Soil Stabilisation Fly Ash and Nylon

To Study the Stabilization of Black Cotton
Soil with Fly Ash and Nylon Fibers
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
Soil has been used as a construction material from time immortal. Being poor in mechanical properties, it has been putting
challenges to 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 behaviour of flyash and fiber reinforced soil and it has been
established beyond doubt that addition of fibre and flyash 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). Use of
natural material such as Flyash, Jute, coir, sisal and bamboo, as reinforcing materials in soil is prevalent for a long time and
they are abundantly used in many countries like India, Philippines, Bangladesh etc. The main advantages of these materials are
they are locally available and are very cheap. They are biodegradable and hence do not create disposal problem in
environment. Processing of these materials into a usable form is an employment generation activity in rural areas of these
countries. If these materials are used effectively, the rural economy can get uplift and also the cost of construction can be
reduced, if the material use leads to beneficial effects in engineering construction.
Black Cotton Soil BC soil is a highly plastic clayey soil. In dry state it is so hard that
the clods cannot be easily pulverized for treatment for its use in road construction.
This poses serious problems as regards to subsequent performance of the road.
Moreover, the softened sub grade has a tendency to up heave into the upper layers
of the pavement, especially when the sub-base consists of stone soling with lot of
voids. Gradual intrusion of wet BC soil invariably leads to failure of the road. The
roads laid on BC soil bases develop undulations at the road surface due to loss of
strength of the sub grade through softening during monsoon. Soaked laboratory CBR
values of Black Cotton soils are generally found in the range of 2 to 4%. Due to very
low CBR values on subgrade BC soil, excessive pavement thickness is required for
designing for flexible pavement. Research & Development (R&D) efforts have been
made for a long time to improve the strength characteristics of BC soil with new
technologies.
The entire pavement section would have to be removed and replaced to correct
embankment performance problems created by lack of strength or uniformity. It is
imperative that the embankment be built as strong, durable, uniform and
economical as possible. The most economical embankment is one that will perform
well for many decades, present methods to help achieve adequate stiffness,
strength, and uniformity for a given embankment soil. The procedure starts with a
good soil survey at the location so that proper design and construction procedures
can be included for the project. Efforts are therefore made to strengthen the
subgrade
soil
by
mechanical
stabilization
or
soil-cement,
lime-flyash
or
geosynthetics to improve its performance. One of the latest techniques is the soil
reinforcement. Soil reinforcement is an effective and reliable technique for
improving strength and stability of the soil.
It is a well-known fact that water is the worst enemy of road pavement, particularly
in expansive soil areas. Water penetrates into the road pavement from three side
viz. top surface, side
beams
and from
sub grade
due
to
capillary
action.
Therefore, road specifications in expansive soil areas must take these factors into
consideration. The road surfacing must be impervious, side beams paved and sub
grade well treated to check capillary rise of water. It has been found during handling
of various road investigation project assignments for assessing causes of road
failures that water has got easy access into the pavement. It saturates the sub
grade soil and thus lowers its bearing capacity, ultimately resulting in heavy
depressions and settlement. In the base course layers comprising of Water Bound
Macadam (WBM), water lubricates the binding material and makes the mechanical
interlock unstable. In the top bituminous surfacing, raveling, stripping and cracking
develop due to water stagnation and its seepage into these layers. The typical
cracks formed in black cotton soil in dried state are shown
in photo 1.1. and the failure of highway constructed on black cotton soil is shown in
photo 1.2.
Photo 1.1: Typical Cracks in Black Cotton Soil in a Dried State
Photo 1.2 Black Cotton Soil failure on

Highway
Design and construction of pavement over weak expansible kind of soil is quite
challengeable
and problematic for engineers.
One
category
of commercial
construction aids for soil improvement is geosynthetics. Geosynthetics include a

large variety of products composed of polymers and are designed to solve many
geotechnical and transportation problems. Geosynthetics, as applied to flexible
pavement systems, have been widely used in recent years. Geosynthetics
reinforcement is typically placed in the interface between the aggregate base course
and the subgrade. Geosynthetics perform
at least one of five functions:
separation, reinforcement, filtration, drainage, and containment.

Fiber inclusion, a type of geosynthetics, to improve the properties of compacted soil
is becoming increasingly common in engineering projects. There are number of soil
improvement techniques. These include stabilization of soil by lime, cement, lime
and cement, bitumen, chemicals etc. Fly ash is also used to stabilize the black
cotton soil. Fly ash is abundantly available as thermal power station waste and
is hazardous if not disposed scientifically. Pavement construction is one of the
major area in which a large quantity of fly ash could be effectively utilized.
The presence of small amount of fibres in soil enhances soil strength and reduces
swell shrink behavior of soil. Using fibres reinforcement in sub grades can increase
safety coefficient of embankment stability and also decrease displacements.
Furthermore, if the weak sub grade is stabilized or reinforced, the crust thickness
required will be less, which results in less repairs and overall economy. As it is
known, in road construction, one of the most significant parameters for designing
road sub grades is CBR value. In some projects, because of soft clay soils, CBR value
is low, thus different methods such as reinforcing with fibres are used to
improve soil behavioral characteristics.
Randomly distributed discrete fiber reinforced soil, called ply-soil, and is similar to
admixture stabilization in its preparation. The discrete fibers are simply added and
mixed randomly with soil, much the same way as cement, lime and other additives.
One of the main advantages of randomly distributed fibers is the maintenance
of strength isotropy and the absence of potential planes of weakness that can
develop parallel to oriented reinforcement (Gray and Maher 1989; Maher 1988).
Randomly oriented fibers incorporated in to granular soil improve its load
deformation behavior by interacting with the soil particles mechanically through
surface friction (bond) and also by interlocking and not creating any internal forces
at molecular levels. The function of the bond or interlock is to transfer the stress
from the soil to the tensile inclusions, and to mobilize their tensile strength and
impart this resisting force to the soil, thus reducing the strains induced in reinforced
soil, which led to the improvement in the load carrying capacity of the soil. Thus,
fiber reinforced soil can be used as a soil reinforcement technique with respect to
embankment, subgrade, sub-base, and other such problems.
Randomly distributed discrete fiber reinforced soil is a composite material with
improved engineering behavior. Shear strength of the soil will improves significantly
due to addition of discrete fibers, both synthetic and natural. It has been established
that load deformation characteristics of soil can be improved by inclusion of fibers.
Fiber reinforced soil exhibits greater extensibility and small loss of peak strength i.e.
greater ductility in the composite material as compared to unreinforced soil or soil
reinforced with high modulus inclusions. Further, randomly distributed fibers mixed
soil is advantageous since it maintains strength isotropy with the absence of

potential planes of weakness, which may develop parallel to the oriented
reinforcement. Suitability of RDFRS as subgrade/sub-base material may be assessed
in terms of its shear strength characteristics and CBR values.
Thus from the above discussion it may be inferred that a combination of fly ash and
fibres should be attempted to improve the poor expansive soils like the black cotton
soil which is commonly found in many parts of our country. Studies indicate that
about 20 to 40 % of fly ash use in problematic soil improves the engineering
behavior of the soil. Also, the studies indicate that 1 to 3 percent use of fibre in soil
subgrade enhance the properties of the soil, but there is not any study conducted
using both the fly ash and fiber and found out the combined effect of them on
properties of problematic soils. Also the addition of fibres in soil also increases the
cost of construction thus the concentration of fibre used should be minimum and fly
ash is a waste from thermal power plants, abundantly available and it should get
disposed technically to reduce environmental hazard can be used in excess quantity
in construction. Thus an attempt is made to investigate the effects of fly ash and
fiber inclusion in Black cotton soil and found out the optimum quantity of Nylon fiber
and fly ash.
1.2 Objectives of the study
The present study was under taken with the following objectives:
To study the effect of varying percentage of fly ash on properties of Black
Cotton Soil.
To study the effect of varying percentage of Nylon Fiber at varying aspect
ratios on properties of Black Cotton Soil.

To study the combined effect of varying percentage of optimum quantity of fly
ash and optimum quantity of Nylon fiber at various aspect ratio on properties of
Black Cotton Soil.
To study the variation of Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, Plasticity Index, Dry density,
OMC, CBR (Soaked) of clayey soil with and without fly ash with different fiber
concentration and aspect ratio.
To determine optimum percentage quantity of fly ash and optimum value of
fiber aspect ratio and fiber content.
To determine the effect of optimum nylon fibre and fly ash on varying depth of
subgrade.
1.3 Outline of the Thesis

The complete thesis has been arranged in Six chapters.
Chapter-1 deals with the introduction of Black Cotton Soil, fly ash and fibers
reinforced soils. The objectives of the present study are also listed.
Chapter-2 presents the review of literature on experimental investigations. This
chapter deals with the various laboratory, and semi field studies on fly ash treated
subgrade and randomly distributed fiber reinforced soils carried out in India and
abroad.
Chapter-3 describes the details of methodology, steps adopted and experimental
programmed and properties of material used. The selections of tests are also
described with the description of equipment used; methods of preparing samples
and testing procedures are given in details.
Chapter-4 brings out the test results obtained in chapter-3 in the form of graphs
and tables. Analysis and discussion of results has also been reported.
Chapter-5 brings out the Conclusions and recommendations drawn from this study.
Chapter-6 provides the list of references used in this study for review
of literature.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
M. Bagra (Aug 2013) In this experimental study was conducted on locally available
(Doimukh, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India) soil reinforced with Jute fiber. In this
study the soil samples were prepared at its maximum dry density corresponding to its
optimum moisture content in the CBR mould with and without reinforcement. The
percentage of Jute fiber by dry weight of soil was taken as 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and
1%. In the present investigation the lengths of fiber was taken as 30 mm, 60 mm and
90 mm and two different diameters, 1 mm and 2 mm were considered for each fiber
length. Tests result indicates that CBR value of soil increases with the increase in fiber
content. It was also observed that increasing the length and diameter of fiber further
increases the CBR value of reinforced soil and this increase is substantial at fiber
content of 1 % for 90 mm fiber length having diameter 2 mm.Thus there is significant
increase in CBR value of soil reinforced with Jute fiber and this increase in CBR value
will substantially reduce the thickness of pavement subgrade.
H.P. Singh (Oct 2012) Studied soil reinforcement with jute geotextile layers. The Jute Geotextile
layers are arranged within the soil sample in different combination such as 1 layer, 2 layers, 3
layers, 4 layers etc. and laoratory CBR values were determined in both soaked and unsoaked
conditions corresponding to each combination of reinforcing layer .Further, these test results were
compared with that of unreinforced soil. It was observed that inclusion of Jute Geotextile layer
increases the CBR value of soil and this increase is maximum corresponding to 4 layers of Jute
Geotextile layers. Thus there is a significant increase in CBR value of soil due to inclusion of Jute
Geotextile layers as a reinforcement.
A K Choudhary et al (Dec 2010) In this study disposal of an industrial waste like
flyash produced from burning of coals in thermal power stations requires a large
land area. The decreasing availability of good construction site has led to the
increased use of low lying areas filled up with industrial wastes whose bearing
capacity is low. In-situ treatment of such industrial waste fills; in order to improve
their bearing capacity with reinforcements is a good alternative to other
conventional methods of stabilization. In comparison with systematically reinforced

soil, randomly distributed discrete fibre reinforced soil mimics soil stabilization by
admixture and exhibit some advantages. A series of tri-axial tests were conducted
with specimens of both plain as well as fly ash reinforced with fibres (polyethylene)
having different aspect ratios and fibre content (0.25- 1.0% of dry weight of fly ash).
Inclusion of reinforcement in general increased shear strength of flyash.
Anjan Kumar M. et al (2009) Analyse that, Cyclic load testing and heave
measurements on flexible pavement system are carried out for all the test stretches
viz; flyash subbase, lime-stabilized flyash subbase, cementstabilized flyash subbase
and lime-cement stabilized flyash subbase stretches, laid on expansive soil subgrade
and treated flyash subbases were compared with untreated flyash subbase. Load
tests are carried out on the field stretches each of size 3 m long, 1 m wide and 0.5 m
depth by placing a circular metal plate on flexible pavement. The study revealed that
limecement combination could be the potential alternative to the rest of stabilizers.
Nilo Cesar Consoli (Jan 2002) This study reflects that plastic wastes can be used in stabilization of
soil which is concluded from various tests conducted on fiber reinforced soil with varying fiber
content and different aspect ratio and profound analysis of their results depicts that it can be used in
the fields. In this the Plastic strips which are collected for stabilization of soil were mixed randomly
with the soil. With this a series of California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were carried out randomly
reinforced soil in which the percentage of plastic strips with varying percentage of plastic strips
with different lengths and proportions were carried on. And the results and conclusion were
summed up which shows that use of plastic in soil in an appropriate amount really aids in
improving the strength of soil and also helps in modification of soil properties which might be in
term of strength of sub grade soil.
Murtaza, G. et al (1988) Explains, the experiments are being carried out to improve
the load bearing characteristics of flyash with the help of geofabrics. This reinforced
flyash will be specially useful for the construction of road and railway embankments,
particularly where extensive fillings are needed. After a detailed study of different
types of woven and non-woven fabrics, Madura Coats (type 3C) was selected for the
experimental studies. Different laboratory tests, including California Bearing Ratio and
triaxial tests, were conducted for unreinforced as well as reinforced and treated flyash
to compare the behaviour of load bearing characteristics. The results are promising
and it will be possible to ascertain a procedure for the use of reinforced and treated
flyash in different civil engineering works economically.
2.1 Advantages of using fly ash for road construction
Fly ash is a lightweight material, as compared to commonly used fill material
(local soils), therefore, causes lesser settlements. It is especially attractive for
embankment construction over weak subgrade such as alluvial clay or silt where
excessive weight could cause failure.
Fly ash embankments can be compacted over a wide range of moisture content,
and therefore, results in less variation in density with changes in moisture content.
Easy to handle and compact because the material is light and there are no large
lumps to be broken down. Can be compacted using either vibratory or static rollers.
High permeability ensures free and efficient drainage. After rainfall, water
gets drained out freely ensuring better workability than soil. Work on fly ash
fills/ embankments can be restarted within a few hours after rainfall, while in
case of soil it requires much longer period.
Considerable low compressibility results in negligible subsequent settlement

within the fill.
Conserves good earth, which is precious topsoil, thereby protecting the
environment.
Higher value of California Bearing Ratio as compared to soil provides

for a more efficient design of road pavement.
Pozzolanic hardening property imparts additional strength to the road
pavements/ Embankments and decreases the post construction horizontal

pressure on retaining walls.
Amenable to stabilisation with lime and cement.
Can replace a part of cement and sand in concrete pavements thus making
them more economical than roads constructed using conventional materials.
Fly ash admixed concrete can be prepared with zero slump making it
amenable for use as roller compacted concrete.
Considering all these advantages, it is extremely essential to promote use of

fly ash for construction of roads and embankments.
(i) Economy in use of fly ash

Use of fly ash in road works results in reduction in construction cost by about
10 to 20 per cent. Typically cost of borrow soil varies from about Rs.100 to 200 per
cubic metre. Fly ash is available free of cost at the power plant and hence only
transportation cost, laying and rolling cost are there in case of fly ash. Hence, when
fly ash is used as a fill material, the economy achieved is directly related to
transportation cost of fly ash. If the lead distance is less, considerable savings in
construction cost
can
be achieved. Similarly,
the use of fly ash
in pavement
construction results in significant savings due to savings in cost of road aggregates.

If environmental degradation costs due to use of precious top soil and aggregates
from borrow areas quarry sources and loss of fertile agricultural land due to ash
deposition etc. the actual savings achieved will be much higher and fly ash use will
be justified even for lead distances up to say 100 km.
(ii) Environmental Impact of Fly ash Use
Utilisation of fly ash will not only minimize the disposal problem but will also
help in utilizing precious land in a better way. Construction of road embankments
using fly ash, involves encapsulation of fly ash in earthen core or with RCC facing
panels. Since there is no seepage of rain water into the fly ash core, leaching of
heavy metals is also prevented. When fly ash is used in concrete, it chemically
reacts with cement and reduces any leaching effect. Even when it is used in
stabilisation work, a similar chemical reaction takes place which binds fly ash
particles. Hence chances of pollution due to use of fly ash in road works are
negligible.
(iii) Characterisation of fly ash
Engineering and chemical properties of Indian ashes of various power plants
tested at CRRI have been found to be favourable to construction of roads and
embankments. Properties of fly ash from different power plants vary and therefore it
is recommended that characterisation of ash proposed to be used should be
conducted to establish the design parameters. The properties of ash depend
primarily on type of coal and its pulverisation, burning rate and temperature,
method of collection, etc. The significant properties of fly ash that must be
considered when it is used for construction of road embankments are gradation,
compaction
characteristics, shear strength, compressibility and permeability
properties. Individual fly ash particles are spherical in shape, generally solid, though
sometimes hollow. Fly ash possesses a silty texture and its specific gravity would be
in the range of 2.2 to 2.4, which is less than natural soils. Fly ash is a non- plastic
material.
Zach Thomas (2002) carried out the experiments to found out the effects of
adding fly ash to soil were evaluated in some common soil tests. When fly ash and
soil are mixed and compacted immediately, the fly ash causes the mixture to have a
higher dry unit weight, by filling in voids with ash particles. As a soil-fly ash mixture
sits uncompacted, flocculation and agglomeration of the soil particles occurs as the
fly ash sets up. This compaction delay time causes the compacted unit weight and
strength gain to decrease, especially after the ash sets. Fly ash addition can also
increase the freeze/thaw durability of a soil. Strength gain of soil-fly ash mixtures is
also affected by curing temperature. Below freezing, 32F (0C), the mixtures gain
no strength, while the strength gain increases as curing temperature increases. Fly
ashes with high sulphur content react with the clay minerals and water in soil to
form expansive materials, which break the mixture up, resulting in no long term
strength gain, but low sulphur ashes have
shown large strength gain in just over two years of curing. Fly ash can also be
added to extremely wet soil to dry it out, while, at the same time, increasing the
strength of the soil. The engineering properties of fly ash stabilized soil prove fly ash
can be useful as a soil stabilizer.
2.2 Methods of Reinforcement

Vidals concept of reinforced earth led to rapid development in the field all over the world.
Many materials were used for soil reinforcement, either in the form of strips, sheets, grids, bars or
fibers with smooth or rough surface and relatively low or high stiffness. McGowan et al (1978)
classified the reinforcement in to two major categories, namely the soil reinforced with ideally
inextensible inclusions (like metal strips and bars) known as reinforced earth, and the soil
reinforced with ideally extensible inclusion (natural and synthetic fibers, plant roots, polymeric
fabric) known as Ply soil. The short fibre reinforced soils comes in the category of extensible
inclusions (Ply soil). The inextensible inclusions may experience the rupture strains less than the
maximum tensile strength in the soil without inclusions, under same operating stress condition.
whereas extensible inclusions may have rupture strains larger than the tensile strains in soil
without inclusions (McGowan et al., 1978). The concept of fibre reinforcement is analogous to
reinforcement of soil with plant roots. The effect of root reinforcement on shear strength and
stability of natural slope has been reported by several investigators (Gray, 1970, Wu and Erb,
1988). It has been reported that the plant roots significantly improve the shear strength of soils
and the stability of slopes. The extent of increase in shear strength of root reinforced soil was
found to depend upon the properties and concentration of roots. The relative increase in strength
was observed from 98 % to 290 % with varying concentration of roots from 0.20 % to 1.0 % of
different types of plant roots (Waldron, 1977). Analogous to the effect of roots in soil
reinforcement, many studies have reported the use of fibres in soil reinforcement.
3. METHODOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM

3.1 Methodology adopted
The literature survey of previous studies is done to find out the factors
that should be considered for modeling of fiber reinforced subgrade with
flyash.
The experimental program will be planned to carryout various tests on subgrade soils.
Table 3.1 Steps carried out for the experimental work showing different
combinations of materials and the tests conducted.
Material
Raw soil or Black Cotton soil only
Tests conducted
Specific Gravity
Consistency Indices
Black Cotton Soil with Fly ash

Black Cotton Soil with 10 % Fly ash
Modified Proctors Test (Heavy Compaction)

CBR Test (Soaked)
Specific Gravity
Consistency Indices
CBR Test (Soaked)
Specific Gravity
Consistency Indices
CBR Test (Soaked)
Specific Gravity
Consistency Indices
CBR Test (Soaked)
Specific Gravity
Consistency Indices
Specific Gravity
Consistency Indices
CBR Test (Soaked)
Specific Gravity
Consistency Indices
CBR Test (Soaked)
Specific Gravity
Consistency Indices

CBR Test (Soaked)
From the results of above performed tests, the Optimum flyash percentage having the maximum
CBR value is selected for next step of the experiment.
Black Cotton Soil with Optimum Quantity of Fly ash and Randomly Distributed Nylon Fiber
percentage with Aspect ratio (L/D) of 20, 40, 60 and 80.
Aspect Ratio (L/D) 20

Black Cotton Soil with Optimum Quantity of Fly ash and
0.25 percent Nylon Fiber

CBR Test (Soaked)

Aspect Ratio (L/D) 40


CBR Test (Soaked)

Black Cotton Soil with Optimum Quantity of Fly ash
and
1.25 percent
Fiber
Black
Cotton Nylon
Soil with
Optimum Quantity of Fly ash
and
Aspect Ratio
(L/D) 60

and
0.25
Fiber
Blackpercent
Cotton Nylon
Soil with
and
0.50 percent
Fiber
Black
Cotton Nylon
Soil with
and
Modified Proctors Test (Heavy
0.75 percent
Fiber
Black
Cotton Nylon
Soil with
and
Compaction) CBR Test

(Soaked)
1.00 percent
Fiber
Black
Cotton Nylon
Soil with
and
1.25 percent
Fiber
Black
Cotton Nylon
Soil with
and
Aspect Ratio
(L/D) 80

and
and
and
Modified Proctors Test (Heavy

Compaction) CBR Test
(Soaked)
Black
Black Cotton
Cotton Soil
Soil with
with Optimum
Optimum Quantity
Quantity of
of Fly
Fly ash
ash
and
and
3.2 Material Used

The different materials used in the present investigation are described as follows:
3.2.1 Soil:Soil is an accumulation or deposit of earth material, derived naturally from the
disintegration of rocks or decay of vegetation that can be excavated readily with power
equipment in the field or disintegrated by gentle mechanical means in the laboratory. The
supporting soil beneath pavement and its special under courses is called sub grade. Undisturbed
soil beneath the pavement is called natural sub grade. Compacted sub grade is the soil compacted
by controlled movement of heavy compactors.
Desirable properties
The desirable properties of sub grade soil as a highway material are
Stability
Incompressibility
Permanency of strength
Minimum changes in volume and stability under adverse conditions of weather and
ground water
Good drainage, and
Ease of compaction
The soil used in this investigation is an expansive clay, one type of most problematic soil for
subgrade constructions is used in this research work which is locally available Black Cotton Soil
collected from Vidisha, (M.P.)
3.1.2 Fly ash:Fly ash is one of the residues generated in the combustion of coal. Fly ash is generally captured
from the chimneys of coal-fired power plants, and is one of two types of ash that jointly are
known as coal ash; the other, bottom ash, is removed from the bottom of coal furnaces.
Depending upon the source and makeup of the coal being burned, the components of fly ash
vary considerably, but all fly ash includes substantial amounts of silicon dioxide (SiO2) (both
amorphous and crystalline) and calcium oxide (CaO), both being endemic ingredients in many
coal bearing rock strata. The fly ash used in this research work is collected from Sarni Thermal
Power Plant, M.P. India.
3.1.2.1 Chemical composition and classification

Fly ash material solidifies while suspended in the exhaust gases and is collected by electrostatic
precipitators or filter bags. Since the particles solidify while suspended in the exhaust gases, fly
ash particles are generally spherical in shape and range in size from 0.5 m to 100 m. They
consist mostly of silicon dioxide (SiO2), which is present in two forms:
amorphous, which is rounded and smooth, and crystalline, which is sharp, pointed and
hazardous; aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and iron oxide (Fe2O3). Fly ashes are generally highly
heterogeneous, consisting of a mixture of glassy particles with various identifiable
crystallinephases such as quartz, mullite, and various iron oxides.
Photo 3.1 Fly ash of Sarni Power Plant, M.P. used in research work.
Two classes of fly ash are defined by ASTM C618: Class F fly ash and Class C fly ash. The
chief difference between these classes is the amount of calcium, silica, alumina, and iron content
in the ash. The chemical properties of the fly ash are largely influenced by the Chemical
content of the coal burned (i.e., anthracite, bituminous, and lignite)
The particle size distribution of raw fly ash is very often fluctuating constantly, due to changing
performance of the coal mills and the boiler performance. This makes it necessary that fly ash
used in concrete needs to be processed using separation equipment like mechanical air
classifiers. Especially important is the ongoing quality verification. This is mainly expressed by
quality control seals like the Bureau of Indian Standards mark
3.2.3 Fiber:The synthetic fiber using in the present investigation is Nylon fiber. A manufactured fiber in
which the fiber forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polyamide in which less than 85%
of the amide-linkages are attached directly (-CO-NH-) to two aliphatic groups.
A synthetic thermoplastic fiber (Nylon melts/glazes easily at relatively low temperatures)
Round, smooth, and shiny filament fibers, cross sections can be either
Trilobal to imitate silk
Multilobal to increase staple like appearance and hand
Its most widely used structures are multifilament, monofilament, staple or tow and is
available as partially drawn or as finished filaments.
Regular nylon has a round cross section and is perfectly uniform. The filaments are
generally completely transparent unless they have been delustered or solution dyed. Thus, they
are microscopically recognized as glass rods.
Molecular chains of nylon are long and straight variations but have no side chains or
linkages.
Cold drawing (step 18 on the model) can align the chains so they are oriented
with the lengthwise direction and are highly crystalline.

Nylon is related chemically to the protein fibers silk and wool. They both have
similar dye sites but nylon has many fewer dye sites than wool.
The Nylon Fibre used in research work of 0.40 mm diameter is shown in figure 3.1 (a) in skein
form and figure 3.1 (b) in discrete form.
Photo 3.2 (a) Nylon fiber of 0.40 mm diameter in skein form.
Photo 3.2 (b) Nylon fibers used for the experiment of 0.40 mm Diameter in discreet form.
3.1.2.1 Characteristics:
Variation of luster: nylon has the ability to be very lustrous, semi lustrous or dull.
Durability: its high tenacity fibers are used for seatbelts, tire cords, ballistic cloth and
other uses.
High elongation, excellent abrasion resistance, highly resilient (nylon fabrics are heat-set)
Paved the way for easy-care garments, High resistance to insects, fungi and animals,
molds, mildew, rot, many chemicals
Used in carpets and nylon stockings, Melts instead of burning
Used in many military applications, Good specific strength
3.2 Selection of Test

The main objective of the present investigation is to determine the change in the strength
and properties of poorly graded fine sand and low compressible clay with addition of varying
Flyash content and varying fiber concentration.
The Procters test was carried out to determine the effect of flyash and fiber content
on dry density and optimum moisture content (OMC). These values of dry density and OMC
will be used in subsequent experiments.
The thickness of a flexible pavement will be determined from CBR values of Subgrade
Soil, IRC: 37:2001 has given certain guidelines regarding CBR tests and this test was conducted
under Soaked (four days) condition. Unconfined compression strength test is a special form of
triaxial test when no confining pressure acts on the specimen. This test is performed to determine
the modulus of Elasticity (E), which is a strength parameter required in design of pavement using
layers analysis.
3.3 Laboratory testing and Specimen Preparation

The section describes in detail the plan of experimental program carried out to study the
behavior of randomly distributed nylon fiber and flyash reinforced soils. The influence of
aspect ratio, fiber concentration and flyash content on dry density, optimum moisture content
(OMC), confining pressure and CBR value evaluated through Proctors Test, California Bearing
Ratio (CBR) Test and Unconfined Compression tests. The testing procedure and specimen
preparation
are explained briefly below:
3.3.1 Compaction Test

Objective: To obtain the moisture content dry density relationship for a soil and hence to
determine the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density.
Introduction: Soil compaction can be a very economical method of soil improvement, and it is
often used to make ground suitable for the foundations of roads and buildings. It is also used in
the placing of soil fills and in the construction of earth dams to ensure suitable soil properties.
The compaction is normally achieved through the input of energy into the soil by impact,
kneading, vibration or static means.
Procedure: About 4.8 kg of the soil is provided that it will pass through a No. 4 sieve. The soil
sample should be mixed with water and placed in the standard mould provided in
proximately equal layers.
Each layer is to be compacted with 56 blows from a special
compaction hammer. When the mould is full the weight of soil should be measured and then two
moisture content samples should be taken for drying in the oven. The volume of the mould is
should be checked by measurements of cylinder height and diameter. The remaining soil should
be removed from the mould, broken down until it will again pass a No. 4 sieve (determine
visually), remixed with more water added, and then re-compacted into the mould.
The compaction test should be repeated five times with the assumed moisture content used in
calculations to ensure that the dry density versus moisture content plot has points on both sides of
the optimum moisture content. This assumed dry density and moisture content plot that must be
produced during the session, will later be replaced in the report by a plot with the
calculations based upon the average of the moisture contents measured with the sample tins.
3.3.2 California Bearing Ratio Test

3.3.2.1 OBJECTIVE: To determine the California bearing ratio by conducting a load
penetration test in the laboratory.
3.3.2.2 NEED AND SCOPE: The California bearing ratio test is penetration test meant for the
evaluation of subgrade strength of roads and pavements. The results obtained by these tests are
used with the empirical curves to determine the thickness of pavement and its component layers.
This is the most widely used method for the design of flexible pavement. This instruction sheet
covers the laboratory method for the determination of C.B.R. of undisturbed and remolded
compacted soil specimens, both in soaked as well as unsoaked state.
3.3.2.3 Equipments and tool required.
1. Cylindrical mould with inside dia 150 mm and height 175 mm, provided with a detachable
extension collar 50 mm height and a detachable perforated base plate 10 mm thick.
2. Spacer disc 148 mm in dia and 47.7 mm in height along with handle.
3. Metal rammers - Weight 2.6 kg with a drop of 310 mm (or) weight 4.89 kg a drop 450 mm.
4. Weights - One annular metal weight and several slotted weights weighing 2.5 kg each, 147
mm in dia, with a central hole 53 mm in diameter.
5. Loading machine - With a capacity of at least 5000 kg and equipped with a movable head or
base that travels at an uniform rate of 1.25 mm/min. Complete with load indicating device.
6. Metal penetration piston 50 mm dia and minimum of 100 mm in length.
7. Two dial gauges reading to 0.01 mm.
8. Sieves - 4.75 mm and 20 mm I.S. Sieves.
9. Miscellaneous apparatus, such as a mixing bowl, straight edge, scales soaking tank or pan,
drying oven, filter paper and containers
3.3.2.4 Test Procedure

Take a 35 kg sample at every third group index sample location, spacing may be
increased on projects where the material is found to be very uniform. The district materials
engineer or his designate will advise on the spacing of sampling.
Extreme care must be taken to ensure the sample is not contaminated with prepared Subgrade
material (top 5 - 15 cm). Take a group index sample and C.B.R. sample from the same hole. The
group index sample is taken first, then enlarge the hole to obtain the C.B.R. sample. Ensure neither
sample is contaminated from loose surface materials.
Record control section, station and offset at which the sample was taken on two tags. Place
one tag inside the bag and attach the other to the outside of the bag. Keep samples dry
while stored in the field and transport to the district lab at earliest opportune time. A special trip
is not required.
Photo 3.3 - California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Testing Apparatus
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 General
In the present study, Specific Gravity Test, Consistency Indices (Liquid Limit (LL), Plastic Limit
(PL), and Plasticity Index (PI)), Modified Proctors Test, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
Tests were conducted on the Black Cotton Soil (Highly Clayey Soil) first by mixing with varying
percentage of fly ash to stabilize the soil and then the varying percent of fly ash at which the
maximum CBR is gained is selected for the next step of the experiment. The optimum percentage
of fly ash at which maximum CBR is achieved is then selected and gets reinforced with varying
percentage of synthetic Nylon fiber. Among these varying percentages of the reinforcement the
optimum quantity of fiber required to get maximum strength is known. After that the depth of
reinforcement is varied on premix fly ash and Black cotton soil mix and the changes in
engineering properties are determined. For better understanding of the experiment the results are
presented in the graphical form and where possible in tabular forms. The initial properties of
black cotton soil used in research work are shown in Table 4.1
Table 4.1 - Properties and Classification of Black Cotton Soil (Clayey Soil)
Specific Gravity
2.55
Grain Size Distribution

Sand (%)
7.80
Silt and Clay (%)
92.20
Natural Moisture Content (%)
40.5
3
Maximum Dry Density (gm/cm )
O.M.C. (%)
1.57
Liquid Limit (%)
71.20
Plastic Limit (%)
30.50
Plasticity Index (%)
40.70
CBR (%)
1.71 (Soaked)
IS Classification
CH
18
S. No.
Property
Value
Dry Density (d)
1300 to 1800 kg/m
Sand (%)
70 to 100%
3.
2 Fraction
20 to 60 %
4.
Liquid Limit (%)
71.20
5.
Plastic Limit (%)
30.50
6.
Plasticity Index (%)
40.70
7.
Soil Classification
CH
8.
Specific Gravity (G)
2.55
9.
Proctor Density
1350 to 1600 kg/m
10.
Max. Dry Density O.M.C.
20 to 35 %.
Free Swell Index
40 to 180%
12.
Swelling Pressure
50 to 800 kN/m
13.
C.B.R. (Soaked)
1.2 to 4.0
14.
Compression Index
1.
2.
11.
0.2 to 0.5
Figure 4.1 MDD and OMC graph for Black Cotton Soil
Figure 4.2 CBR Graph plotted for Black Cotton Soil
4.2 Specific Gravity Tests

The Specific gravity tests were carried out to determine the specific gravity of the raw Black
Cotton Soil and the Black Cotton soil with varying percentage of fly ash. The results are shown
in Table-. From table it is clear that the specific gravity value of B.C. Soil is 2.56, but as the
percentage of fly ash is increases the specific gravity value of the mix decreases gradually. It
should be due to the reason that the specific gravity of the fly ash is low in comparison to B.C.
Soil and as the percentage of fly ash increases the specific gravity of soil mix get reduced.
Table 4.2 - Specific gravity of B.C. Soil and Soil with varying fly ash percentages
Soil Sample
Specific Gravity
Black Cotton Soil
2.55
10 % Fly ash + Black Cotton Soil
2.48
2.44
2.42
2.40
2.33
2.29
2.22
4.3 Consistency Indices

Consistency tests were carried out to determine the Liquid Limit (LL), Plastic Limit (PL) and
then Plasticity Index (PI) of raw Black Cotton and Black cotton soil treated with varying
percentage of fly ash. The Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index are shown in Table4.3.
Initially the Liquid limit, Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index of B.C.Soil are 71.20%,
30.50% and 40.70 respectively. Which is very high and the soil having these properties
cannot be used in a highway construction especially in subgrade.
The B.C.Soil mixed with 10 % of fly ash has Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit and Plasticity
Index as 54.50, 28.20 & 26.30 respectively.
Index as 53.10 27.60 and 25.50 respectively
Index as 49.40, 26.0 and 23.40 respectively
Index as 48.50 , 25.35 and 23.15 respectively
Index as 47.70 24.90 and 22.80 respectively
The rate of reduction in Plasticity Index value is very high when the clayey soil mixed with
increasing percentages of fly ash.
Table 4.3 Consistency indices of B.C. Soil and B.C.Soil with varying percentage of fly ash.
Consistency
Liquid Limit (LL)
Plastic Limit (PL)
Plasticity Index (PI)
Indices
71.20
30.50
40.70
Black Cotton Soil
B.C. Soil with Flyash

10 % Fly ash +
54.50
28.20
26.30
Black Cotton Soil

15 % Fly ash +
53.10
27.60
25.50
Black Cotton Soil

20 % Fly ash +
49.40
26.0
23.40
Black Cotton Soil

25 % Fly ash +
48.50
25.35
23.15
Black Cotton Soil

30 % Fly ash +
Black Cotton Soil
47.70
24.90
22.80
35 % Fly ash +
46.40
24.0
22.40
45.50
23.60
21.90
Black Cotton Soil

40 % Fly ash +
Black Cotton Soil
(a) Black Cotton Soil and Fly ash
(b) Nylon
Fibre
Photo 4.1 Picture of Soil, Fly ash (a) and Nylon fiber (b) used in
experiments.
There is huge reduction in Consistency Indices as compared to the initial properties of
B.C. Soil. The Liquid Limit reduced from 71.20% to 45.50 %, Plastic Limit reduced from
30.50 % to 23.60 and Plasticity Index from 40.70 % to 21.90. These huge variations in
consistency indices are due to composition of fly ash only.
4.4 Proctors Compaction Test (Modified)

IS heavy compaction tests were carried out to determine the Maximum Dry Density (MDD)
and optimum moisture content (OMC) for subgrade soil and for the soil stabilized with
varying percentages of fly ash, and Soil-Flyash mix with different fiber (Nylon Fiber)
aspect ratio and varying fiber percentages. The maximum dry density and optimum moisture
content for Black Cotton Soil (Clayey Soil), Black cotton soil mixed with varying
percentages of fly ash ranges from 10 percent to 40 percent and then Black cotton soil mixed
with 20 percent fly ash and varying fiber aspect ratio of 20, 40, 60, 80 with varying fiber
concentration of 0.25 %, 0.50 %, 0.75 %, 1.00 %, 1.25 % and 1.50 % by dry weight is
shown in Table 4.4 to 4.9 .From the experiments results it is found that initially when the
raw Black Cotton Soil undergoes the modified heavy compaction test the maximum dry
3
density value achieved is 1.57 gm/cm at an optimum moisture content of 18 %.

-When 1 0 % fly ash is mixed with clayey soil the maximum dry density value achieved
3
is 1.83 gm/cm at an optimum moisture content of 16.70 %.

When 1 5 % fly ash is mixed with clayey soil the maximum dry density value achieved is
3
1.83 gm/cm at an optimum moisture content of 16.97 %.
3

3
1.86 gm/cm at an optimum moisture content of 17.48%.

3

3

3
1.85 gm/cm at an optimum moisture content of 17.93%.

When fly ash is mixed with clayey soil the maximum dry density of the treated soil get
3
enhanced and comes in the range of 1.85 - 1.90 gm/ cm at optimum moisture content of
range 16.70 - 17.93 % and also there is reduction in optimum moisture content of the soil.
Among these varying fly ash percentages from 10 percent to 40 percent, 20 percentage ratio
is selected for the next step of the experiment in which these 20% fly ash and soil mix will
undergoes tests at varying fiber aspect ratio and fiber concentration. From the outcome of the
Proctors Compaction test it is found out that the maximum dry density of the sample
after certain limit it starts gradually decreasing with increase in fiber concentration. These
decreases in maximum dry density are due to lower density of the nylon fiber than the clayey
soil particles. The results of Modified Proctor Test on B.C. Soil and Soil with varying
percentage of fly ash are shown in Table-4.4 below.
Table 4.4 Modified Proctors Test Results for Clayey Soil, Clayey Soil treated
with varying percentages of fly ash.
Material
MDD (gm/cc)
OMC (%)
Black Cotton Soil

(Clayey Soil)
1.57
18
Black Cotton Soil + Fly ash

B. C. Soil + 10 % Fly ash
1.83
16.70
1.85
16.97
1.90
17.38
1.86
17.48
1.86
17.52
1.85
17.84
1.85
17.93
Figure 4.3 MDD and OMC graph for Black cotton soil with 10 % fly ash.
Figure 4.4 MDD and OMC graph for Black cotton soil with 20 % fly ash.
Figure 4.5 - MDD and OMC graph for Black cotton soil with 30 % fly ash.
Figure 4.6 - MDD and OMC graph for Black cotton soil with 40 % fly ash.
From Table 4.4, the MDD and OMC value of Black cotton soil in raw condition is 1.55 gm/cc and
18 % respectively. The varying percentages of fly ash from 10 % to 40 % are then added in the
black cotton soil and the changes in the properties are as follows. At 10 % fly ash mix with Black
cotton soil the MDD and OMC value of the soil are 1.83 gm/cc and 16.70 % respectively. When
20 % fly ash in mixed then the MDD value comes is 1.90 gm/cc and OMC of 17.38 %. At 30 %
fly ash mix with B.C. Soil the MDD and OMC values are 1.86 gm/cm
and 17.52 %
3
respectively. And at 40 % fly ash mix with clayey soil MDD and OMC are 1.85 gm/cm and 17.53
% respectively.From these results it is found that the Dry Density value of the soil increased with
the increase in fly ash content in the soil fly ash mix. Now these sample of 20 percent fly ash and
clayey soil will undergoes the tests with varying percentages of Nylon fiber ranges from 0.25 % to
1.50 % of the weight of the sample at varying aspect ratios of 20, 40, 60 and 80. The results are
shown in Table 4.5 below.
Table 4.5 Modified Proctors Test Results for Soil-Flyash mix with different fiber
concentration and fiber aspect ratio of 20.
Material
MDD (gm/cc)
OMC (%)
0.25% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +

B.C. Soil
1.83
16.75
1.85
16.30
1.95
16.60
1.92
16.78
1.88
16.65
0.50% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +

B.C. Soil
0.75% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
B.C. Soil
1.00% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
B.C. Soil
1.25 % Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
B.C. Soil
Figure 4.7 MDD and OMC graph for 0.25 percent fiber (Aspect ratio-20) and 20 percent fly ash
mixed with B.C.Soil
mixed with B.C.Soil
mixed with B.C.Soil
Figure 4.10 MDD and OMC graph for 1.00 percent fiber (Aspect ratio-20) and 20 percent fly
ash mixed with B.C.Soil
mixed with B.C.Soil
mixed with B.C.Soil.
From Table 4.5, At fiber Aspect ratio of 20, the changes in the properties of Black Cotton soil
are that the Maximum dry density of the samples get increased from the initial value of B.C.
Soil.
Table 4.6 Modified Proctors Test Results for Soil-Flyash mix with different fiber concentration
and fiber aspect ratio of 40.
Material
MDD (gm/cc)
OMC (%)
0.25% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.94
17.22
B.C. Soil
0.50% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.97
16.82
B.C. Soil
0.75% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.99
16.70
B.C. Soil
1.00% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.97
16.88
B.C. Soil
1.25 % Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.95
16.50
B.C. Soil
1.50% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.90
16.90
B.C. Soil
At an aspect ratio of 40, the changes in properties are also very high and the Maximum Dry
Density value achieved is up to 1.99 gm/cc at fiber concentration of 0.75 percent.
Material
MDD (gm/cc)
OMC (%)
0.25% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.90
16.35
B.C. Soil
0.50% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.92
16.84
0.75% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.94
16.85
B.C. Soil
1.00% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.92
16.82
B.C. Soil
1.25 % Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.89
16.70
B.C. Soil
1.50% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.88
16.95
B.C. Soil
B.C. Soil
From the results of Table 4.7, at fiber aspect ratio of 60, it is analyzed that there is also the
increment in properties of black cotton soil as compared to the combination getting high MDD
Value.
Figure 4.23 MDD and OMC graph for 1.25 percent fiber (Aspect ratio-60) and 20 percent
fly ash mixed with B.C.Soil
Material
MDD (gm/cc)
OMC (%)
0.25% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.89
16.85
1.90
16.68
B.C. Soil
0.50% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +

B.C. Soil
0.75% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.92
16.75
1.90
16.853
B.C. Soil
1.00% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +

B.C. Soil
1.25 % Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.88
16.85
1.50% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
1.85
16.82
B.C. Soil
From the analysis of the results shown in Table 4.8, at aspect ratio of 80, it is analyzed that there
is again the changes in results are slightly lower than the before maintained aspect ratio. From
these last two outcomes , it is analyzed that the rate of increment in engineering properties of the
mix or combination is high up to aspect ratio of 40, but after that the properties are getting
lowering down to the before maintained aspect ratio. Thus, the outcome is that the aspect ratio of
40 is more suitable for the nylon fiber used in the experiment and from Table 4.6 the fiber
concentration at which highest result is obtained is 0.75 percent by weight of the sample.
Now, there is one more attempt is done to analyze the effect of fiber inclusion on varying
depth of subgrade treated with optimum percentage of fly ash. For this, the mould is divided in to
five equal layers and the placing of optimum percentage of nylon fiber is varying from 1/5
part to 4/5 part and the effect of these variations is analyzed. For this purpose, the sample is
divided in to two parts, one is Nylon fiber + Fly ash + B.C. Soil and other is Fly ash + B.C. Soil.
Table 4.9 Modified Proctors Test Results for Fiber-Flyash-Soil mix of 0.75, 20, and 79.25
percentages respectively at varying depth to the Flyash-soil mix of 20 and 80 percent
respectively.
Material
(0.75 % Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
B.C.Soil) 4/5 Depth
MDD (gm/cc)
OMC (%)
1.80
16.78
(0.75 % Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +

B.C.Soil)
2.5/5
Depth
(0.75 % Fiber
+ 20
% Fly ash +
B.C.Soil) 2/5 Depth
(0.75 % Fiber + 20 % Fly ash +
B.C.Soil) 1/5 Depth
1.88
16.75
1.91
16.78
1.92
16.80
ash mixed with B.C.Soil laid at 4/5 Depth.
ash mixed with B.C.Soil laid at 2.5/5 Depth.
From the results of this experiment it is come to know that at a depth of 2.5/5 that means at half
3
portion the MDD and OMC values are 1.88 gm/cm and 16.76 % respectively and it can be used
at site to reduce the construction cost.
4.5 California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test

California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were carried out to determine the CBR Value for subgrade
soil and for the soil stabilized with varying percentages of fly ash, and Soil-Flyash mix with
different fiber (Nylon Fiber) aspect ratio and varying fiber percentages.
The CBR Tests were conducted on clayey soil (Black Cotton Soil), Clayey Soil treated with
varying percentages of fly ash ranges from 10 % to 40 %, then Soil-Flyash mix with
varying aspect ratio (20, 40, 60 and 80) and varying fiber concentration (0.25 %, 0.50 %, 0.75 %,
1.00 %, 1.25 % and 1.50%) and then the soil-fly ash-fiber mix at varying depth in ratio with soilfly ash mix. The tests were carried out by static compaction after four days soaking in water. The
maximum limit of fiber content was kept to 1.50 % as mixing was difficult beyond 1.50 %.
Earlier studies shown that increase in strength properties of the soil is very marginal and
sometimes decrease after 1.50 % fiber content.
Table 4.10 CBR Test Results for Clayey Soil, Clayey Soil treated with varying percentages of
fly ash.
Material
CBR (%)
Percentage Increase
Black Cotton Soil

(Clayey Soil)
1.71
Black Cotton Soil + Fly ash

4.50
4.95
3.55
3.38
From Table 4.10, the soaked CBR value of Black cotton soil in raw condition is 1.71 at optimum
3
moisture content of 18 % and maximum dry density of 1.55 gm/cm . The varying percentages of
fly ash from 10 % to 40 % are then added in the black cotton soil and the changes in the properties
are as follows. At 10 % fly ash mix with Black cotton soil the CBR value of the soil get increased
from 1.71 to 4.50 at OMC of 16.70 % and MDD of 1.85 gm/cm .When 20 % fly ash in mixed
then the CBR value increased to 4.95 at MDD of 1.90 gm/cc and OMC of 17.38 %. At 30 % fly
3
ash mix with B.C. Soil the CBR value comes are 3.55 at MDD and OMC of 1.88 gm/cm and
17.50 % respectively. And at 40 % fly ash mix with clayey soil the CBR comes is 3.38 at MDD
3
and OMC of 1.84 gm/cm and 17.94 % respectively.
Figure 4.36 CBR Graph plotted for B.C.Soil and 10 % Fly ash
From these results of varying percentage of fly ash mixed with clayey soil it is come to know that
there is huge increment in the CBR value (up to.. ) of the sample as compared to the basic CBR
value of the Black cotton soil. And also it is analyzed that the CBR value is increased up to 20 %
and then after there is reduction in CBR value of the clayey soil mixed with higher range
percentages of fly ash. This change in CBR value at high fly ash percentage is due to the effect
of specific gravity of the mix. From these results the optimum percentage of fly ash is known and
it is come to 20% at which percent increment in CBR value is noted.
Now these sample of 20 percent fly ash and clayey soil will undergoes the tests with varying
percentages of Nylon fiber ranges from 0.25 % to 1.50 % of the weight of the sample at varying
aspect ratios of 20, 40, 60 and 80.
Table 4.11 CBR Test Results for Soil-Flyash mix with different fiber concentration and fiber
aspect ratio of 20.
Material
CBR (%)
0.25% Fiber + 20 % Fly ash + B.C. Soil
6.50
6.54
6.81
6.60
1.25 % Fiber + 20 % Fly ash + B.C. Soil
6.55
6.35
From Table 4.11, At fiber Aspect ratio of 20, the changes in the properties of Black Cotton soil
are that the Maximum dry density of the samples get increased from the initial value of B.C. Soil
and CBR value is increased from 1.69 to up to 6.81 means .. percent increment in CBR value is
noted. The CBR value gradually increases when the fiber concentration is increased but after
0.75 percent fiber content the value again started lowering down, this may be due to the less
compatibility of fiber with mix.
Figure 4.40 CBR Graph plotted for 0.25 % Fiber (L/D-20) with 20% Fly ash in B.C.Soil .
Figure 4.45 CBR Graph plotted for 1.50 % Fiber (L/D-20) with 20% Fly ash in B.C.Soil
aspect ratio of 40.
Material
CBR (%)
6.64
6.95
7.18
6.40
6.38
6.25
(a) Sample under soaked condition

Photo 4.3 Preparation of California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test
At an aspect ratio of 40, the changes in properties are also very high and the Maximum Dry
Density value achieved is up to 1.99 gm/cc at fiber concentration of 0.75 percent and also
the CBR value achieved at this combination is 7.18, which is .. percent higher than the
initial CBR value of B.C. soil.
Figure 4.51 CBR Graph plotted for 1.50 % Fiber (L/D-40) with 20% Fly ash in
B.C.Soil
Table 4.13 CBR Test Results for Soil-Flyash mix with different fiber concentration and
fiber aspect ratio of 60.
Material
CBR (%)
6.78
6.83
6.95
6.78
6.69
1.50% Fiber + 20% Fly ash + B.C. Soil
6.55
From the results of Table 4.13, at fiber aspect ratio of 60, it is analyzed that there is also the
increment in properties of black cotton soil as compared to the combination getting high MDD
and CBR Value, but as compared to the CBR value achieved at aspect ratio of 40 is slightly
lower.
aspect ratio of 80.
Material
CBR (%)
6.65
6.70
6.84
6.60
6.45
6.38
From the analysis of the results shown in Table 4.14, at aspect ratio of 80, it is analyzed that
there is again the changes in results are slightly lower than the before maintained aspect ratio. From
these last two outcomes , it is analyzed that the rate of increment in engineering properties of the mix
or combination is high up to aspect ratio of 40, but after that the properties are getting lowering down
to the before maintained aspect ratio. Thus, the outcome is that the aspect ratio of 40 is more suitable
for the nylon fiber used in the experiment and from Table 4.9 the fiber concentration at which highest
result is obtained is 0.75 percent by weight of the sample.
From the analysis of whole results it is finalized that the Maximum CBR value of 7.18 is achieved
at 0.75 % Nylon fiber + 20 % fly ash + clayey soil mix at fiber aspect ratio of 40 and at MDD and
3
OMC of 1.99 gm/cm and 16.75 % respectively. Thus the optimum percentage of Nylon fiber
comes is 0.75 % by weight at an aspect ratio of 40.
Now, there is one more attempt is done to analyze the effect of fiber inclusion on varying depth
of subgrade treated with optimum percentage of fly ash. For this, the CBR mould is divided
in to five equal layers and the placing of optimum percentage of nylon fiber is varying from 1/5
part to 4/5 part and the effect of these variations is analyzed. For this purpose, the sample is
divided in to two parts, one is Nylon fiber + Fly ash + B.C. Soil and other is Fly ash + B.C. Soil.
Table 4.15 CBR Test Results for Fiber-Flyash-Soil mix of 0.75, 20, and 79.25 percentages
respectively at varying depth to the Flyash-soil mix of 20 and 80 percent respectively.
Material
(0.75 % Fiber + 20 % Fly ash + B.C.Soil)
4/5 Depth
3/5 Depth
2.5/5 Depth
2/5 Depth
1/5 Depth
CBR (%)
6.95
6.48
6.18
5.85
5.25
From the results of this experiment it is come to know that at a depth of 2.5/5 that means
3
at half portion the CBR value come is 6.18 at MDD and OMC of 1.89 gm/cm and 16.78 %
respectively and it can be used at site to reduce the construction cost.
Photo 4.4 California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test under Process
Figure 4.64 CBR Graph plotted for 0.75 % Fiber (L/D-40) with 20% Fly ash in B.C.Soil at 4/5
Depth
Depth
Figure 4.66 CBR Graph plotted for 0.75 % Fiber (L/D-40) with 20% Fly ash in B.C.Soil at
2.5/5 Depth
Figure 4.67 CBR Graph plotted for 0.75 % Fiber (L/D-40) with 20% Fly ash in B.C.Soil at
2/5
Depth
Depth
From all the results of the experiments conducted on Black cotton soil, Black cotton soil with varying
percentages of fly ash and soil-fly ash mix with varying percentages of Nylon fiber by weight on
different aspect ratios, the combination providing the maximum value of CBR is of
0.75 % Nylon fiber at an aspect ratio of 40, 20 % fly ash and remaining percentage of Black cotton
soil and the CBR value achieved is 7.18 % at LL, PL, and PI values of 50 %, 28 % and 22 % at MDD
3
and OMC of 1.99 gm/cm and 16.73 % respectively.
4.6 Combined Results

The Combined results of the steps taken in the experimental program are shown in tables below to
analyze the changes in the properties of sample undergoes various combinations. In Table 4.13 the
combined results for Clayey Soil and soil with varying percentage of fly ash is shown.
Table 4.16 Combined results for Clayey Soil (B.C. Soil) and B.C. Soil with varying Percentages of
fly ash
Properties
Specific
Gravity
MDD (gm/cc)
B.C.Soil
2.55
1.57
10% flyash 20% flyash 30% flyash 40% flyash

+ B.C.Soil
2.48
1.83
+ B.C.Soil
2.42
1.90
+ B.C.Soil
2.33
1.86
+ B.C.Soil
2.22
1.85
Liquid Limit
Plastic Limit
71.20
30.50
54.30
28.20
49.40
26.00
48.50
23.70
46.00
22.50
(%)
Plasticity
40.70
26.30
23.40
24.80
23.50
1.71
4.50
4.95
3.55
3.38
Index (%)
CBR (%)
(Soaked)
From Table-4.16, it is cleared that with the gradual addition of fly ash in soil the properties of the
soil is regularly changing and the change is high up to 20 percent addition of fly ash and after that the
change is not so remarkable and starts reducing. The change in Plasticity index of value is regularly noted
with the fly ash addition and PI value reduced up to 22.50 % at 40 percent fly ash mix. The maximum
value of CBR achieved with varying percentages of fly ash is at 20 percent addition of fly ash is 4.96,
which is 2.93 times more than the initial CBR of the Black Cotton Soil. That percentage of 20 % fly
ash is taken for the next step of the experiment at which these samples undergoes tests with varying
concentration of nylon fiber at different aspect ratio.
Table 4.17 Combined results for varying fiber concentration with 20 percent fly ash and Clayey
Soil at fiber aspect ratio (L/D) of 40.
20% Fly ash + B.C. Soil + (

Properties
)Nylon Fiber Percentage
0.25 %
0.50%
0.75%
1.00%
1.25%
1.50%
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
O.M.C.
(%)(%)
CBR
(Soaked)
17.20
16.81
16.72
16.88
16.48
16.91
6.65
6.93
7.17
6.42
6.35
6.20
After the analysis of Table -4.17, it is concluded that the maximum favourable changes in the engineering
properties of fly ash fiber soil mix is achieved at fiber concentration of 0.75 percent by weight of the
sample at an aspect ratio of 40. The change in CBR value is remarkable which increased from 1.69 to
7.11, which are about more than 4 times greater than the initial CBR of the B.C. Soil. Taking the
optimum combination of 0.75 % Nylon fiber with 20 % fly ash and remaining B.C. Soil, one more
experiment is carried out to study the effect of providing this combination at certain depth only and
remaining depth is of Soil and 20 percent fly ash mix without fiber. For that purpose the depth is divided
in to 5 equal parts and each of depth 1/5 and then the variation in properties is studied. The results are
also shown in tabular form in Table-4.18
Table 4.18 Combined results for 0.75 percent Nylon Fiber with 20 percent fly ash and Black
Cotton Soil at varying depth.
(0.75 %Nylon fiber +20 % Flyash +B.C. Soil)

/ (20% Fly ash + B.C. Soil)
Properties
Full Depth
4/5 Depth
3/5 Depth 2.5/5 Depth
2/5 Depth
1/5 Depth
Maximum
Dry Density
1.98
1.81
1.83
1.88
1.90
1.91
16.72
16.81
16.80
16.76
16.79
16.81
7.17
6.90
6.45
6.17
5.80
5.20
(gm/cc)
O.M.C. (%)
CBR (%)
(Soaked)
5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 General
In the present research work, which is described in Chapters 3 and 4, black cotton soil of
Vidhisha, which is highly compressible in nature is mixed with the varying percentages of fly ash
(taken from Sarni Power Plant, Sarni, M.P.) ranging from 10 % to 40 % by weight of soil and
changes on behavior of soil is studied including soaked CBR. The combination of soil and
fly ash that gave maximum CBR value is regarded as the optimum percentage of fly ash i.e.
less than or more than this percentage of fly ash addition in soil, reduces the CBR value.
Now, this optimum percentage of fly ash mixed soil is added with varying percentage of
nylon fibre of 0.40 mm diameter. The percentage of fibre content varied from 0.25 % to 1.50 %
on different aspect ratios of 20, 40, 60 and 80 and soaked CBR value in each case was
determined. The percentage of fiber giving maximum strength at specific aspect ratio is identified
and termed as optimum percentage of nylon fiber.
5.2 Conclusions
The conclusions drawn from these studies are as follows:1. The consistency indices value of the black cotton soil reduces with mixing of fly ash.
Initially the LL, PL and PI values of raw soil are 71.00%, 30.00 % and 41.00 %
respectively which on mixing fly ash in ranges from 10 % to 40 % gradually decreased. With 40
% addition of fly ash to the soil, the LL, Pl and PI values are obtained as
45.30%, 23.50 % 21.80 % respectively. Thus, the soil plasticity is reduced on mixing of fly ash
and the soil became less problematic.
2.
The mixing of fly ash has pronounced effect on compaction characteristics also. In
Modified Proctors Compaction Test, the MDD value of raw soil is achieved as 1.56 gm/cc at
OMC of 18.50 %. It got increased to 1.89 gm/cc at OMC of 17.35 % on 20% addition of fly ash.
However, further addition of fly ash causes reduction in MDD.
3. The soaked CBR value of the raw soil is 1.69 and after mixing of fly ash in the soil, there is
remarkable change in CBR value. The addition of 20 % fly ash increased the CBR value from
1.69 to 4.96, but further addition of fly ash caused decrease in CBR value.
Thus, the optimum quantity of fly ash i.e., after which the CBR value starts decreasing, is
20 %.
4.
When the soil is mixed with optimum quantity of fly ash and Nylon Fibre of 0.40 mm
diameter at different aspect ratio and fibre content the results obtained arei.
At aspect ratio of 40 with 0.75 % fibre content in 20 % fly ash mixed soil, the maximum
value of CBR is achieved which is 7.17. It is 4.24 times greater than the CBR value of raw soil.
ii.
Irrespective of the aspect ratio, the soaked CBR value of the fly ash mixed soil increases up
to 0.75 % fiber content and after this value it starts decreasing.

5. Thus for the black cotton soil used in the present study, the optimum quantity of fly ash and
Nylon Fibre are 20 % and 0.75 % (at aspect ratio of 40) respectively for achieving maximum
soaked CBR.
6.
CBR tests were also carried out for the combination of fly ash mixed soil and the fly ash
nylon fibre mixed soil. The Top portion of mould was filled with the optimum mix of Nylon
Fibre, fly ash and soil and bottom is filled with only optimum percentage of fly ash and the
soil. It is found that a combination of : gave CBR as 6.17 which is an impressive value as the
CBR of raw soil is only 1.69. Thus mixing of fibers only in the top portion of fly ash mixed soil
would be an economical proposition in construction of road in poor black cotton spoil areas.
5.3 Recommendations for further study

The present study was carried out on Black cotton soil of low compressibility and
optimum value of Nylon fiber and fly ash is calculated. Further study may be taken up on other
weak soils like silt etc. and other fibers may be used to study the effect of them on the properties
of soils. Combined effect of other admixtures like lime, bitumen, chemicals etc. with different
type of fibers can be studied.
REFERENCES
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application in compacted earth Structure, Geo-synthetics, Vol.16, pp. 433-446.
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Soil Stabilisation Fly Ash and Nylon

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Soil Stabilisation Fly Ash and Nylon

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To Study the Stabilization of Black Cotton

Soil with Fly Ash and Nylon Fibers

Photo 1.1: Typical Cracks in Black Cotton Soil in a Dried State

Photo 1.2 Black Cotton Soil failure on

and problematic for engineers.

construction aids for soil improvement is geosynthetics. Geosynthetics include a

at least one of five functions:

separation, reinforcement, filtration, drainage, and containment.

soil is advantageous since it maintains strength isotropy with the absence of

ratios on properties of Black Cotton Soil.

1.3 Outline of the Thesis

conventional methods of stabilization. In comparison with systematically reinforced

Considerable low compressibility results in negligible subsequent settlement

Conserves good earth, which is precious topsoil, thereby protecting the

Higher value of California Bearing Ratio as compared to soil provides

Pozzolanic hardening property imparts additional strength to the road

pavements/ Embankments and decreases the post construction horizontal

Amenable to stabilisation with lime and cement.

Considering all these advantages, it is extremely essential to promote use of

(i) Economy in use of fly ash

the use of fly ash

construction results in significant savings due to savings in cost of road aggregates.

characteristics, shear strength, compressibility and permeability

2.2 Methods of Reinforcement

3. METHODOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM

Black Cotton Soil with Fly ash

Modified Proctors Test (Heavy Compaction)

Black Cotton Soil with 15 % Fly ash

Black Cotton Soil with 20 % Fly ash

Black Cotton Soil with 25 % Fly ash

Black Cotton Soil with 30 % Fly ash

Black Cotton Soil with 35 % Fly ash

Black Cotton Soil with 40 % Fly ash

Modified Proctors Test (Heavy Compaction)

Aspect Ratio (L/D) 20

Modified Proctors Test (Heavy Compaction)

Black Cotton Soil with Optimum Quantity of Fly ash and

Aspect Ratio (L/D) 40

Modified Proctors Test (Heavy Compaction)

1.00 percent Nylon Fiber

Black Cotton Soil with Optimum Quantity of Fly ash

Modified Proctors Test (Heavy

Compaction) CBR Test

Black Cotton Soil with Optimum Quantity of Fly ash

Modified Proctors Test (Heavy

3.2 Material Used

3.1.2.1 Chemical composition and classification

A synthetic thermoplastic fiber (Nylon melts/glazes easily at relatively low temperatures)

Trilobal to imitate silk

Multilobal to increase staple like appearance and hand

available as partially drawn or as finished filaments.

with the lengthwise direction and are highly crystalline.

Photo 3.2 (a) Nylon fiber of 0.40 mm diameter in skein form.

Used in carpets and nylon stockings, Melts instead of burning

Used in many military applications, Good specific strength

3.2 Selection of Test

3.3 Laboratory testing and Specimen Preparation

3.3.1 Compaction Test

Each layer is to be compacted with 56 blows from a special

3.3.2 California Bearing Ratio Test

3.3.2.4 Test Procedure

Photo 3.3 - California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Testing Apparatus

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Grain Size Distribution