight of the compacted specimen by 2250 cc and record the result
as the bulk density bulk.
5. Remove the sample from mould and slice vertically through and obtain a small
sample for water content.
6. Thoroughly break up the remainder of the material until it will pass a no.4
sieve as judged by the eye. Add water in sufficient amounts to increase the
moisture content of the soil sample by one or two percentage points and repeat
the above procedure for each increment of water added. Continue this series of
determination until there is either a decrease or no change in the wet unit weight
of the compacted soil.
17
3. DIRECT SHEAR TEST:
Apparatus Required:
1. Direct shear box apparatus
2. Loading frame (motor attached)
3. Dial gauge
4. Proving ring
5. Tamper
6. Straight edge
7. Balance to weigh up to 200 mg
8. Aluminium container
9. Spatula.
Procedure:
1. Check the inner dimension of the soil container.
2. Put the parts of the soil container together.
3. Calculate the volume of the container. Weigh the container.
4. Place the soil in smooth layers (approximately 10 mm thick). If a dense
sample is desired tamp the soil.
5. Weigh the soil container, the difference of these two is the weight of the
soil.
6. Make the surface of the soil plane.
7. Put the upper grating on stone and loading block on top of soil.
8. Measure the thickness of soil specimen.
9. Apply the desired normal load.
10. Remove the shear pin.
11. Attach the dial gauge which measures the change of volume.
12. Record the initial reading of the dial gauge and calibration values.
18
13. Before proceeding to test check all adjustments to see that there is no
connection
between two parts except sand/soil.
14. Start the motor. Take the reading of the shear force and record the reading.
15. Take volume change readings till failure.
16. Add 5 kg normal stress 0.5 kg/cm and continue the experiment till failure
17. Record carefully all the readings. Set the dial gauges zero, before starting
the experiment
19
CHAPTER 5: Experimental Readings

1. Atterbergs limit tests
(i) Liquid limit test

Container number
Weight of container
Weight of container + wet soil
Weight of container+ dry soil
Weight of water, w1
Weight of dry soil, w2
No. of blows
Moisture content,(w1/w2)*100
1
12gms
56gms
46gms
10gms
34gms
39
29.41%
2
8gms
46gms
35gms
11gms
27gms
15
40.74%
(ii) Plastic limit test
Container number
Weight of container
Weight of container + wet soil
Weight of container + dry soil
Weight of water, w1
Weight of soil , w2
Moisture content, (w1/w2)*100
1
2gms
6gms
5.4gms
0.6gms
3.4gms
17.64%
20
2. Proctor compaction test

Weight of the mould=4.37kg
Volume of mould=2250cc
(i)
For parent soil
Determination number
Moisture content,w
1
5%
2
10%
3
15%
4
20%
5
25%
Weight of mould +
compacted soil(kg)
Weight of compacted
soil,W (kg)
Bulk density, W/(mould
volume)(gm/cc)
Dry density, bulk
density/(1+w)(gm/cc)
7.85
8.17
8.4
8.6
8.65
3.48
3.8
4.03
4.23
4.28
1.55
1.69
1.79
1.88
1.90
1.48
1.54
1.56
1.57
1.52
(ii)
For soil containing 0.25% coir fibre
Moisture content,w
1
5%
2
10%
3
15%
4
20%
5
25%
Weight of mould +
compacted soil(kg)
Weight of compacted
soil,W(kg)
volume)(gm/cc)
Dry density, bulk
7.858
8.172
8.398
8.51
8.6
3.484
3.802
4.028
4.14
4.23
1.55
1.69
1.79
1.84
1.88
1.48
1.54
1.56
1.53
1.50
21
(iii)
Moisture content,w
1
5%
2
10%
3
15%
4
20%
5
25%
Weight of mould +
compacted soil(kg)
Weight of compacted
soil,W(kg)
volume)(gm/cc)
Dry density, bulk
7.79
8.105
8.285
8.51
8.59
3.42
3.735
3.915
4.14
4.22
1.52
1.66
1.74
1.84
1.87
1.45
1.51
1.51
1.53
1.5
5
25%
(iv)
Moisture content,w
1
5%
2
10%
3
15%
4
20%
Weight of mould +
compacted soil(kg)
Weight of compacted
soil,W (kg)
volume)(gm/cc)
Dry density, bulk
7.812
8.105
8.308
8.442
8.5
3.442
3.735
3.938
4.072
4.13
1.53
1.66
1.75
1.81
1.83
1.46
1.51
1.52
1.51
1.46
22
(v)
For soil containing 1% coir fibre
Moisture content,w
1
5%
2
10%
3
15%
4
20%
5
25%
Weight of mould +
compacted soil(kg)
Weight of compacted
soil,W (kg)
volume)(gm/cc)
Dry density, bulk
7.9025
8.082
8.285
8.465
8.53
3.5325
3.712
3.915
4.095
4.16
1.57
1.65
1.74
1.82
1.84
1.49
1.5
1.51
1.52
1.47
23
3. Direct Shear Test:
Least count of horizontal guage division = 0.01mm

Least count of proving ring division = 0.002mm
Proving ring constant = 2.5
Load = {proving ring division * 2.5} Newton(N)
Corrected area = 60*(60 dL)
Where dL=proving ring reading*Least count of horizontal guage division
Shear stress = load/corrected area
(i)
On parent soil :
Normal stress = 0.5 kg/cm^2
Horizontal
Proving ring
Shear deformation=
Shear stress=
guage
reading
Col.(1)*Least Count
(P.R.D * 2.5)/{60*(60 -
of horizontal dial
dL)}
guage
(N/mm^2)
reading
(mm)
0
20
4.2
0.2
0.0029
40
5.4
0.4
0.0037
60
6.4
0.6
0.0045
24
80
7.2
0.8
0.0051
100
9.2
1.0
0.0065
120
11.8
1.2
0.0083
140
13
1.4
0.0092
160
15.4
1.6
0.0110
180
17.2
1.8
0.0123
200
19.6
2.0
0.0141
220
21.2
2.2
0.0153
240
24
2.4
0.0173
260
25.2
2.6
0.0182
280
28
2.8
0.0203
300
28.2
3.0
0.0205
320
28.8
3.2
0.0211
340
29.2
3.4
0.0215
25

Horizontal
Proving ring
Shear deformation=
Shear stress=
guage
reading
Col.(1)*Least Count
(P.R.D * 2.5)/{60*(60 -
of horizontal dial
dL)}
guage
(N/mm^2)
reading
(mm)
0
20
5.2
0.2
0.0036
40
9.6
0.4
0.0067
60
13.4
0.6
0.0094
80
17.2
0.8
0.0121
100
20.2
1.0
0.0142
120
23.0
1.2
0.0162
140
26.4
1.4
0.0187
160
28.2
1.6
0.0201
180
32.8
1.8
0.0234
200
34.6
2.0
0.0248
220
38.2
2.2
0.0275
240
42.4
2.4
0.0306
260
46.8
2.6
0.0339
280
48.2
2.8
0.0351
300
50
3.0
0.0365
320
51.8
3.2
0.0379
26
Horizontal
Proving ring
Shear deformation=
Shear stress=
guage reading
reading
Col.(1)*Least Count
(P.R.D * 2.5)/{60*(60
of horizontal dial
-dL)}
guage
(N/mm^2)
(mm)
0
20
6.6
0.2
0.0046
40
9.8
0.4
0.0068
60
14.6
0.6
0.0102
80
16.2
0.8
0.0114
100
22.2
1.0
0.0156
120
26.2
1.2
0.0185
140
28.4
1.4
0.0201
160
32.2
1.6
0.0229
180
38.6
1.8
0.0276
200
42.4
2.0
0.0304
220
46.8
2.2
0.0337
240
48.4
2.4
0.0350
260
50.2
2.6
0.0364
280
54.6
2.8
0.0397
300
58.8
3.0
0.0429
320
60.2
3.2
0.0441
340
64.4
3.4
0.0474
360
66.2
3.6
0.0489
27
(ii)
On soil containing 0.25% coir fibre
Horizontal
Proving ring
Shear deformation=
Shear stress=
guage
reading
Col.(1)*Least Count
(P.R.D * 2.5)/{60*(60 -
of horizontal dial
dL)}
guage
(N/mm^2)
reading
(mm)
0
20
5.4
0.2
0.0037
40
6.2
0.4
0.0043
60
7.4
0.6
0.0052
80
8.2
0.8
0.0057
100
8.9
1.0
0.0063
120
9.8
1.2
0.0069
140
11.6
1.4
0.0082
160
13.2
1.6
0.0094
180
14.0
1.8
0.0100
200
15.2
2.0
0.0109
220
16.8
2.2
0.0121
240
17.4
2.4
0.0126
260
18.2
2.6
0.0132
280
21.4
2.8
0.0155
300
24.2
3.0
0.0176
320
26.8
3.2
0.0196
340
28.2
3.4
0.0207
360
32.6
3.6
0.0241
28
380
34.2
3.8
0.0253
400
37.6
4.0
0.0279
Horizontal
Proving ring
Shear deformation=
Shear stress=
guage
reading
Col.(1)*Least Count
(P.R.D * 2.5)/{60*(60 -
of horizontal dial
dL)}
guage
(N/mm^2)
reading
(mm)
0
20
6.2
0.2
0.0043
40
7.2
0.4
0.0050
60
8.8
0.6
0.0062
80
9.8
0.8
0.0069
100
12.2
1.0
0.0086
120
13.2
1.2
0.0094
140
15.4
1.4
0.0109
160
18.8
1.6
0.0134
180
20.2
1.8
0.0145
200
22.8
2.0
0.0164
220
25.6
2.2
0.0184
240
31.2
2.4
0.0225
260
34.6
2.6
0.0251
280
37.2
2.8
0.0271
300
41.4
3.0
0.0302
320
43.2
3.2
0.0317
340
46.6
3.4
0.0343
29
360
49.4
3.6
0.0364
380
52.2
3.8
0.0387
400
56
4.0
0.0416
420
58.8
4.2
0.0439
Horizontal
Proving ring
Shear deformation=
Shear stress=
guage
reading
Col.(1)*Least Count
(P.R.D * 2.5)/{60*(60 -
of horizontal dial
dL)}
guage
(N/mm^2)
reading
(mm)
0
20
7.0
0.2
0.0049
40
7.6
0.4
0.0053
60
8.8
0.6
0.0062
80
10.2
0.8
0.0072
100
14.6
1.0
0.0103
120
18.2
1.2
0.0129
140
21.6
1.4
0.0154
160
26.2
1.6
0.0187
180
30.6
1.8
0.0219
200
37.8
2.0
0.0272
220
41.2
2.2
0.0297
240
47.6
2.4
0.0344
260
52.4
2.6
0.0380
280
56.2
2.8
0.0409
300
60.8
3.0
0.0444
30
320
67.2
3.2
0.0493
340
70.8
3.4
0.0521
360
76.6
3.6
0.0566
380
78.2
3.8
0.0579
(iii)
On soil containing 0.5 % coir fibre
Horizontal
Proving ring
Shear deformation=
Shear stress=
guage
reading
Col.(1)*Least Count
(P.R.D * 2.5)/{60*(60 -
of horizontal dial
dL)}
guage
(N/mm^2)
reading
(mm)
0
20
5.2
0.2
0.0036
40
5.8
0.4
0.0041
60
6.4
0.6
0.0043
80
7.2
0.8
0.0051
100
8.2
1.0
0.0058
120
9.4
1.2
0.0066
140
10.2
1.4
0.0073
160
10.8
1.6
0.0077
180
11.4
1.8
0.0082
200
14.2
2.0
0.0102
220
15.2
2.2
0.0109
240
17.6
2.4
0.0127
260
19.2
2.6
0.0139
280
20.4
2.8
0.0149
31
300
22.8
3.0
0.0167
320
24.2
3.2
0.0178
340
27.6
3.4
0.0203
360
29.4
3.6
0.0217
380
30.2
3.8
0.0224
400
34.8
4.0
0.0259
420
36.2
4.2
0.0270
440
37.4
4.4
0.0280
460
39.8
4.6
0.0299
Horizontal
Proving ring
Shear deformation=
Shear stress=
guage
reading
Col.(1)*Least Count
(P.R.D * 2.5)/{60*(60 -
of horizontal dial
dL)}
guage
(N/mm^2)
reading
(mm)
0
20
5.8
0.2
0.0040
40
6.2
0.4
0.0043
60
7.4
0.6
0.0051
80
8.2
0.8
0.0057
100
9.4
1.0
0.0066
120
10.2
1.2
0.0072
140
11.4
1.4
0.0081
160
13.4
1.6
0.0095
180
15.2
1.8
0.0108
200
18.8
2.0
0.0135
32
220
20.4
2.2
0.0147
240
22.2
2.4
0.0160
260
27.4
2.6
0.0198
280
30.8
2.8
0.0224
300
35.4
3.0
0.0259
320
40.2
3.2
0.0295
340
41.8
3.4
0.0308
360
46.2
3.6
0.0341
380
50.8
3.8
0.0376
400
53.6
4.0
0.0398
420
59.4
4.2
0.0444
440
60.6
4.4
0.0454
460
62.2
4.6
0.0468
480
68.2
4.8
0.0515

Horizontal
Proving ring
Shear deformation=
Shear stress=
guage
reading
Col.(1)*Least Count
(P.R.D * 2.5)/{60*(60 -
of horizontal dial
dL)}
guage
(N/mm^2)
reading
(mm)
0
20
6.2
0.2
0.0043
40
8.4
0.4
0.0058
60
10.2
0.6
0.0072
80
11.4
0.8
0.0080
100
13.2
1.0
0.0093
33
120
15.4
1.2
0.0109
140
18.2
1.4
0.0129
160
22.4
1.6
0.0159
180
27.2
1.8
0.0194
200
31.4
2.0
0.0225
220
36.6
2.2
0.0263
240
40.2
2.4
0.0290
260
44.8
2.6
0.0325
280
47.8
2.8
0.0348
300
52.4
3.0
0.0383
320
58.2
3.2
0.0426
340
65.4
3.4
0.0481
360
70.8
3.6
0.0523
380
76.2
3.8
0.0564
400
82.4
4.0
0.0613
420
89.2
4.2
0.0666
440
90.6
4.4
0.0678
460
93
4.6
0.0699
34
(iv)
On soil containing 0.75 % coir fibre
Horizontal
Proving ring
Shear deformation=
Shear stress=
guage
reading
Col.(1)*Least Count
(P.R.D * 2.5)/{60*(60 -
of horizontal dial
dL)}
guage
(N/mm^2)
reading
(mm)
0
20
5.4
0.2
0.0037
40
5.8
0.4
0.0040
60
6.6
0.6
0.0046
80
7.4
0.8
0.0052
100
8.6
1.0
0.0061
120
9.2
1.2
0.0065
140
10.6
1.4
0.0075
160
10.8
1.6
0.0077
180
11.2
1.8
0.0080
200
14.6
2.0
0.0104
220
15.8
2.2
0.0113
240
18.2
2.4
0.0131
260
19.8
2.6
0.0143
280
21.4
2.8
0.0155
300
23.2
3.0
0.0169
320
25
3.2
0.0183
340
27.8
3.4
0.0204
360
28.6
3.6
0.0211
35
380
31.2
3.8
0.0231
400
34.4
4.0
0.0255
420
37.2
4.2
0.0277
440
40.4
4.4
0.0302
460
43.2
4.6
0.0324
480
45
4.8
0.0339
Horizontal
Proving ring
Shear deformation=
Shear stress=
guage
reading
Col.(1)*Least Count
(P.R.D * 2.5)/{60*(60 -
of horizontal dial
dL)}
guage
(N/mm^2)
reading
(mm)
0
20
5.8
0.2
0.0040
40
6.4
0.4
0.0044
60
7.6
0.6
0.0053
80
8.2
0.8
0.0057
100
9.8
1.0
0.0069
120
10.6
1.2
0.0075
140
13.4
1.4
0.0095
160
15.2
1.6
0.0108
180
16.4
1.8
0.0117
200
18.6
2.0
0.0133
220
21.4
2.2
0.0154
240
24.2
2.4
0.0175
260
27.8
2.6
0.0201
36
280
31.4
2.8
0.0228
300
36.2
3.0
0.0264
320
40.4
3.2
0.0296
340
46.4
3.4
0.0341
360
51.2
3.6
0.0378
380
58.6
3.8
0.0434
400
63.2
4.0
0.0470
420
67.6
4.2
0.0504
440
70.2
4.4
0.0526
460
76.4
4.6
0.0574
Horizontal
Proving ring
Shear deformation=
Shear stress=
guage
reading
Col.(1)*Least Count
(P.R.D * 2.5)/{60*(60 -
of horizontal dial
dL)}
guage
(N/mm^2)
reading
(mm)
0
20
6.2
0.2
0.0043
40
6.8
0.4
0.0047
60
7.8
0.6
0.0054
80
8.4
0.8
0.0059
100
9.8
1.0
0.0069
120
11.6
1.2
0.0082
140
15.4
1.4
0.0109
160
18.4
1.6
0.0131
180
21.8
1.8
0.0156
37
200
23.2
2.0
0.0166
220
25.6
2.2
0.0184
240
29.8
2.4
0.0215
260
33.6
2.6
0.0243
280
39.3
2.8
0.0286
300
42.4
3.0
0.0309
320
48.8
3.2
0.0357
340
53.4
3.4
0.0393
360
61.2
3.6
0.0452
380
66.8
3.8
0.0495
400
72.4
4.0
0.0538
420
81.6
4.2
0.0609
440
87.4
4.4
0.0654
460
93.2
4.6
0.0701
480
98.6
4.8
0.0744
38
(v)
On soil containing 1 % coir fibre
Horizontal
Proving ring
Shear deformation=
Shear stress=
guage
reading
Col.(1)*Least Count
(P.R.D * 2.5)/{60*(60 -
of horizontal dial
dL)}
guage
(N/mm^2)
reading
(mm)
0
20
4.0
0.2
0.0027
40
5.8
0.4
0.0040
60
7.2
0.6
0.0051
80
8.8
0.8
0.0062
100
9.4
1.0
0.0066
120
10.2
1.2
0.0072
140
10.6
1.4
0.0075
160
11.0
1.6
0.0078
180
13.2
1.8
0.0094
200
14.4
2.0
0.0103
220
15.6
2.2
0.0112
240
16.2
2.4
0.0117
260
18.8
2.6
0.0136
280
19.2
2.8
0.0139
300
23.8
3.0
0.0174
320
25.8
3.2
0.0189
340
27.2
3.4
0.0200
360
29.4
3.6
0.0217
380
31.8
3.8
0.00235
39
400
35.6
4.0
0.0264
420
38.2
4.2
0.0285
440
42.4
4.4
0.0317
460
47.8
4.6
0.0356
Horizontal
Proving ring
Shear deformation=
Shear stress=
guage
reading
Col.(1)*Least Count
(P.R.D * 2.5)/{60*(60 -
of horizontal dial
dL)}
guage
(N/mm^2)
reading
(mm)
0
20
4.2
0.2
0.0029
40
6.0
0.4
0.0042
60
8.2
0.6
0.0057
80
9.8
0.8
0.0068
100
13.0
1.0
0.0092
120
14.2
1.2
0.0101
140
15.0
1.4
0.0106
160
15.4
1.6
0.0109
180
16.2
1.8
0.0116
200
18.4
2.0
0.0132
220
21.8
2.2
0.0157
240
26.4
2.4
0.0191
260
31.2
2.6
0.0231
280
35.6
2.8
0.0259
300
38.4
3.0
0.0280
40
320
41.6
3.2
0.0305
340
47.4
3.4
0.0348
360
51.2
3.6
0.0378
380
59.4
3.8
0.0440
400
65.2
4.0
0.0485
420
68.8
4.2
0.0513
440
72.4
4.4
0.0542
460
79.6
4.6
0.0598
Horizontal
Proving ring
Shear deformation=
Shear stress=
guage
reading
Col.(1)*Least Count
(P.R.D * 2.5)/{60*(60 -
of horizontal dial
dL)}
guage
(N/mm^2)
reading
(mm)
0
20
4.6
0.2
0.0032
40
6.2
0.4
0.0043
60
8.8
0.6
0.0061
80
10.4
0.8
0.0073
100
13.2
1.0
0.0093
120
14.6
1.2
0.0103
140
16.4
1.4
0.0116
160
16.8
1.6
0.0119
180
18.4
1.8
0.0132
200
20.2
2.0
0.0145
220
22.8
2.2
0.0164
41
240
27.4
2.4
0.0198
260
29.2
2.6
0.0212
280
33.2
2.8
0.0242
300
38.6
3.0
0.0282
320
44.8
3.2
0.0328
340
57.4
3.4
0.0422
360
66.2
3.6
0.0489
380
71.6
3.8
0.0531
400
79.4
4.0
0.0591
420
85.2
4.2
0.0636
440
91.4
4.4
0.0685
460
98.2
4.6
0.0738
480
104.4
4.8
0.0788
42
CHAPTER 6: Results and Discusssions

Atterbergs limit test: (On parent soil)
43
From the experiment, we know Plastic limit (PL) = 17.64 %

From graph, Liquid limit (LL) = 36%
So, Plasticity Index (Ip) = LL PL = 36 17.64 = 18.36 %
By plotting graph between plasticity index and liquid limit, we know that
the soil type is clay of intermediate plasticity.
44
Standard Proctor Test:

1. Parent soil :
From graph, maximum dry density = 1.58 g/cc and optimum moisture
content = 18 %
45
2. Soil containing 0.25 % coir fibre
content= 18.5%
46
3. Soil containing 0.50 % coir fibre :
content= 19 %
47
content= 21 %
48
5. Soil containing 1 % coir fibre :
From graph, maximum dry density = 1.52 g/cc and optimum moisture content=
21 %
49
By analyzing the graph plotted between dry density and water content of
the soil, we can find out the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content
of the soil.
When percentage of coir fibre by dry weight of soil is increased, the
maximum dry density decreases and optimum moisture content increases and
vice-versa.
50
DIRECT SHEAR TEST:

Shear strength of the soil with various percentage of coir fibre by applying a
normal load of 0.5 kg/cm^2 are given below:1. Parent soil :
51
From graph,
Cohesion intercept = 0.13 kg/cm^2
Shear stress = 0.25 kg/cm^2
Angle of shearing resistance = 13 degree
So, shear strength = 0.13 + 0.25 * tan(13) = 0.188 kg/cm^2
52
2. Soil containing 0.25 % coir fibre:
53
From graph,

54
55
From graph,
56
57
From graph,
58
5. Soil containing 1% coir fibre :
59
From graph,
60
INCREASE IN SHEARING STRENGTH OF SOIL IN

TERMS OF PERCENTAGE:
% increase = {(0.210 0.188)/0.188}* 100 = 11.7 %

% increase = {(0.235 0.188)/0.188}* 100 = 25 %

% increase = {(0.308 0.188)/0.188}* 100 = 63.83 %

% increase = {(0.301 0.188)/0.188}* 100 = 60.12 %
61
From the above calculation, we know that when coir fibre is added to the soil, the
shearing strength of the soil is increased and by increasing the percentage of coir
fibre added to the soil, there is appreciable increased in the shearing strength of
the soil.
62
CONCLUSION:
The standard practice in road design is to assess the soil at the optimum moisture
content. Standard proctor compaction test was carried out for the selected soil
sample in the laboratory to determine the variation in moisture content with dry
density. From the curve of moisture content versus dry density, Optimum
moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MDD) of the parent soil was
obtained as 18% and 1.58 gm/cc.
Coir fibres at different proportions was mixed was soil to study the various
changes in optimum moisture content and maximum dry density. The optimum
moisture content is found to increase with the increase in the percentage of coir
fibre and correspondingly the maximum dry density is found to decrease. Increase
in fibre content from 0.25% to 1% increases the moisture content from 18.5% to
21%. And decrease in dry density from 1.565 gm/cc to 1.525 gm/cc. This is due
to the fact that the unit weight of the coir is considerably lower than the unit
weight of the soil replaced resulting in the reduction of maximum dry density of
the coir reinforced soil.
In addition to this, Direct shear test is also performed on the parent soil and soil
with different percentages of coir fibre. Shear strength value of 0.188kg/cm^2 is
obtained for the parent soil and for the soil containing 0.25%, 0.5%,0.75% and
1% coir fibre the values of the shear strength are 0.210 kg/cm^2, 0.235 kg/cm^2,
0.308 kg/cm^2, 0.301 kg/cm^2 respectively (for 0.5 kg/cm^2 normal load). The
increase in shear strength value is partly due to the resistance offered by the
adhesion between the soil grains and coir surface and also due to the friction
between the soil grains.
63
Thus, it may be concluded that the addition of coir fibre substantially increases
the shear strength of the weak subgrade soil. The subgrade stabilization can be
made more cost-effective by using fibrous coir waste from the coir industry and
adopting the technology particularly for the local rural roads in around the coir
and coir product manufacturing centres and factories in our country.
64
REFERENCE:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coir
2. http://esatjournals.org/Volumes/IJRET/2014V03/I05/IJRET20140305131
.pdf
3. https://www.scribd.com/doc/123204057/Thesis-For-PHD-in-Civil-Engg
4. http://www.ijeit.com/Vol%203/Issue%204/IJEIT1412201310_46.pdf
5. Soil mechanics and foundation engineering by Dr. K.R. Arora
65

Improvement of Soil Subgrade Characteristics Using Coir Fibre

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Improvement of Soil Subgrade Characteristics Using Coir Fibre

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LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY

Khangembam Sahendra Singh

Ms. Meghna Sharma

REFERENCES AND BIBLOGRAPHY... 65

CHAPTER 2: Literature Review

2.1 PROPERTIES OF COCONUT FIBRES

Table 1: Physical properties

Table 2: Mechanical properties

There are variations in properties of coconut fibers, and this makes it

their frequent use as construction material. The purpose of

Figure 3 shows stress-strain relationship for coconut fibers as reported by some

Ramakrishna and Sandararajan (2005b) investigated the variation in chemical

2.2 FIBRE REINFORCED SOIL AND ITS MECHANISM

Fig. Soil subjected to axial load

Fig. Formation of diagonal crack

Fig. Crack resisted by the fibers

2.3 COIR GEOTEXTILE AND ITS APPLICATIONS

Coir geotextiles with its Indianised connotation "Coir Bhoovastra", a generic

Application of coir geotextile

Embankments and slopes

CHAPTER 3: Field Study

Kundan Meshram et.al [3] Now-a-days, geotextiles are widely used in

CHAPTER 4: Materials and test procedure

Sl. no Properties of soil

Indian standard classification

Proctor test results

1. ATTREBERG LIMIT TEST:

Liquid limit test:

2. PROCTOR COMPACTION TEST:

4. A balance of 15 kg capacity, Sensitive balance, Straight edge, Graduated

3. DIRECT SHEAR TEST:

between two parts except sand/soil.

CHAPTER 5: Experimental Readings

(i) Liquid limit test

(ii) Plastic limit test

2. Proctor compaction test

For parent soil

For soil containing 0.25% coir fibre

For soil containing 0.5% coir fibre

For soil containing 0.75% coir fibre

For soil containing 1% coir fibre

3. Direct Shear Test:

Least count of horizontal guage division = 0.01mm

Shear stress = load/corrected area

Normal stress = 0.5 kg/cm^2

Normal stress = 1.0 kg/cm^2

Normal stress = 1.5 kg/cm^2

On soil containing 0.25% coir fibre

Normal stress = 0.5 kg/cm^2

Normal stress = 1.0 kg/cm^2

Normal stress = 1.5 kg/cm^2

On soil containing 0.5 % coir fibre

Normal stress = 0.5 kg/cm^2

Normal stress = 1.0 kg/cm^2

Normal stress = 1.5 kg/cm^2

On soil containing 0.75 % coir fibre

Normal stress = 0.5 kg/cm^2

Normal stress = 1.0 kg/cm^2

Normal stress = 1.5 kg/cm^2

On soil containing 1 % coir fibre

Normal stress = 0.5 kg/cm^2

Normal stress = 1.0 kg/cm^2

Normal stress = 1.5 kg/cm^2