STABILIZATION OF BLACK COTTON SOIL

USING RBI GRADE-81

B. Tech. Major Project Report

SUBMITTED BY

Sakshi Wayal [B193012]

Vinay Jadhav [B193019]
Shraddha Shinde [B193020]
Prashant Khedkar [B193022]

GUIDED BY

Mr. Bhaskar D. Wabhitkar

School Of Mechanical And Civil Engineering

MIT ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING, ALANDI (D), PUNE-412105

MAHARASHTRA (INDIA)

MAY, 2020
 STABILIZATION OF BLACK COTTON SOIL
USING RBI GRADE-81

A Major Project Report

submitted in partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the award of the degree

of

Bachelor of Technology

in

CIVIL ENGINEERING

BY
Sakshi Wayal [B193012]
Vinay Jadhav [B193019]
Shraddha Shinde [B193020]
Prashant Khedkar [B193022]

School Of Mechanical And Civil Engineering

MIT ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING, ALANDI(D), PUNE-412105

MAHARASHTRA (INDIA)

MAY, 2020
 CERTIFICATE
It is hereby certified that the work which is being presented in the B. Tech. Major Project Report
entitled “STABILIZATION OF BLACK COTTON SOIL USING RBI GRADE-81”, in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the award of the Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering &
Technology and submitted to the School of Mechanical and Civil Engineering of MIT Acad-
emy of Engineering, Alandi (D), Pune, Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University
(SPPU), Pune is an authentic record of work carried out during an Academic Year 2019-2020,
under the supervision of Mr. Bhaskar D. Wabhitkar, School of Mechanical and Civil
Engineering.

Sakshi Wayal PRN No.0120160198 Exam Seat No. B193012

Vinay Jadhav PRN No.0120160288 Exam Seat No. B192019
Shraddha Shinde PRN No.0120160325 Exam Seat No. B193020
Prashant Khedkar PRN N0. 0120160335 Exam Seat No. B193022

Date:

Signature of Dean
Dean
School of Mechanical and Civil Engineering,
MIT Academy of Engineering, Alandi (D), Pune. (STAMP/SEAL)

Signature of Internal examiner/s Signature of External examiner/s

Name……………………………… Name………………………………
Affiliation………………………… Affiliation…………………………

i|Page
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are glad to submit our report on "Stabilization of Black Cotton Soil using RBI Grade 81".
We would like to express our special thanks to the Civil Department faculty for their able guid-
ance and support throughout the completion of this project. A special thanks to our guide Mr.
Bhaskar D. Wabhitkar for his encouragement and guidance to us, in this project. We would
like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Abhay S. Wayal, Associate Professor, VJTI
Mumbai, for guiding us with material information and procurement. Last but not the least, we
are also thankful to Mr. Yogesh B. Abhang for their part in this project and providing us with
timely guidance and help.

Sakshi Wayal sign

Vinay Jadhav sign
Shraddha Shinde sign
Prashant Khedkar sign

ii | P a g e
 DECLARATION

We the undersigned solemnly declare that the project report is based on our own work carried
out during the course of our study under the supervision of Mr. Bhaskar D. Wabhitkar.

We assert the statements made and conclusions drawn are an outcome of our research work. We
further certify that

1) The work contained in the report is original and has been done by us under the gen-
eral supervision of our supervisor.

2) The work has not been submitted to any other Institution for any other de-
gree/diploma/certificate in this Institute/University or any other Institute/University of
India or abroad.

3) We have followed the guidelines provided by the Institute in writing the report.

4) Whenever we have used materials (data, theoretical analysis, and text) from other
sources, we have given due credit to them in the text of the report and giving their de-
tails in the references.

Exam Seat No.: Name:

B193012 Sakshi Wayal sign

B193019 Vinay Jadhav sign

B193020 Shraddha Shinde sign

B193022 Prashant Khedkar sign

iii | P a g e
 ABSTRACT

The construction of Civil Engineering structures in black cotton soil is quite difficult. Engineers
all over the world are researching on various ways of stabilizing the black cotton soil. To im-
prove the properties of black cotton soil, we have used RBI GRADE 81 soil stabilizer. RBI
Grade81 is inorganic and inexpensive.

RBI Grade 81 is used as an additive to study the change in the index as well as engineering prop-
erties of black cotton soil. We conducted the tests such as liquid limit, plastic limit, water con-
tent, standard proctor test, specific gravity and also to find the shear parameter of black cotton
soil with the percentage addition of RBI Grade 81 and pure black cotton soil. The percentages of
RBI Grade 81 taken is 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%.

The tests conducted showed results as expected, which gives a conclusion that the RBI Grade 81
stabilizer is fit for stabilizing the Black Cotton Soil.

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Contents
Certificate i
Acknowledgment ii
Declaration iii
Abstract iv
List of Figures & Graphs Viii
List of Tables ix
List of Abbreviation/ Symbols x
Chapter Description Pg. No.
1 Introduction 1-3

1.1 Chemical Characteristics of Black Cotton Soil: 1

1.2 Issues related to Black Cotton Soil 2
1.3 Research Objectives 2
1.4 Scope 3
1.5 Expected outcome 3

2 Literature Review & Problem Identification 4-17

2.A. Literature Review 4
Effect of RBI Grade 81 on strength Characteristics of clayey sub-
2.1 4
grade

2.2 Strengthening of Subgrade by Using RBI Grade-81 4

Effect of industrial waste and RBI grade 81 on swelling characteris-

2.3 5
tics of clayey soil.

2.4 A Study on Soil Stabilization Using RBI Grade 81 5

2.5 Laboratory study on subgrade soil stabilization using RBI grade 81 6

2.6 Laboratory Performance of RBI 81 Stabilized Soil for Pavements 6

Comparative Study of Black Cotton Soil Stabilization with RBI

2.7 7
Grade 81 and Sodium Silicate
Investigation on Strength Development in RBI Grade 81 Stabilized
2.8 7
Serian Soil with Microstructural Considerations
Behavior of Expansive Soils Stabilized with Hydrated Lime and
2.9 8
Bagasse Fibers.
Studies on Soils Treated with Non-Traditional Stabilizer for Pave-
2.10 8
ments
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 2.11 Effect of RBI-81 on CBR and Swell Behavior of Expansive Soil 9

2.12 Stabilization of Black Cotton Soil using Admixtures 9

Lime-Stabilized Black Cotton Soil and Brick Powder Mixture as

2.13 10
Subbase Material
Effect of Pond Ash and RBI Grade 81 on Properties of Subgrade
2.14 11
Soil and Base Course of Flexible Pavement
Comparative Study of Black Cotton Soil Stabilization with RBI
2.15 11
Grade 81 and Sodium Silicate
Geotechnical Properties of Fly Ash and its Application on Soft Soil
2.16 12
Stabilization

2.17 Performance Study on Soil Stabilization using Natural Materials 12

Stabilization of residual soil with rice husk ash and cement. Con-
2.18 13
struction and building materials

2.19 Soil stabilization with fly ash and rice husk ash 13

2.20 Potentials of rice husk ash for soil stabilization 13

2.21 Application of phosphogypsum in soil stabilization 13

Use of Synthetic Polymers and Biopolymers for Soil Stabilization

2.22 14
in Agricultural, Construction, and Military Applications

2.23 Lime stabilization of clay minerals and soils 15

2.24 Stabilization of Expansive Soil by using Agricultural Waste 15

2.25 Soil Stabilization Using Low-Cost Methods 16

2.26 Soil Stabilization with Lime for the Construction of Forest Roads 16

2.B Problem Identification 17

3 Methodology 18-18
4 Implementation 20-20

5 Result Analysis, Conclusion & Future Work 21-35

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 5.1 Result Analysis 21

Effect of RBI 81 on Liquid Limit of Black Cotton Soil (IS: 2720 –

I 21
Part- 5 – 1985)
Effect of RBI 81 on Plastic Limit of Black Cotton Soil (IS: 2720 –
II 22
Part- 5 – 1985)
III Effect of RBI 81 on Plasticity Index of Black Cotton Soil 23

Effect of RBI 81 on the Specific Gravity of Black Cotton Soil (IS:

IV 24
2720 – Part- 3 –1980)
Effect of RBI 81 on MDD and OMC of Black Cotton Soil (IS:
V 25
2720 – Part- 7 – 1980)

VI Unconfined Compression Test (IS: 2720 – Part- 10 – 1991) 30

5.2 Conclusion 34

5.3 Future Scope 35

References/Bibliography 36-37

Appendix 38-39

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 List of Figures & Graphs
Fig. & Graph Description Page No.
No.
Fig 1.1 Chemical structure of Kaolinite, Montmorillonite, Illite 2

Fig 3 Methodology Chart 18

Graph 5.1 Effect of RBI 81 on Liquid Limit of black cotton soil 21

Graph 5.2 Effect of RBI 81 on Plastic Limit of black cotton soil 22

Graph 5.3 Effect of RBI 81 on the Plasticity Index of black cotton soil 23

Graph 5.4 Effect of RBI 81 on Specific Gravity of black cotton soil 24

Graph 5.5 SPT on Black Cotton Soil 25

Graph 5.6 SPT on Black Cotton Soil and 2% RBI 26

Graph 5.7 SPT on Black Cotton Soil and 4% RBI 27

Graph 5.8 SPT on Black Cotton Soil and 6% RBI 27

Graph 5.9 SPT on Black Cotton Soil and 8% RBI 28

Graph 5.10 SPT on Black Cotton Soil and 10% RBI 29

Graph 5.11 SPT on Black Cotton Soil and 2% -10% RBI 30

Graph 5.12 UCS on black cotton soil 30

Graph 5.13 UCS on black cotton soil + 2% RBI 31

Graph 5.14 UCS on black cotton soil + 4% RBI 31

Graph 5.15 UCS on black cotton soil + 6% RBI 32

Graph 5.16 UCS on black cotton soil + 8% RBI 32

Graph 5.17 UCS on black cotton soil + 10% RBI 33

Graph 5.18 Combined graph for UCS 33

viii | P a g e
 List of Tables
Table No. Description Page No.

1.1 List of experiments 3

5.1 Liquid limit of black cotton soil 21

5.2 Plastic limit of black cotton soil 22

5.3 Plasticity Index of black cotton soil 23

5.4 Specific gravity of black cotton soil 24

5.5 SPT of Black Cotton Soil 25

5.6 SPT of Black Cotton Soil and 2% RBI 26

5.7 SPT of Black Cotton Soil and 4% RBI 26

5.8 SPT of Black Cotton Soil and 6% RBI 27

5.9 SPT of Black Cotton Soil and 8% RBI 28

5.1 SPT of Black Cotton Soil and 10% RBI 28

5.11 Combined SPT 29

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 List of Abbreviations/Symbols

RBI Road Building International

SPT Standard Proctor Test

UCS Unconfined Compressive Strength

OMC Optimum Moisture Content

MDD Maximum Dry Density

PI Plasticity Index

x|Page
 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

The state of Maharashtra has black cotton soil over its entire region. The analysis of
black cotton soil may be a necessity because of the swelling and shrinkage ability. Nowa-
days, Civil Engineers are facing many on-site problems with black cotton soil. Black cotton
soil has high compressibility, low bearing capacity, and low shear strength. Our objective of
this project is to improve its shear strength characteristics. Many soil stabilizers are available
in worldwide. But the challenge involved is to select the one which is easily available and
also economical. Our aim inculcates the use of RBI Grade 81 to improve the engineering
properties and compressive strengths of expansive soils. RBI Grade 81 is eco-friendly, inor-
ganic, hydration activated powder-based stabilizer[1]. RBI Grade 81 can be expanded as
Road Building International 81. Countries like Germany, South Africa, Italy, Spain, etc. are
some of the countries which use RBI Grade 81 extensively. RBI Grade 81 is very adaptive in
nature as it can be used in high temperature, or at deep freezing temperatures it is also suita-
ble for any vehicular loads.[2]

The material which we have identified, RBI Grade 81, can be a replacement to many
materials like sand, cement, aggregates, etc., which are used in pavement construction as it
can increase the strength, durability by the method of stabilization using RBI Grade 81. All
these materials are used in road construction, conventionally, which is leading to depletion
of natural resources to an extent. Every year, large numbers of trees are cut to meet the de-
mand of the construction industry resulting in deforestation, soil erosion to name a few. If
these materials are used wisely, it can reduce the problem of pollution and waste disposal to
an extent. Soil stabilization is a method to increase the inherent strength of soil, which will
save the natural soil as well as with addressing the soil of the depletion of natural resources.

1.1 Chemical Characteristics of Black Cotton Soil:

Black cotton soil consists of clay minerals like Montmorillonite, Illite, chemicals like
iron chemical compounds of oxide and calcium carbonate, and organic matter like hummus.
Montmorillonite is the basic component mineral of Black cotton soils. The swelling and
shrinkage behavior of black cotton soil originates from these minerals of hydrous silicates of
aluminum and magnesium. [3]

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 1.1.1 Montmorillonite: Montmorillonite is one amongst the foremost minerals of the
Montmorillonite cluster of minerals. Due to the arrangement of silica and alumina sheets wa-
ter is attracted which makes black cotton soil swell. Due to the attraction of water from the
soil, an adsorbed layer is formed which gives rise to plasticity characteristics of soil.

1.1.2 Kaolinite: Kaolinite is one amongst the most foremost minerals of the montmorillo-
nite group of minerals. Its fundamental structural unit is created of alumina and silicate, the
basic structural unit is formed by stacking one over the other. As this bond is fairly strong
water cannot easily enter the structure and cause expansion.

1.1.3 Illite: The basic structural unit of the illite group is similar to the montmorillonite
group. The properties of illite are intermediate between kaolinite and montmorillonite. The
swelling properties of Illite are more than that of Kaolinite, but less than that of montmoril-
lonite.

Fig 1.1: Chemical structure of Kaolinite, Montmorillonite, Illite [4]

1.2 Issues related to Black Cotton Soil:

 Black cotton soil has terribly low bearing capacity when compared with alternative soils.

 It has high swelling and shrinkage characteristics.

 Black cotton soil has low density and shear strength.

1.3 Research Objectives:

 To increase the shear strength of Black Cotton Soil by utilizing RBI Grade 81.

 To decrease the liquid limit of Black Cotton Soil by using RBI Grade 81.

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  To increase the plasticity of Black Cotton Soil by using RBI Grade 81.

 To attain economic and environmental viability by using an organic product as a stabi-

lizer.

1.4 Scope

In the construction field, construction on black cotton soil faces several issues, use of
RBI Grade 81 as a soil pacifier to enhance black cotton soil properties such as compressive
strength, shear strength, dry density, etc. and also achieve economy in cost of soil stabiliza-
tion without harm to the environment. The material is used in various proportions of 2%, 4%,
6%, 8%, 10% by weight of soils. A series of tests are conducted to check for the engineering
properties of soil and the effect of the stabilizer on the properties of soil.

The list of experiments dispensed within the laboratory according to IS/ASTM Codes is giv-
en below:

Table 1.1: List of experiments carried out

Tests Performed IS Code

Liquid limit and Plastic Limit test IS: 2720 – Part- 5 – 1985
Specific gravity by Pycnometer IS: 2720 – Part- 3 – 1980
Standard Proctor Test IS: 2720 – Part- 7 – 1980
Swelling Index IS: 2720 – Part- 40 – 1977
Direct Shear Test IS: 2720 – Part- 13 – 1986
Unconfined Compression Test IS: 2720 – Part- 10 – 1991
Triaxial Test IS: 2720 – Part- 12 – 1981

1.5 Expected outcome:

 Increase in shear strength

 Decrease in liquid limit

 Increase in plasticity

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 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW & PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

2.A. Literature Review

2.1 Effect of RBI Grade 81 on strength Characteristics of clayey sub-grade- Shiva
Prashanth Kumar et.al.

Clayey sub-grade soils cause harm to pavements thus must stabilize which improve behavior of
the expansive sub-grade, strength, and bearing capacity. Where RBI 81 is a natural stabilizer
recommended as it can reduce 30–40% of the construction cost, drastically increases the strength
of the pavements, and reduce transport and earth moving costs by 60% also increase in the CBR
and UCS of soils and reduce in Plasticity Index. The failure strain is decreasing as the addition of
RBI Grade 81 causing the soil to fail by brittle nature instead of plastic failure. In the CBR test
the load per unit penetration is increasing gradually as RBI Grade 81 increases from 0 to 8%.
Hence RBI Grade 81 significantly improved the geotechnical properties of the sub-grade. And it
is 3.5 times higher as compared to the untreated soil.

2.2 Strengthening of Subgrade by Using RBI Grade-81. - Tejinder Singh et.al.

RBI Grade 81 is an environmentally friendly, inorganic, hydration activated powder-based stabi-

lizer that reacts with soil particles to make layers that are interconnected through a posh inter
particle framework also RBI Grade 81 has a wide range of response spectrum. The dirt example,
chose is gotten from interface street of town Manakwal to town Dhandra, Dist. The dirt contains
32.5% sand, 67.5% sediment, and earth. The response of RBI Grade 81 with soil particles creates
as a between molecule network that ties, soil particles together into an inflexible mass. The po-
rousness of soil mass declines with the expansion of RBI Grade 81 as they lessen pore spaces.
This gives just the molecule size dispersion up there to persist 75-micron strainer. Abatement in
fluid breaking point and increment in plastic cutoff shows an increment in quality. Exceptionally
plastic soil can be balanced out with RBI Grade 81 and can be considered as a settled sub base.
MDD is diminishing with the expansion of RBI Grade 81 yet there is an increment in doused
CBR esteem with expanded the expansion of RBI Grade 81. 2985418/- which is a lot of higher
than the expense of Pavement for soil 2% of RBI Grade 81. For examination reason, the normal
cost components of bank and sub-level material cost, compaction cost, and asphalt surfacing cost
has not been remembered for the investigation.

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 2.3 Effect of industrial waste and RBI grade 81 on swelling characteristics of clayey
soil. - Patil et.al.

The development of street in clayey soil is attempting due to its all the more expanding and more
shrinkage attributes. To defeat this issue there are two arrangements one supplants the clayey soil
by great quality granular material. The second is settling the sub-grade clayey soil by utilizing
different modern squanders. By and large lake debris, flying debris, and stone residue are used
for soil adjustment. The growing and shrinkage qualities of clayey soil are impressively im-
proved if it treated with modern squanders and RBI Grade 81. The RBI Grade 81 is a concoction
soil stabilizer. The differential free swell file (DFS) test was done on the various blend of soil,
mechanical waste, and RBI Grade 81. The outcome shows that the DFS list of untreated soil got
is 65% lessens to 35% by the expansion of 20% fly debris and 4% RBI Grade 81. The DFS like-
wise diminishes when lake debris is blended as a modern waste with RBI grade 81. Comparable
outcomes have been gotten with stone residue. This decrease in DFS list assists with lessening
the impact of dampness variety in clayey soil.

2.4 A Study on Soil Stabilization Using RBI Grade 81 - Alaka Sreedhar et.al.

The point of the undertaking is utilizing RBI Grade 81 as a substitution to Cement in the asphalt
development in the wake of expanding its quality, solidness, and sturdiness by the strategy for
adjustment utilizing RBI grade 81. Dark cotton soil has expanding and contracting properties. To
utilize it for development reasons, the dirt should be settled. Soil is balanced out to upgrade its
California Bearing Ratio to 4-6 times and improve soil materials which make solid base and sub-
base. Street Building International Grade 81 is an eco-accommodating, inorganic, and non-
combustible stabilizer. No support is vital, it is appropriate for all dirt kinds and it causes an ex-
pansion in load-bearing capacity. It is ecological agreeable which stays away from the fatigue of
normally accessible assets. Growing property of Clay type soil is diminished by utilizing this
item. We can discover an expansion in estimations of the greatest dry thickness. The estimation
of ideal dampness content raises softly. As we increment the extents RBI Grade 81 powder fluid
breaking point diminishes. Plastic breaking point increments when the extents are expanded. At
the point when untreated BC soil was blended in with RBI Grade 81, drenched CBR esteem was
increased.

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 2.5 Laboratory study on subgrade soil stabilization using RBI grade 81 - J Bernadette
Cynthia et.al.

RBI grade 81 is one such material that helps the need to trade soil material and reasonable for
practically a wide range of soils. Right now, gathered locally accessible soil and different list
properties of the dirt were discovered by leading essential tests on the soil to help the dirt condi-
tions. At that point Coefficient of Uniformity Cu and coefficient of arch Cc were resolved from
the examples. The most extreme dry thickness was with 2% of the RBI 81 evaluation stabilizer
according to IS code. In this way CBR test and the unconfined pressure test were directed for soil
alone and soil blend in with the same rates of RBI grade 81 stabilizer. It was brought to light that
the ideal dampness substance of soil fortified with RBI 81 was expanding than that of control
soil. Due to the sinewy idea of the stabilizer and dry thickness diminished with increment in its
dampness content. From this paper, it is additionally comprehended that the UCC estimation of
RBI strengthened soil increment bit by bit. Yet, the CBR esteems expanded impressively show-
ing that the material can be utilized in subgrade soils to improve the quality. From the examina-
tion of aftereffects of tests directed on soil alone and soil strengthened with changing extents of
RBI 81, it gave results that the CBR estimation of RBI 81 fortified soil was expanded from
10.56% to 19.02 %, which is an extraordinary increment in the infiltration obstruction of the dirt.
The outcomes additionally demonstrated that the RBI 81 blended soil is improved in unconfined
pressure quality, after further expanding measurements of RBI 81, and a decline in UCC esteem.

2.6 Laboratory Performance of RBI 81 Stabilized Soil for Pavements - Lekha B.M. et.al.

There were numerous exploratory examinations made on RBI 81 and its properties like smell,
pH, explicit gravity, solvency, combustibility, mass thickness, period of usability, and so forth
and they found these properties and depictions were Quite agreeable. Alongside these couple of
specialized properties were likewise checked and examined for BC soil like explicit gravity,
grain size, circulation, consistency limit, UCS, and so forth. Consequences of compaction test
when the stabilizer was blended in with dark cotton soil gave minor increment in MDD and
OMC demonstrated slight increment for 2% stabilizer and afterward shows a steady lessening
with higher rates of the stabilizer. Impact of RBI 81 on UCS appeared for unsoaked condition,
quality indicated diminishing for a restoring time of one day and from that point expanding its

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quality with relieving period. Impact of RBI 81 on CBR test indicated was followed 7 days of
clammy restored and 4 days of drenching there was a continuous increment in CBR % with in-
crement in % of stabilizer. Impact of RBI 81 on weakness life of BC soil indicated that the wea-
riness life of the balanced out soil quickly increments for 1/third and half burden as the stabilizer
content increments Compound pieces of soil are additionally observed when the dirt is included
with stabilizer, which shapes a crystalline grid which is clear from substance investigation. All in
all, BC soil demonstrated apparent improvement in quality with the stabilizer under unsoaked
condition. Right now, additionally shows that it is clear in the CBR trial of BC soil when it is
treated with 6% of stabilizer gives a generally excellent improvement.

2.7 Comparative Study of Black Cotton Soil Stabilization with RBI Grade 81 and So-
dium Silicate- Anitha K. R et.al.

Strength of soil treated with RBI Grade 81 increases with age. Sodium silicate grouts are the
most popular grouts due to their environmental and safety compatibility. Sodium silicate grouts
have been used to cut off the water flowing through permeable foundations and to stabilize or
strengthen the foundations composed of fractured rock and granular materials. Also, granular
materials that have been saturated with silicate grout develop quite low hydraulic conductivity if
the gel is not allowed to dry out and shrink. For the experimentation purpose, RBI Grade 81 add-
ed to the soil in a dry state in percentage varying from 2% to 6% and sodium silicate 3% to 6%
in solution (molar concentration). The following results were obtained. Liquid limit decreases as
the admixture content increases. Plastic limit increases with the increase of admixture, resulting
in a net reduction of the plasticity index. Unconfined Compressive strength, CBR (soaked) val-
ues increase with an increase in RBI 81 addition. UCS and CBR reduces with increasing dose of
sodium silicate in soil pose limitation of sodium silicate used as stabilizer. Free swell index de-
creases as the addition of RBI 81 increases. The free swell index goes on increasing with the ad-
dition of sodium silicate.

2.8 Investigation on Strength Development in RBI Grade 81 Stabilized Serian Soil with
Microstructural Considerations - Taib et.al.

Serian is a town which is situated around 60 km from Kuching city the dirt was estivated from
here. Extent was taken in the arrangement of 2 %, 6 %, and 8 % of RBI Grade 81 by weight of
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dry soil and included with water at ideal water content. The adjusted examples were restored in
the surrounding air for 7, 14, and 28 days. Filtering Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to in-
vestigate the surface morphology of the balanced-out soil explicitly on the arrangement of hold-
ing among soils and RBI 81 particles. The test results show the most elevated normal pinnacle
UCS quality accomplished was 1071.6 kN/m2 at a multi-day relieving period with 8 % of RBI
Grade 81 which is higher than the untreated control test which was 179.946 kN/m2, demonstrat-
ing addition by right around six-folds. It filled the ground improvement is expected to stay away
from these inordinate settlements of structures built on delicate ground. The nearness of cementi-
tious items in the microstructure of the RBI 81stabilised soil upheld the aftereffect of the UCS
test. Arrangement of the cementitious items had expanded the shear quality of the RBI 81 bal-
anced out Syrian soil.

2.9 Behavior of Expansive Soils Stabilized with Hydrated Lime and Bagasse Fibers. -
Liet Chi Dang et.al.

It very well may be noticed that when bagasse fiber content was expanded from 0 to 2.0%, the
direct shrinkage diminished bit by bit with expanding restoring time. The pinnacle pressure ex-
panded with an expansion of hydrated lime-bagasse fiber content and the settled sweeping soil
likewise shows a checked solidness and relative fragility contrasted with unique soil. Direct
shrinkage of treated broad soils diminished with shifting added substance and expanded relieving
time. The wonderful improvement was more for admixtures of hydrated lime-bagasse strands
than bagasse filaments treated extensive soils. The UCS estimations of treated sweeping soils
expanded with the expansion in bagasse strands and hydrated lime-bagasse fiber extents along-
side restoring time delayed. This exploratory examination gives us the mix of hydrated lime-
bagasse filaments that yielded higher-quality and diminished direct shrinkage lower than bagasse
strands alone.

2.10 Studies on Soils Treated with Non-Traditional Stabilizer for Pavements - M.S. Am-
arnath et.al.

Repeated load tests conducted at different stress ratios on clayey soil samples treated with new
stabilizers indicate a substantial increase in the number of patterns of failure. The increase in
CBR and UCS of treated soils is found to be substantial.UCS of the clayey soils treated with

8|Page
lime, cement, and the new stabilizer is comparable. Substantial increase in fatigue life is ob-
served for clayey samples treated with a stabilizer. Low percentages of about 1 to 2% of the sta-
bilizer may be adopted to improve the properties of such clayey soils which are otherwise con-
sidered unsuitable as sub-grade material. After full-scale experimental test stretches, perfor-
mance evaluation, and life cycle cost analysis, it may be possible to arrive at a final decision on
the scope of adopting this stabilizer.

2.11 Effect of RBI-81 on CBR and Swell Behavior of Expansive Soil - Manisha Gunturi
et.al.

Most definitely, strong clayey soil is an intense test for parkway builds because of its growing
and shrinkage qualities which are the sole purposes behind asphalt disappointments. Adjustment
of such Kaolinite and Montmorillonite soils by methods for mechanical or concoction tech-
niques, assists with reusing the dirt rather than street cutting for supplanting the in-situ soil with
reasonable trucked earth as sub--grade. The target of the investigation manages the correlation of
the quality and microstructural changes of virgin soil test and RBI grade 81 balanced out the soil
at different restoring days blended in with different measurements i.e., 2%, 4%, and 6%.RBI
evaluation 81 stabilizer gives good outcomes for both the dirt as far as quality and swelling. The
least increment in CBR esteem for the expansion of 2% and 6% of soil stabilizer at 3 days, re-
lieving period for example A was 3.75 and 4.4 occasions and for example B is 3.56 and 4.25 oc-
casions as that of the untreated soil. There was an impressive abatement in the growth potential
in both the dirt examples with increment in stabilizer dose and relieving period studied. Reduc-
tion in pore spaces and change the microstructure of the dirt can be seen from the SEM micro-
graphs, which gives an away from for the expansion in quality of CBR and decrease in expand-
ing potential.

2.12 Stabilization of Black Cotton Soil using Admixtures. - Shreyas Krsihnappa et.al.

The primer qualities of Black cotton soil are which have poor shear quality with high expansion
and shrinkage, along these lines the conduct of the dirt under the utilization of burdens can be
modified by changing its physical and designing properties. At the point when the BC soil is pre-
sented to variety in climatic condition prompts increment or diminishing in expanding and
shrinkage proportion, these varieties can be limited by admixtures, for

9|Page
example, Manufactured sand, concrete, and flying debris. The current examination manages
assessment of physical and designing properties of BC soil, which is blended in with admix-
tures in a fluctuating extent and the outcomes are arranged by contrasting it and standard
codes and practices. The trial concentrate likewise uncovered that with the expansion of the
level of M-sand with concrete and fly debris there is an expansion in Maximum dry thickness
esteems whereas there is a significant decrease in ideal dampness content for the given soil by
leading standard delegate test additionally with the conduction of CBR test by shifting the
level of admixtures like Cement, M–sand and Fly debris in the dirt blend, there is a slow in-
crement in the CBR esteems with the increment in the level of stabilizers.

2.13 Lime-Stabilized Black Cotton Soil and Brick Powder Mixture as Subbase Material
- S. Srikanth Reddy et.al.

Different scientists, for as far back as not many decades, had attempted to balance out dark
cotton soil utilizing lime for improving its shrinkage and expanding attributes. In any case,
nowadays, the expense of lime has expanded, bringing about increment deprived for option and
cost effective waste materials, for example, fly debris and rice husk debris. The goal of the
examination is to explore the utilization of lime-balanced out dark cotton soil and block powder
blend as sub-base material in flexible asphalts. Dark cotton soil secured from the neighborhood,
for reasonableness as sub-base material, ended up being unsatisfactory as it brought about less
CBR esteem. Indeed, even lime adjustment of dark cotton soil under examination has not showed
up the necessary CBR esteem specified for the sub-base material of flexible asphalt by MORTH.
Henceforth the lime-balanced out dark cotton soil is proportioned with black powder to get an
ideal blend that yields a superior CBR esteem. The blend of 20% block powder and 80% lime-
balanced out dark cotton soil under investigation brought about increment in the CBR esteem by
about 135% in correlation with lime-settled dark cotton soil. Therefore, it is promising to utilize
the blend of block powder and lime-balanced out dark cotton soil as sub-base material in flexible
asphalts.

10 | P a g e
 2.14 Effect of Pond Ash and RBI Grade 81 on Properties of Subgrade Soil and Base
Course of Flexible Pavement - B. M. Patil. et.al.

The lake debris is a warm force plant waste and RBI Grade 81 is a concoction soil stabilizer. The
geotechnical properties of clayey soil, improve altogether because of the expansion of lake debris
and RBI Grade 81. The RBI Grade 81 and lake debris help to decrease the growing qualities of
clayey soil as the DFS file diminishes. The ideal blend suggested for sub-grade is soil: lake
debris: RBI Grade 81 in extents of 76:20:4. The RBI Grade 81 work as a decent clayey soil
stabilizer. The doused CBR estimation of sub-grade clayey soil and level III material improved
by an expansion of lake debris and RBI Grade 81and in this manner it is conceivable to decrease
the thickness of the street. The ideal blended got for sub-grade soil is 76:20:04 and for base
course 77:20:03. The utilization of locally accessible clayey soil for sub-grade spare’s
characteristic granular material. The CBR estimation of evaluation III base course treated with
20% lake debris and 4% RBI Grade 81 was expanded by 125.93% when contrasted with
untreated evaluation III base course. The utilization of lake debris for street development work
lessens natural contamination up to a certain degree. This paper manages utilization of lake
debris and RBI Grade 81 for development in CBR estimations of clayey soil and level III
materials utilized for base course of adaptable asphalt.

2.15 Comparative Study of Black Cotton Soil Stabilization with RBI Grade 81 and So-
dium Silicate - Madurwar et.al.

Worldwide these dirts are viewed as tricky soils and represent a few difficulties for engineers. In
this way, as to use this dirt compellingly, legitimate treatment to the dirt is required. With a simi-
lar goal, an endeavor is made to alter designing properties of dark cotton soils from Nagpur lo-
cale, Maharashtra, India by utilizing RBI Grade 81 and sodium silicate. Fluid breaking point de-
creases as the admixture content increments through switch pattern saw with plastic cutoff as it
increments with the expansion of admixture, brings about a net decrease of pliancy record. At-
terberg's breaking point, Compaction, California Bearing Ratio (C.B.R.), Unconfined Compres-
sive Strength (U.C.S.) tests were completed on the examples of soil and soil with stabilizers. Un-
confined Compressive quality, CBR (splashed) values increment with increment in RBI 81 ex-
pansion proposes its appropriateness as a great stabilizer to improve execution of delicate soils.
Free swell record diminishes as the expansion of RBI 81 increases and it goes on

11 | P a g e
increase with the addition of sodium silicate. Likewise, UCS and CBR additionally decrease with
an increasing portion of sodium silicate in soil present restriction of sodium silicate utilized as a
stabilizer. Dissolvability of sodium silicate in water restrains its utilization alone as a stabilizer in
soil, though sodium silicate, whenever applied with lime or concrete for adjustment, may discov-
er reasonable because sodium silicate helps in increasing pH of soil condition which is essential
for the quality improvements. Restoring of tests is accomplished for 7 days, 14 days and 28 days.

2.16 Geotechnical Properties of Fly Ash and its Application on Soft Soil Stabilization –
Geliga et.al.

This paper quickly portrays the appropriateness of the nearby flying debris to be utilized in the
neighborhood development industry in an approach to limit the measure of waste to be arranged
in nature causing ecological contamination. A few structural designing research center, tests was
directed to consider the geotechnical properties of fly debris and quality addition when blended
in with the neighborhood mud test. An alternate extent of fly debris and soil test relieved for 7
days brings about a quality increase. A superior comprehension of the properties of flying debris
is picked up from the examination and the tests demonstrate an improved quality and better
properties of delicate soil test when balanced out.

2.17 Performance Study on Soil Stabilization using Natural Materials – Jame et.al.

The option of Tamarind Kernel Powder to soil brought about increment in the fluid furthest
reaches of the dirt from 67% to 117% when 10% Tamarind piece Powder was added to it. The
expansion of this material additionally brought about a decline in shrinkage limit from 15.4% for
a 2% option to 11.4 % for 8% option of Tamarind Kernel Powder. It likewise brought about the
expansion in the free swell list of the dirt from 60% to 146% for 80% expansion of TKP to the
dirt. The greatest dry thickness of the dirt diminished from 17.1kN/m2 to 14kN/m2 on the ex-
pansion of 8% Tamarind Kernel Powder. The ideal dampness substance of the dirt additionally
expanded from 17.5% to 25%. The UCC quality quartered from 215 kN/m2 to 64 kN/m2 for an
expansion of a simple 8% TKP, which is 70% lesser than the UCC quality of soil. Comparative
tests were finished including Egg Shell Powder and Jaggery: Chebula: Lime mixes with soil and
the outcomes were promising.

12 | P a g e
 2.18 Stabilization of residual soil with rice husk ash and cement. Construction and
building materials. - Basha, et al.

Adjustment of leftover soils is concentrated by artificially utilizing concrete and rice husk debris.
Examination incorporates the assessment of such properties of the dirt as compaction, quality,
and X-beam diffraction. Test outcomes show that both concrete and rice husk debris decrease the
versatility of soils. In terms of compatibility, expansion of rice husk debris and concrete declines
the greatest dry thickness and expands the ideal dampness content. From the perspective of ver-
satility, compaction and quality attributes, and economy, expansion of 6–8% concrete and 10–
15% rice husk debris is prescribed as an ideal sum.

2.19 Soil stabilization with fly ash and rice husk ash. - Robert M. et.al.

The target of this paper is to update far-reaching soils a development material utilizing rice husk
debris (RHA) and fly ash, which are squandered materials. Remolded extensive dirt was mixed
with RHA and fly ash and quality tests were led. The capability of the RHA-fly ash mix as a
swell decrease layer between the balance of an establishment and sub-grade was studied. In re-
quest to look at the significance of the investigation, a cost correlation was made for the readi-
ness of the sub-base of a parkway venture with and without the admixture adjustments.

2.20 Potentials of rice husk ash for soil stabilization. - Alhassan, et.al.

Soil test gathered from the Maikunkele region by Minna, named an A-7-6 lateritic soil on
AASHTO arrangement was balanced out with 2-12% rice husk debris (RHA) by weight of the
dry soil. Utilizing British standard light (BSL) compaction vitality level, execution of the dirt
RHA was researched as to compaction attributes, California bearing proportion (CBR), and un-
confined compressive quality (UCS) tests. The outcomes acquired, shows a general decline in
the most extreme dry thickness (MDD) and increment in ideal dampness content (OMC) with
increment in RHA content. There was likewise slight improvement in the CBR and UCS with
increment in the RHA content.

2.21 Application of phosphogypsum in soil stabilization. - Degirmencia, et.al.

This examination reports the utilization of phosphogypsum with concrete and fly debris as an
adjustment operator on two chose soils. In the light of the test outcomes the accompanying ends

13 | P a g e
can be Treated with phosphogypsum, flying debris, and concrete, for the most part, decreases the
versatility file. Essentially, a decrease in pliancy is a marker of progress. The most extreme dry
unit weight of phosphogypsumstabilized soils increments with expanding phosphogypsum con-
tent. Other than this, fly debris content declines the most extreme dry unit weight. By and large
the ideal dampness content reductions with the expansion of the concrete, flying debris, and
phosphogypsum. Unconfined compressive qualities of unstabilized soils were lower than the bal-
anced out soils. The concrete substance has an altogether higher impact than the fly debris con-
tent. Phosphogypsum, a strong side-effect of phosphoric corrosive assembling, can conceivably
settle the extensive or non-sweeping soils blended in with concrete and class C fly debris.
Roughly 3 million tons of phosphogypsum and 10 million tons of fly debris are produced by
phosphate compost industry and warm force plant, for every year in Turkey of which these
squanders are disposed of in landfills or streams. Thinking about the significant expense of con-
crete, the use of phosphogypsum and flying debris as opposed to dumping as waste materials,
both gives a critical commitment to the nation's economy and arrangement of the ecological con-
tamination issue.

2.22 Use of Synthetic Polymers and Biopolymers for Soil Stabilization in Agricultural,
Construction, and Military Applications - William J. Orts et.al.

PAM has been applied to the greater part a million ha of watered land in the United States in and
around the world, particularly Australia. Development utilizations of PAM will keep on develop-
ing, particularly if temporary workers face fines for residue contamination. Military utilizations
of PAM may not be evident in the overall population, however, it could bring about a noteworthy
number of fundamentally significant soil adjustment applications, for example, the fast arrange-
ment of helicopter landing cushions. The expanding market pull of natural cultivating systems is
a solid motivation to investigate options to PAM, since PAM can't be utilized during natural
farming. Biopolymer options to PAM, which by and large corrupt all the more quickly, would
almost certainly have to promote focal points because of the open impression of the general well
being of normal mixes. Enthusiasm for the advancement of bio-polymer options for PAM may
increment because of financial drivers. If the cost of petroleum gas, the feedstock for acrylamide
creation, keeps on climbing, the industry may look for elective polymers.

14 | P a g e
 2.23 Lime stabilization of clay minerals and soils - Bell et.al.

,The tests were picked because of this. Till and overlaid mud were treated incomparable design.
With the expansion of the lime, the versatility of montmorillonite was decreased while that of
kaolinite and quartz was expanded to some degree. Be that as it may, the expansion of lime to the
till had little effect on its pliancy yet a huge decrease happened in that of the covered mud. All
materials encountered an expansion in their ideal dampness content and a diminishing in their
most extreme dry thickness, just as upgraded California bearing proportion, on expansion of
lime. Most definitely, the expansion of lime to both the till and the overlaid dirt reductions their
greatest dry thickness and expands their ideal dampness content. The last pattern is more than
counterbalanced by the increments in quality which are created by soil-lime blends. The Califor-
nia bearing proportion is expanded in the two soils. The quality of these two soils is impressively
improved by the expansion of lime. The ideal increase in quality seems, by all accounts, to be
with 4-6% lime. The increase in quality is impacted by the measure of blend water, the period of
relieving, and the temperature at which restoring happens. The most elevated gains in quality
happen when the blend water content is simply in the overabundance of the ideal dampness con-
tent. Quality keeps on expanding with expanding length of restoring time yet commonly the most
eminent increments happen in the initial 7 days. Temperature of restoring impacts the quality
achieved, or more 30oc the expansion in quality might be emotional.

2.24 Stabilization of Expansive Soil by using Agricultural Waste - Sankar P.D. et.al.

The motivation behind this paper was consequently to explore the utilization of certain rural
waste, for example, corn cob debris, egg shell powder to balance out the broad soil. The after
effects of these tests show improvement in UCC worth and swell weight with the expansion in
the level of waste. Subsequently, they gave a worthy expansion to these three farming squanders
serving the three advantages of Safe removal of squanders, utilizing as a stabilizer and profit of
salary for it. The far-reaching soil is dealt with independently at 4% with the over three squan-
ders, 8% and 12% with UCC test, and swell weight being performed. Agrarian waste removal
makes a potential negative ecological effect that causes air contamination, and water contamina-
tion at last influences neighborhood biological systems. In this way, safe removal of farming
waste turns into a difficult undertaking. This paper, hence planned to explore the utilization of
certain farming waste, for example, corn cob Ash (CCA) and Eggshell powder

15 | P a g e
(ESP). As a valuable soil settling material, they utilized the eggshell waste and corn cob Ash.
They limited the waste removal issue of eggshell and corn cob Ash by utilizing the materials as a
dirt stabilizer. The ideal use of eggshell powder and corn cob added to the dirt was 4% (CCA)
and 4 % (ESP). The free swell file diminishes from 60% to 31%. The unconfined compressive
quality increments 89.7 kpa to 181.3 kpa for 28 days relieving. And afterward the swell weight
likewise diminished from 40.76 kN/m2 to 28.12 kN/m2.

2.25 Soil Stabilization Using Low-Cost Methods - Ramaji et.al.

The dirt regularly is frail and has no enough solidness in substantial stacking. The point of the
investigation was to audit on adjustment of soil utilizing minimal effort strategies. A few support
strategies are accessible for balancing out far-reaching soils. These strategies incorporate adjust-
ment with substance added substances, rewritten, soil substitution, compaction control, dampness
control, extra charge stacking, and warm techniques. Every one of these strategies may have the
impediments of being incapable and costly. Because of the writing, Portland concrete, lime, fly
debris and scrap tire was minimal effort and viable to soil adjustment. Yearly, a ton of waste
elastic is produced and consumed an incredible space. In light of writing, one of the arrange-
ments is the utilization of various size waste elastic in soil support. Because of the writing, Port-
land concrete, lime, fly debris and scrap tire ere minimal effort and compelling to soil adjust-
ment.

2.26 Soil Stabilization with Lime for the Construction of Forest Roads - Reginaldo
Sérgio Pereira et.al.

Geotechnical trials of soil portrayal, compaction, and mechanical quality were performed apply-
ing distinctive compaction endeavors and relieving periods. The outcomes demonstrated that
lime content essentially changed the mechanical exhibition of characteristic soil, expanding its
mechanical quality and burden conveying limit. Compaction exertion and restoring time gave
various reactions in the unconfined compressive quality (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio
(CBR) tests. The best UCS esteem (786.59 kPa) for the dirt, lime blend was accomplished with
changed compaction exertion and restoring time of 28 days. In the CBR test, soil-lime blends
compacted at transitional and adjusted endeavors and relieved for 28 days were considered for
application as sub-base material of adaptable street asphalts, being a promising option for use in

16 | P a g e
layers of timberland streets. Expansion of lime Modi the mechanical conduct of the neighbor-
hood soil, expanding its quality and burden-bearing limit - attributes alluring for street develop-
ment (b) compaction exertion and relieving time gave diverse mechanical reactions of the dirt,
lime blend, and at the 28-day restoring time this blend can be considered for application as sub-
base material of adaptable street asphalts.

2.B. Problem Identification

According to all the surveys and reviews, it can be concluded that Need and analysis in this do-
main are-

• Soil Stabilization is that the amendation to soils to boost their physical properties.

• Conventional materials are limited in use as well as applications.

• Conventional materials are highly expensive.

• Soil exchange is required in conventional methods of stabilization.

• Conventional methods of stabilization require maintenance for the whole life.

• Stabilization can be helpful in axing in the plasticity of the soil.

• It can also lower soil permeability.

So, we come up with the

Problem Statement-

As per our previous study and research on Black cotton soil, we got the result that, black cotton
itself has very little shear strength, which raises the difficulty to lay foundations. Along with this
the soil swelling characteristic is observed when water is added. So, in consideration of all this,
we are up bringing the strengthening properties of soil using RBI grade 81 and by defecting this
problem statement we can come across achieving

Objectives-

• To improve the shear strength of Black Cotton Soil.

• To decrease the liquid limit of Black Cotton Soil.

• To escalate the plastic Limit of Black cotton Soil

• To improve the Unconfined Compressive Strength of Black Cotton Soil.

17 | P a g e
 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

Fig 3: Methodology

18 | P a g e
 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION

Initiating the problem statement of this project we found out the main objectives that we are con-
cerned about and the suitable outcomes for the same.

Material requirement and their properties were found to be the primitive step along with that
availability of raw materials was made. RBI being our soil stabilizer, its index properties were
found and analyzed that how they will be suitable for our tests.

We then started with the Literature review and study on Experimental works simultaneously,
with the help of our previous records we had few basic information about the nature of dark
black cotton soil and its behavior with many various types of stabilizers.

For Literature Reviews we referred different papers and journals regarding the topic we started
working and made use of those reviews under the basic results about the topic which was time-
saving.

Completing that, we began with performing tests, i.e. Index properties and engineering properties
of Pure Black Cotton Soil and also the RBI mixed Black cotton soil.

The tests indulged in Index properties were as;

1. Specific Gravity Test

2. Atterberg’s Limit

3. Standard Procter Test

And the tests for Engineering properties were as;

1. Unconfined Compression Test

2. Triaxial Shear Test

3. Direct Shear Test

In this above-mentioned test, we took different proportions of black cotton soil and RBI and per-
formed several testings under one property to achieve the desired results in each test. For the
same sample preparation was made in the percentage of RBI addition with Black Cotton Soil i.e.
starting with 2%, then 4%, 6% similarly a gradual increase was made of 2% every time unless
the optimum result is achieved.
19 | P a g e
An overall analysis of these results was made and the conclusions were made out to accomplish
the final result and justify our problem statement.

Sample Preparation:

In order to perform the tests, the soil was collected from the institution vicinity in its natural
state. In order to find the Index and Engineering properties, various tests are performed on this
specimen. Stabilizer RBI 81 is then added to it in desired proportions i.e. for 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% &
10% to weight of soil.

For that, first soil was weighed and then an RBI of required weight was added into it and mixed
thoroughly. Similar tests were conducted on the mixture. The MDD and OMC were found out
using SPT. Optimum Moisture Content is maintained in order to perform tests to find the engi-
neering properties of Black Cotton Soil. While preparing samples, the lumps were formed, but
after carefully following the procedure, the formation of lumps was avoided

20 | P a g e
 CHAPTER 5: RESULT ANALYSIS, CONCLUSION & FUTURE WORK

5.1 Result Analysis:

I. Effect of RBI 81 on Liquid Limit of Black Cotton Soil (IS: 2720 – Part- 5 – 1985)
Liquid limit is referred to as generalized state parameter which has been given greater attention
compared to the plastic limit. The liquid limit is largely influenced by type and amount of clay
content, and also literature shows that ion concentration ionic valency also largely influences the
liquid limit of clay soil. In general reduction in the liquid limit is indicative of a reduction in the
compressibility and swelling characteristics. From the change in the liquid limit, it may be in-
ferred that there is an overall improvement in the behavior of black cotton soil on the addition of
RBI 81.[5]

Table 5.1: Liquid limit of black cotton soil

SOIL 41% SOIL+6% 36.12%

SOIL+2% 39.82% SOIL+8% 35.76%

SOIL+4% 38.65% SOIL +10% 35.22%

Effect of RBI 81 on Liquid Limit of Black Cotton Soil:

42. 41.

40.5 39.82

38.65
39.
Liquid Limit (%)

37.5
36.12
35.76
36. 35.22

34.5

33.

31.5
SOIL SOIL+2% SOIL+4% SOIL+6% SOIL+8% SOIL +10%

Graph 5.1: Effect of RBI 81 on Liquid Limit of black cotton soil

21 | P a g e
 II. Effect of RBI 81 on Plastic Limit of Black Cotton Soil (IS: 2720 – Part- 5 – 1985)
The plastic limit of soil is useful to determine the consistency of fine-grained soil. A soil with a
low plastic limit is more likely to undergo excessive settlement and may lead to strength reduc-
tion. The following table shows the values of the plastic limit of black cotton soil and various
percentages of RBI 81 added to it.

Table 5.2: Plastic limit of black cotton soil

Sample Plastic Limit Sample Plastic Limit

SOIL 21.16% SOIL+6% 26.22%

SOIL+2% 23.56% SOIL+8% 27.78%

SOIL+4% 24.54% SOIL +10% 28.34%

Effect of RBI 81 on Plastic Limit of black cotton soil:

36.25%

27.78% 28.34%
29.00% 26.22%
24.54%
23.56%
Plastic Limit (%)

21.16%
21.75%

14.50%

7.25%

0.00%
SOIL SOIL+2% SOIL+4% SOIL+6% SOIL+8% SOIL +10%

Graph 5.2: Effect of RBI 81 on Plastic Limit of black cotton soil

The Plastic limit of black cotton soil increases as the quantity of RBI added is increased. It is
21.16% for black cotton soil and increases to 28.34% with the addition of 10% RBI.

22 | P a g e
 III. Effect of RBI 81 on Plasticity Index of Black Cotton Soil
Plasticity Index is the difference between the liquid and plastic limit if soil. It indicates the range
of the moisture contents at which the soil is in a plastic state. The plasticity index depends on the
amount of clay present in the soil. It indicates the fineness of the soil and its capacity to change
shape without altering its volume. It is an indication of soil compressibility. Greater the plasticity
Index, greater is the soil compressibility.

Table 5.3: Plasticity Index of black cotton soil

Sample Liquid Limit Plastic Limit Plasticity Index

SOIL 42% 21.16% 19.84%

SOIL+2% 39.82% 23.56% 16.26%

SOIL+4% 38.65% 24.54% 14.11%

SOIL+6% 36.12% 26.22% 9.90%

SOIL+8% 35.76% 27.78% 7.98%

SOIL +10% 35.22% 28.34% 6.88%

Plasticity Index
25.00%

19.84%
20.00%
16.26%
14.11%
15.00%

9.90%
10.00% 7.98%
6.88%

5.00%

0.00%
SOIL SOIL+2% SOIL+4% SOIL+6% SOIL+8% SOIL +10%

Graph 5.3: Effect of RBI 81 on the Plasticity Index of black cotton soil

23 | P a g e
The Plasticity Index of black cotton soil decreases as the quantity of RBI added is increased. It is
19.84% of soil taken by us and decreases to 6.88% with the addition of 10% RBI.

IV. Effect of RBI 81 on the Specific Gravity of Black Cotton Soil (IS: 2720 – Part- 3 –
1980)
The specific gravity of soil is a principal parameter in deciding void ratio, porosity, degree of
saturation, and other parameters of soil. It is helpful to determine the aptness of a soil as a con-
struction material as a higher value of specific gravity gives more toughness to foundations and
roads. Tests of specific gravity of the soil using pycnometer gave following results with various
proportions of RBI 81-

Table 5.4: Specific gravity of black cotton soil

Sample Specific Gravity Sample Specific Gravity

SOIL 2.1 SOIL+6% 2.75

SOIL+2% 2.34 SOIL+8% 2.31
SOIL+4% 2.38 SOIL +10% 2.29

Variation in Specific Gravity due to addition of RBI 81

3.5

2.75
2.8
2.34 2.38 2.31 2.29
2.1
2.1

1.4

0.7

0.
soil soil+2% soil+4% soil+6% soil+8% soil+10%

Graph 5.4: Effect of RBI 81 on Specific Gravity of black cotton soil

It is noticed that initially, the Specific gravity of the soil improves with an increase in the per-
centage of RBI 81 added. It attains a peak of 2.75 when RBI 81 of 6% of soils weight is added to
it and after that is gradually starts decreasing.

24 | P a g e
 V. Effect of RBI 81 on MDD and OMC of Black Cotton Soil (IS: 2720 – Part- 7 – 1980)
The Maximum Dry Density and Optimum Moisture Content of black cotton soil can be found
out using the Standard Proctor Test. SPT was performed on the soil and various proportions of
RBI 81 and the following results were obtained:

i. SPT of Black Cotton Soil

Table 5.5: SPT of Black Cotton Soil

Water content Density (g/cc)

Water content (%) Density (g/cc) (%)
19 17.22 22 18.12
20 17.89 19 17.22
21 18.46

SPT on Black Cotton Soil

19.

18.46
18.5
Dry Density (g/cc)

18.12

18. 17.89

17.5
17.22

17.
18 19 20 21 22 23
Water Content(%)

Graph 5.5: SPT on Black Cotton Soil

The Maximum Dry density of black cotton soil is 18.46 g/cc and the Optimum Moisture Content
is 21%.

25 | P a g e
 ii. SPT of Black Cotton Soil and 2% RBI

Table 5.6: SPT of Black Cotton Soil and 2% RBI

Water content (%) Density (g/cc) Water content (%) Density (g/cc)
19 16.95 22 17.8
20 17.23 23 17.62
21 17.46

SPT BCS + 2% RBI

18.
17.8
17.75 17.62
Dry Density(g/cc)

17.46
17.5
17.23
17.25
16.95
17.

16.75
18 19 21 22 23 24
Water content(%)

Graph 5.6: SPT on Black Cotton Soil and 2% RBI

The Maximum Dry density of black cotton soil when 2% RBI is added is 17.8 g/cc and the Op-
timum Moisture Content is 22%.

iii. SPT of Black Cotton Soil and 4% RBI

Table 5.7: SPT of Black Cotton Soil and 4% RBI

Water content (%) Density (g/cc) Water content (%) Density (g/cc)
20 16.82 23 17.52
21 17.02 24 17.38
22 17.33

26 | P a g e
 SPT BCS + 4% RBI
17.775

17.52
17.55
Dry Density(g/cc)
17.38
17.33
17.325

17.1 17.02

16.82
16.875

16.65
18 24 30
Water content(%)

Graph 5.7: SPT on Black Cotton Soil and 4% RBI

The Maximum Dry density of black cotton soil when 4% RBI is added is 17.52 g/cc and the
Optimum Moisture Content is 23%.

iv. SPT of Black Cotton Soil and 6% RBI

Table 5.8: SPT of Black Cotton Soil and 6% RBI

Water content (%) Density (g/cc) Water content (%) Density (g/cc)
21 16.57 24 17.14
22 16.84 25 17.03
23 16.97

SPT BCS + 6%RBI

17.2 17.14
17.03
16.97
Dry Density(g/cc)

17.
16.84
16.8

16.57
16.6

16.4
20 21 23 24 25 26
Water content(%)

Graph 5.8: SPT on Black Cotton Soil and 6% RBI

27 | P a g e
The Maximum Dry density of black cotton soil when 6% RBI is added is 17.14 g/cc and the Op-
timum Moisture Content is 24%.

v. SPT of Black Cotton Soil and 8% RBI

Table 5.9: SPT of Black Cotton Soil and 8% RBI

Water content (%) Density (g/cc) Water content (%) Density (g/cc)
23 15.74 26 16.74
24 16.28 27 16.48
25 16.56

SPT BCS + 8% RBI

16.74
16.8
16.56
16.48
16.5
Dry Density(g/cc)

16.28

16.2

15.9
15.74

15.6
23 24 25 26 28
Water content(%)

Graph 5.9: SPT on Black Cotton Soil and 8% RBI

The Maximum Dry density of black cotton soil when 8% RBI is added is 16.74 g/cc and the Op-
timum Moisture Content is 26%.

vi. SPT of Black Cotton Soil and 10% RBI

Table 5.10: SPT of Black Cotton Soil and 10% RBI

Water content (%) Density (g/cc) Water content (%) Density (g/cc)
24 15.23 27 16.52
25 15.67 28 16.26
26 16.03

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 SPT BCS + 10% RBI
17.

16.52
Dry Density(g/cc) 16.5 16.26
16.03
16.
15.67

15.5
15.23

15.
24 25 26 28 29
Water content(%)

Graph 5.10: SPT on Black Cotton Soil and 10% RBI

The Maximum Dry density of black cotton soil when 10% RBI is added is 16.52 g/cc and the
Optimum Moisture Content is 27%.

vii. Combined study of SPT on 2%- 10% RBI added

Table 5.11: Combined SPT

Water
content BCS 2% 4% 6% 8% 10%
(%)
19 17.22 16.95
20 17.89 17.23 16.82
21 18.46 17.46 17.02 16.57
22 18.12 17.8 17.33 16.84
23 17.62 17.52 16.97 15.74
24 17.38 17.14 16.28 15.23
25 17.03 16.56 15.67
26 16.74 16.03
27 16.48 16.52
28 16.26

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 Combined SPT
19.

18.
Dry Density (g/cc)

BCS
2%
17. 4%
6%
8%
16.

15.
18 21 23 26 28 31
Water Content (%)

Graph 5.11: SPT on Black Cotton Soil and 2% -10% RBI

As the amount of RBI in the soil is increased, it was observed that the Optimum Moisture
Content of the soil is increased. The trend observed in Maximum Dry Density is opposite to
that of Optimum Moisture Content. This Decrease in MDD is attributed to the replacement
of soil molecules by light weighted RBI molecules. This replacement of soil by RBI Grade
81 imparts strength to the soil mixtures due to the formation of cementitious compounds; in
turn, it develops a good bonding and hence there is an improved stability to the subgrade.

VI. Unconfined Compression Test (IS: 2720 – Part- 10 – 1991)

After performing the Unconfined compression test on soil specimen by adding 2%- 10% RBI
gradually, the following graphs were obtained:

UCS for Black Cotton Soil

2.2

1.65
stress

1.1

0.55

0.
0. 0.075 0.15 0.225 0.3 0.375
strain

Graph 5.12: UCS on black cotton soil

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The graph shows that the value of Unconfined Compressive Strength of Black Cotton soil is 2.08
Kn/m2. The value of Cohesion is 1.04Kn/m2.

UCS for 2% RBI

3.5

2.8
stress(kn/m2)

2.1

1.4

0.7

0.
0. 0.125 0.25 0.375 0.5
strain

Graph 5.13: UCS on black cotton soil + 2% RBI

The graph shows that the results for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Black Cotton soil
when 2% RBI is added is 2.78 Kn/m2. The value of Cohesion is 1.39Kn/m2.

UCS for 4% RBI

3.

2.25
stress (kn/m2)

1.5

0.75

0.
0. 0.125 0.25 0.375 0.5
strain

Graph 5.14: UCS on black cotton soil + 4% RBI

The graph shows that the value of Unconfined Compressive Strength of Black Cotton soil when
4% RBI is added is 2.86 Kn/m2. The value of Cohesion is 1.43KN/m2.
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 UCS for 6% RBI
4.

3.2
stress (kn/m2)

2.4

1.6

0.8

0.
0. 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
strain

Graph 5.15: UCS on black cotton soil + 6% RBI

The graph shows that the value of Unconfined Compressive Strength of Black Cotton soil when
6% RBI is added is 3.10 Kn/m2. The value of Cohesion is 1.55 Kn/m2.

UCS for 8% RBI

4.

3.
stress (kn/m2)

2.

1.

0.
0. 0.125 0.25 0.375 0.5
strain

Graph 5.16: UCS on black cotton soil + 8% RBI

The graph shows that the results for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Black Cotton soil
when 8% RBI is added are 3.63 Kn/m2. The value of Cohesion is 1.82Kn/m2.

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 UCS for 10% RBI:
4.

3.
stress (kn/m2)

2.

1.

0.
0. 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4
strain

Graph 5.17: UCS on black cotton soil + 10% RBI

The graph shows that the value of Unconfined Compressive Strength of Black Cotton soil when
10% RBI is added is 3.30 KN/m2. The value of Cohesion is 1.65KN/m2.

Combined graph for UCS

4.

3.

BCS
stress (Kn/m²)

2%RBI
2.
4%RBI
8%RBI
10%RBI
1.
6%RBI

0.
0. 0.125 0.25 0.375 0.5
STRAIN

Graph 5.18: Combined graph for UCS

From the graph, Unconfines Compression Test of soil and RBI mixture is shown. It is evident from the
graph that as the percentage of RBI present in soil increases, the unconfined compressive strength of soil
also increases.

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5.2 Conclusion:
From the experiments, carried out on the soil with various percentages of RBI grade
81i.e. 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%, following conclusions can be drawn:

1) There is a reduction in the Liquid Limit of black cotton soil with the increase in percent-
age of RBI grade 81. The liquid limit of black cotton soil is 42% and it decreases to
35.22% with addition of 10% RBI grade 81.

2) As a percentage of RBI grade 81is increased, an increase in Plastic limit of soil is ob-
served. The plastic limit of soil is 21.16% and it increases to 28.34% with the addition of
10% RBI grade 81.

3) With the insertion of RBI grade 81, Plasticity Index decreases. The PI of soil is 19.84%.
It reduces up to 6.88% when 10% of RBI Grade 81 is added. Decrease in the plasticity
index shows that the volume change during wetting and drying with RBI Grade 81 is less.

4) It was perceived that the specific gravity of soil is 2.1. It uniformly increases with the ad-
dition of RBI grade 81up to 6%. At 6%, it attains the peak value of 2.75 and then starts
decreasing afterwards. The value of specific gravity when 10% RBI grade 81 is added is
2.29.

5) With an increase in the percentage of RBI grade 81, the Optimum Moisture Content of
the soil increases. The OMC of soil is 21%. It increases to 27% when 10% RBI grade
81is added.

6) As RBI grade 81in the soil increases, the Maximum Dry Density of soil decreases.The
MDD of soil is 18.12g/cc. It decreases to 16.52g/cc with addition of 10% RBI.

7) With the inclusion of RBI grade 81 to the soil is, the unconfined compressive strength of
soil also increases. The UCS of soil is 1.04kN/m2. It increases to 3.30 KN/m2 when 10%
RBI grade 81 is added. This shows an increase in the strength of soil.

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5.3 Future Scope:
In order to check whether the Shear strength is increased by the addition of RBI 81, Direct shear
test needs to be performed. Due to the effect of COVID 19, the institution was closed and we
were unable to perform Direct shear test and Triaxial test on our soil specimen. So, in the future,
these tests need to be performed. Along with that, we had planned to perform California Bearing
Ratio Test (Soaked and Unsoaked) on our soil specimen to determine strength. Hence, we are
expecting these tests to be completed.

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 REFERENCES

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 14. Madurwar, K. V., Dahale, P. P., &Burile, A. N. (2013). Comparative study of black cot-
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 APPENDIX 1

1. Performing specific Gravity test with Py- 2. Performing Liquid limit and plastic limit
cometer test

3. Performing Standard proctor Test 4. Mould of standard proctor test

5. Collection of black cotton soil from col- 6. Performing Unconfined Compression test
lege vicinity.

38 | P a g e
 7. Tested sample of Unconfined compres- 8. Apparatus setting up for Triaxial test.
sion test.

9. Performing Triaxial test. 10. Tested sample of Triaxial test.

11. Mould prepared for direct shear test 12. Sample after testing for direct shear test

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