Proposal for Ground Improvement Scheme for the Embankment of

Agartala Flyover, Tripura

A field visit was organized by NCCL along-with Expert team engaged from Jadavpur
University, PWD-Tripura officials, Consultant and Contractor on 08/04/2017 to
09/04/2017 at Agartala Flyover sites. On the basis of the field visit and after
observing the available technical reports comprised of detail of proposed RE wall
and available soil report following initial recommendations are given:-

1. The available soil reports were not enough to proceed and hence additional
four bore-holes were recommended and field report of which are
communicated by the consultant. The detail laboratory tests as advised are in
progress with the consultant as reported. It is also instructed that chemical
tests of soil must be made along-with other tests such as standard proctor
compaction tests, Unconfined Compressive strength tests, Triaxial-tests(UU),
Direct Shear Test and other regular tests as advised to the consultant of
NCCL.

2. After initial assessment and as because the time is very limited to the
construction target, Lime-Column reinforced with bamboo culm is suggested.
(see figure 1, 2). The soil is soft to very soft silty clay/clayey silt with organic
matters as present in nature up-to depth of 9.5m in general with little
variation. Hence for early gaining of strength Lime is the only alternative to
allow sufficient vertical and horizontal drainage along-with gaining strength in
short term as well as long term. Furthermore, introduction of bamboo as
reinforcement around outer periphery of lime column will provide much
increased strength than the conventional lime-column. The earth shall be
excavated up-to 2.0m from the proposed levelling-pad-bottom of RE wall and
from which boring shall be done of 450-500 mm diameter @ 2.0m c/c after-
which bamboo caging shall be inserted on it. Afterwards Lime pouring and
compaction shall be done with conventional lime-column technique for a
length of 8.0m. After constructing lime column for the whole stretch giving a
rest for 2-3 days full culm bamboo of not less than 75mm diameter shall be
driven for 4.0m in the half stretch in three different configurations as shown
in the figure. This shall be termed as 1 st stage of ground improvement.

3. After completion of 1st stage and thereafter 15-20 days of rest, 5 nos. plate
load tests shall be conducted of which one in soil in the halfway where no
driven bamboo pile exist, three over the soil where driven bamboo piles do
exist and one over the bamboo reinforced lime column. Observing the test
results the second stage of improvement if require can be done by
introducing high strength geo-grid/ Bamboo-grid along-with Non-woven
geotextile as drainage layer at top of 1st stage level. Lime-soil-cement with
appropriate proportions may be mixed and compacted by layers over the
 geo-grid/ bamboo-grid. Over the compacted stabilized soil high strength geo-
grid may be introduced over which embankment backfill can be put and the
construction of proposed RE wall may proceed. (See figure 1). However, the
proposed improvement technique may slightly/considerably differ considering
the result of plate load test towards optimizing economy and time-saving.

4. As the two embankments in two stretches differs considerably; two model

tests for 12m x 12m size at two sites are recommended where two nos. plate
load tests were done earlier on apparently virgin soil. The same spots were
visited along-with the consultant with the NCCL on 19/04/2017 as reported.
As the consultant is attached with the team the model tests may be taken
forward with him in line with the communication to us. The plate load tests
may be witnessed by us if desire by visiting on-sites on preschedule
particular date.

5. The specification of Un-slaked quicklime shall be approximately as follows:-

i) Calcium and Magnesium Oxides (on a non-volatile basis,

minimum %):- 90.0
ii) Carbon Dioxide (taken at point of manufacture, maximum %) 5.0
iii) Free moisture (taken at point of manufacture, maximum %):- 2.0
iv) Un-slaked quicklime shall all pass 1.0 inch (24.4 mm) sieve.
v) Un-slaked quicklime shall have a temperature rise of a minimum
of 30 degree centigrade in 20 minutes.
vi) Un-slaked quicklime shall have not more than 10% residue.

6. Specification of bamboo:-
The local bamboo as locally named Borak, Bom, Muli of age more than
2.5 years may be chosen for use. It is to be noted that during cutting of
bamboo the nodes shall not be completely polished. The sub branches
at nodes shall be remain as minimum 2 inches approximately. The
diameter of bamboo preferably shall be within 30-60mm each. For
driven bamboo pile the diameter of bamboo shall be higher than
75mm. The bamboo shall be bounded by 6mm-8mm steel bar or by
any other splicing so that bamboo caging comprised of six culmns shall
remain together with the outside periphery of 400mm diameter lime
column.

7. As the soil is challenging in terms of availability of limited construction time

the rigorous and alerted observations are required from all level. Obviously
the more efforts are required than what has been assumed before taking up
the work in the expert level.

8. The detail and final report will be submitted once the whole design being
done after observing model tests.

9. Necessary modification if required will be intimated accordingly.

Fig. 1. Plan and section of Bamboo reinforced Lime-column for Model test
Fig.2. Caging of bamboo reinforced Lime column