AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON STABILIZATION OF

EXPANSIVE SOIL USING ADMIXUTURES

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

SHAIKH HEENA H. (150490106111)

THAKOR USHMA S. (150490106114)

CHAUDHRI ANKITA A. (160493106005)

GAMIT BHAMINI D. (160493106014)

SHAH MEET M. (150490106108)

Guided by

Prof. Krunal A. Shah

In fulfillment for the award of the degree

Of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
In
CIVIL ENGINEERING

SITARAMBHAI NARANJIBHAI PATEL INSTITUTE OF

TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH CENTRE

UMRAKH

Gujarat Technological University, Ahmadabad

December-2018
I
 CERTIFICATE
DATE:-

This is certify that the dissertation entitled “AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

OF STABILIZATION OF EXPANSIVE SOIL USING ADMIXTURES” has
been carried out by SHAIKH HEENA H.(150490106111),THAKOR USHMA
S.(150490106114),CHAUDHRI ANKITA A.(160493106005),GAMIT
BHAMINI D .(160493106014),SHAH MEET M.(150490106108) under our
guidance in fulfillment of the degree of Bachelor of Engineering in civil
engineering(7th semester) of Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad during
the academic year 2018-19.

Guide Co-Guide

Krunal A. Shah Vimal Patel

EXTERNAL EXAMINER SIGN

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We are glad to express our gratitude towards the S.N.P.I.T &
R.C.,UMRAKH that gave us an opportunity for our project in their
organization.

We express our sincere and heartily gratitude to our respected Ajay

V.Shah Director of the institute and Dr.Piyush Jain Principal of the institute
for their all supports during our project work.

It is privilege for us to have been deeply indebted to Krunal A. Shah

our advisor and guide, for the motivation and guidance throughout the
research work. We are also thankful to Prof.Vimal Patel for the given
valuable advice,motivation and guidance for the project work.

We express our gratitude to Keyur P. Shah(Head of Department) in

civil engineering for his constant encouragement and support and also
thankful to people who have contributed in their own way to make project
successfully.

Apart from this we would like to express our gratitude to all who have
directly or indirectly contributed or assisted in our this project work.

We take this opportunity to thank all the classmates for their company
during the course of work and for useful discussions that we have done with
them under these responsibility and talented personalities. We were efficiency
able to complete our project in time with success.
Contents
ABSTRACT .............................................................................................. 7

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................ 8

1.2 PROBLEM SUMMARY .................................................................................................. 11

1.3 OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................. 11

1.4 PROBLEMS SPECIFICATION...................................................................................... 11

1.5 DETAILS OF ADMIXTURES ...................................................................................... 12

1.6 APPLICATION ................................................................................................................. 13

1.7 ADVANTAGES............................................................................................................ 14

1.8 TOOLS/APPARATUS REQUIRED ................................................................................. 14

CHAPTER 2 DESIGN CANVAS ........................................................ 16

2.1 AEIOU SUMMARY ........................................................................................................ 16

2.2 IDEATION CANVAS ....................................................................................................... 17

2.3 EMPATHY CANVAS ...................................................................................................... 18

2.4 PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CANVAS......................................................................... 19

CHAPTER 3 LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................. 20

1) A. Mohan chanda - Behavior of black cotton soil with addition of copper slag and steel
slag. .......................................................................................................................................... 20

2) K saryna- A review on utilization of copper slag and silica fume in geotechnical

engineering. ............................................................................................................................. 20

3) prof. jinka chandrshekhar, timir a chokshi :- A review on utilization of waste material

“copper slag” in geotechnical applications. ............................................................................. 20

4) P.Mohanraj :- Experimental study on stabilization of soil using copper slag and lime
waste. ....................................................................................................................................... 21

5) S. Bhuvaneshwari :- Stabilization of expansive soils using fly ash. ................................... 21

6) BanothuVenkati, Anumula Nagaraju :-California Bearing ratio of Black Cotton Soil use
Waste Copper Slag. ................................................................................................................. 21

7) P.Rajendra Kumar, P.Suresh Praveen Kumar, G.Maheswari :- Laboratory study of black

cotton soil blended with copper slag and fly-ash. ................................................................... 22

8) Darshitkumar R. Gohel ,Sachin P. Jayaswal and Nilesh S. Masne :- Stabilization of Black

cotton soil by using Fly ash and Lime. .................................................................................... 22
 9) R C Gupta ,Blessen Skariah Thomas , Prachi Gupta :- An experimental study of clayey
soil stabilized by copper slag ................................................................................................... 22

10) P. BharathGoud, D. SruthiLaya :- Stabilization of black cotton soil with copper slagand
rice husk ash – an environmental approach ............................................................................. 23

CHAPTER 4 EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ........................................ 24

“STANDARD TEST PROCEUDRE”......................................................................................... 24

4.1. “To figure out the percentage of different grain sizes in soil passing through 4.75 IS sieve
and retain on 75-micron IS sieve”. .............................................................................................. 24

4.2. “To figure out the liquid limit (by mechanical method and cone penetration method) and
plastic limit of soil.” .................................................................................................................... 26

4.3 “To figure out the minimum density and maximum density of expansive soil” ................... 28

4.4 “To figure out the moisture content of expansive soil” ....................................................... 31

4.5 . “To figure out the free swell index of expansive soil.” ................................................... 32

CHAPTER 5 RESULT / ANALYSIS................................................... 34

5.1 To figure out GRAIN SIZE DISTRIBUTION for given soil sample. .................................. 34

Graph 1: Grain size analysis .................................................................................................... 35

5.2 To figure out the LIQUID And PLASTIC LIMIT for given soil sample.............................. 36

5.3 To figure out the MAXIMUM DRY DENSITY AND OPTIMUM MOISTURE CONTENT
of given soil sample. .................................................................................................................... 37

Graph 2: MDD V/s OMC ........................................................................................................ 39

5.4 To figure out the Free Swell Index of given soil sample..................................................... 40

Soil + Copper slag................................................................................... 42

5.5 To figure out the LIQUID And PLASTIC LIMIT for SOIL+ COPPER SLAG. ................. 42

5.6 To figure out MAXIMUM DRY DENSITY and OPTIMUM MOISTURE CONTENT
of SOIL + COPPER SLAG ........................................................................................................ 44

5.7 To figure out the Free Swell Index of SOIL + COPPER SLAG ......................................... 47
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 soil types in india ............................................................................................................... 9
Figure 2 soil types of gujarat ........................................................................................................... 10
Figure 3 sieves ................................................................................................................................. 15
Figure 4 penetration equipment ....................................................................................................... 15
Figure 5 AEIOU summary ............................................................................................................. 16
Figure 6 ideation canvas ................................................................................................................. 17
Figure 7 empathy canvas ................................................................................................................. 18
Figure 8 product development canvas ............................................................................................ 19

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Chemical composition of copper slag ................................................................................ 12
Table 2 Physical properties of copper slag ...................................................................................... 12
Table 3 Chemical composition of flyash ......................................................................................... 13
Table 4 Physical properties of fly ash ............................................................................................. 13
Table 5 Observation table for grain size analysis ............................................................................ 34
Table 6 Observation table for plasticity index value ....................................................................... 36
Table 7 Observation table for MDD ................................................................................................ 37
Table 8 Observation table for OMC ............................................................................................... 38
Table 9 Observation table for free swell index................................................................................ 40
Table 10 Observation table for result summary .............................................................................. 41
Table 11 Observation table for plasticity index value ..................................................................... 42
Table 12 Observation table for MDD .............................................................................................. 44
Table 13 Observation table for MCC .............................................................................................. 45
Table 14 Observation table for result summary .............................................................................. 47
 ABSTRACT

Soil is naturally available material used for the construction and they are subjected to
various test to provide their engineering characteristic large part of central india and end portion
south India are covered with black cotton soil as black cotton soil has high swelling and shrinking
properties and extremely low shear strength hence need for stabilization of this types of soil
there for black cotton soil required great attention for stabilization by using various admixture,
soil can be saved stabilized and by using composite material( copper slag &,flyash) from the
industrial waste we, can stabilize and improve the properties of black cotton soil.
 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

Soil is an important part of our life is so we can't avoided it covered 29% of earth surface with
soil the major construction are caused over soil the various structure are constructed on soil like
residential, commercial & industrial buildings the small storey residential building & commercial
building can be constructed easily on soil but the heavy one, like tall structure & skyscrapers need
a stable soil properties. If the soil below this type of structure or not stable it will adversely affect
damage on foundation and superstructure.

The word ‘soil’ is obtained from “sodium” which means upper layer of soil (earth) that can be
dugged or plowed specially the loose surface material of earth in which plant grow soil is a
mixture of organic matter most of which do not expand in presence of moisture. The term soil
‘soil engineering’ is defined as unconsolited(uncemented) material, accumulated of various soil
particle generated by disintegration of rocks.
Soil are composed of a variety of materials contain no of clay minerals which are expensive in
nature these includes ;
➢ Smectite
➢ Bentonite
➢ Chloride
➢ Bernie elite
➢ Vermialite
➢ Montmorillonite

Special expensive soil covered approximately 17%(1/5 of total area) of land covered in India
.In states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh ,Tamil Nadu
etc. Black cotton soil created more damage to the structure like light building& pavement than
other natural hazards like earthquake and flood.
Difficult problems experienced while working on expansive soil its field compaction and its
generally experienced volumetric change due to change in its water content the volumetric
properties are shrinking and swelling shrinkage mainly seen in dry season due to evaporation of
water and soil because hard due to its increased density and so that cracks are generated which
may cause failure of construction. The swelling properties mainly occur in wet seasons due to its
density reduced and soil because like a sludge which cause settlement of structure and soil
actually gave poor strength.
Large civil engineering projects are being carried out all over the country in order to develop the
infrastructure of nation. It is reep for engineer to know the degree by which soil properties are
improved that can be used for construction of an intended structure at demand
(required)development and stipulated site.
Our research work is regarding stabilization of expansive soil, various admixture (copper slag, fly
ash) used with expansive soil at different proportational and modifying its property.
SOIL MAP OF INDIA, SOIL PROFILE

Figure 1 soil types in india

SOIL MAP OF INDIA, IN GUJARAT SOIL PROFILE

Figure 2 soil types of gujarat

1.2 PROBLEM SUMMARY
➢ Swelling and shrinkage are occured in the black cotton soil or expansive soil

➢ In dry season crack are genrally developed in soil

➢ In which season soil gets swelled and get sludge

➢ Shrinkage and swelling properties cause the failure of foundation in slopes

➢ Foundation, retaining wall, pavement, sidewalls, etc. Are adversely affected due to
settlement of soil and cracking generated on soil.

1.3 OBJECTIVES
Our objective to define and identifying the problem regarding expensive soil by using soil
stabilization technique to stable the soil which provide support to various structure by using
various important techniques which are easily available and less harmful to environment the index
properties of soil can be improved

➢ Less environment disturbance

➢ Reduce the settlement of structure
➢ Reduce time of construction
➢ Increase the shear strength of soil
➢ Increase the bearing capacity of soil
➢ Increase factor of safety against slope failure of embankment of earthen dam
➢ Reduce shrinkage and swelling property of soil.
➢ Instead of disposal of industrial waste. It can be useful in soil stabilization
➢ By knowing lacking property of soil and choose effective and economical method for
stabilization of soil

1.4 PROBLEMS SPECIFICATION

➢ Copper slag is the best product which comes out from smelting process and refining of
copper easily available and having high specific gravity
➢ Fly ash is generated from the coal based thermal power plant
➢ A lot of investigation (research) has been done on the soil stabilization by using copper
slag and fly ash separately
➢ But by using the both copper slag and fly ash at the same time, shows major improvement
in properties of soil
1.5 DETAILS OF ADMIXTURES
Copper slag
A slag which is the waste material obtaining from refineries of metals. Copper slag is obtained
during pyrometallurgical production of copper from copper ores. For every tonne of metal
production about 2.2 tonne slag is obtained.

Table 1 Chemical composition of copper slag

Iron Oxide Fe2O3(42-48)

Silica SiO2(26-30)
Aluminum
Oxide Al2o3(1-3)

Calcium
Oxide CaO(1– 2)

Magnesium MgO(0.8-1.5)
Oxide

Table 2 Physical properties of copper slag

Property Analysis
Hardness Scale
6–7

Specific Gravity 3.51

Plasticity Index Non-Plastic

Swelling Index Non-Swelling

Granule Shape Angular, Sharp Edges

Grain Size Analysis:

Gravel (%)
1.00

Sand (%) 98.90

Silt + Clay (%) 0.05

FLY ASH
Fly ash is a fine powder that is obtained from burning of coal in the electric generation power
plant. It is the substance containing materials like alluminus and siliceous. It is the suitable prime
material which improved the strength of soil by easily blended with it. The fly ash is generally
captured by electrostatic precipitators and other filtration equipments.

Table 3 Chemical composition of flyash

CONSTITUENT PERCENTAGE
Silica (SiO2 59.5

Alumina(Al2O3) 27.1
Iron oxide (Fe2O3) 7.36
Calcium oxide (CaO) 2.3
Magnesium Oxide(MgO) 0.64
Sulphur tri oxide(SO3) 0.85
Loss of ignition 2.25

Table 4 Physical properties of fly ash

PROPERTY TESTED VALUE

Specific Gravity 1.968

Liquid Limit (%) 40.1
Optimum Moisture 31.5
Content (%)

Maximum Dry 1.167

Density(Gm/Cc
Coefficient Of 5.557 X10-5
Permeability(Cm/S)

1.6 APPLICATION
Copper slag
➢ The fine material of copper slag can be used for stabilization of soil.
➢ In surface blast cleaning mainly the copper slag is used.
➢ It can be used as abrasive grit.
➢ It is used to form a block as a building material.

Fly ash
➢ It is used as a filler in road construction.
➢ It can be used for the stabilization of waste.
➢ It can be used for soft soil stabilization.
➢ It is used as a road subbase construction.
➢ It can be replaced by Portland cement in concrete.
1.7 ADVANTAGES
Copper slag
➢ Copper slag has the potential to enhance the properties of problematic soils.
➢ Copper slag can be recommended for sub-grade, sub base, bitumen mixes.
➢ Copper slag are similar to medium sand and it can be used as a construction.
➢ Due to the high strength weight ratio, it can be used as alternative to sand.
➢ Improvement of index properties.

Fly ash
➢ Increase the shear strength of soil.
➢ It controls shrinkage and swelling properties of soil.
➢ It economic and easily available.
➢ Flyash bricks which are available at low cost.

1.8 TOOLS/APPARATUS REQUIRED

➢Container(Air Tight And Non Corrodible For Determination Of Moisture Content)

➢Balance Sensitive To 0.1 % Of The Mass Of Sample To Be Weighted

➢Is Sieve Of Mesh Size 4.75 Mm,2.36mm,1.18mm,600µ,300µ,150µ,75 µ With Lid And Pan

➢Buckets

➢Mechanical Sieve Shaker

➢Mould

➢Thermostatically Oven

➢Casagrande’s Liquid Limit Device

➢Grooving Tools

➢Spatula(For Mixing Soil And Water)

➢Balance (Sensitive To 0.01g)

➢Wash Bottle Or Beaker(Containing Distilled Water)

➢Rod(3mm In Diameter And About 10cm Long For Plastic Limit)

➢ Mixing Tools(Tray Or Pan ,Spoon ,Trowel And Spatula)

➢ Metal Rammer :
Figure 3SIEVES

Figure 4penetration equipment

 CHAPTER 2 DESIGN CANVAS

2.1 AEIOU SUMMARY

Figure 5AEIOU summary2.2 IDEATION CANVAS

2.2 IDEATION CANVAS

Figure 6 Ideation canvas

2.3 EMPATHY CANVAS

Figure 7Empathy canvas

2.4 PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CANVAS

Figure 8Product development canvas

 CHAPTER 3 LITERATURE REVIEW

1) A. Mohan chanda - Behavior of black cotton soil with addition of copper

slag and steel slag.

The black cotton soil has high swelling and shrinkage characteristics and extremely low CBR
value and shear strength. Therefore it needs lots of improvement in properties. The present study
is aimed at determining the behavior of black cotton soil reinforced with Steel slag and Copper
slag in a random manner. The black cotton soil brought from Vempalle, Kadapa District, at a
depth of 1.5m from the ground level. The soil samples were prepared at four different percentages
of Steel slag and keeping 20% percentage Copper slag as constant. Unconfined compression test
and CBR test were perfomed at 07 and 14 curing period and 4 days soaking period for both treated
and untreated soil sample.

2) K saryna- A review on utilization of copper slag and silica fume in

geotechnical engineering.

As the industrial waste are available in ample amount which are usually dumped into the soil
which created the land pollution.Industrial wastes like Copper slag and Silica fume are the most
extensively used in the construction industry in recent times. By adding these wastes with existing
soil type without completely removing and refilling with another soil type can be an alternative
improvement technique to cement mixing and soil stabilization which are expensive. In this paper,
a review of the previous research studies carried out by various researchers on effective usage of
copper slag and silica fume is presented.

3) prof. jinka chandrshekhar, timir a chokshi :- A review on utilization of

waste material “copper slag” in geotechnical applications.

In civil engineering mostly construction sites, the industrial waste like copper slag are being used
nowdays. As the copper slag is produced in large amount , it is dumped in the soil which creates
the problem in costly land. Based on U.S. environmental protection agency regulations, governing
solid waste characteristics, copper slag can be classified as a non-hazardous material. Granulated
copper slag is more porous and, therefore, has particle size equal to that of coarse sand. In this
paper, a review of the previous research studies carried out by various researchers on utilization of
copper slag in geotechnical applications is discussed and presented.
4) P.Mohanraj :- Experimental study on stabilization of soil using copper slag
and lime waste.

The improvement of soil is needed for soil stabilization to increase its strength and bearing
capacity. This paper investigates the improvement of the soil properties are stabilized with copper
slag and lime waste. Different proportion was taken from 25 to 75 % of copper slag and lime. The
maximum strength is obtained at 50% copper slag and 50% lime at 15% water content for
compressible soil. The various tests were carried out like Specific gravity, Atterberg limits, sieve
analysis, proctor compaction test, unconfined compressive strength and direct shear test to
increase strength properties and behavior of sub base.

5) S. Bhuvaneshwari :- Stabilization of expansive soils using fly ash.

The soil which is studied in this paper having high plasticity and expansive in nature so the testes
were carried out to describe the properties of expansive soil with fly ash in different proportion..
Both laboratory and field tests have been carried out. The difficulties occurred in the field
application is thorough mixing of the expansive soil and fly ash in required proportion to form a
homogeneous mass. The method adopted for placing these materials in layers of required
thickness and operating a “Disc Harrow”. A trial embankment of 30m length by 6m width by
0.6m high was successfully constructed and the in-situ tests carried out proved its suitability for
construction of embankment, ash dykes, filling low-laying areas, etc.

6) BanothuVenkati, Anumula Nagaraju :-California Bearing ratio of Black

Cotton Soil use Waste Copper Slag.

Use of waste substances in road creation has been in style in india for pretty some time. This is in
particular necessitated with the aid of the troubles of disposal related to it. Otherwise, those
materials might motive issues to the surroundings. In this research paper end result cbr fee of
black cotton soil use waste copper slag. Copper slag is one waste byproduct produced by means of
the sterlite industries-i ltd. New delhi (siil), india. The manufacturing of copper slag is 120-a
hundred thirty lakh ton in keeping with annum.copper producing units in india depart thousands of
lots of copper slag as waste every day, granulated copper slag is extra porous and, consequently
has particle size same to that of coarse sand.
7) P.Rajendra Kumar, P.Suresh Praveen Kumar, G.Maheswari :- Laboratory
study of black cotton soil blended with copper slag and fly-ash.

The improvement of soil is needed for soil stabilization to increase its strength and bearing
capacity. This paper investigates the improvement of the soil properties are stabilized with copper
slag and fly ash for construction. In first stage the different proportion of copper slag were carried
out from 5 to 30% and in the second stage the proportion of fly ash were taken from 2 to 10% and
the test results were carried out.

8) Darshitkumar R. Gohel ,Sachin P. Jayaswal and Nilesh S. Masne :-

Stabilization of Black cotton soil by using Fly ash and Lime.

To improve the strength, volume stability and durability of soil, it is necessary to improve the
engineering properties of soil. The expansive soil having the nature of swelling and shrinkage it
became the huge problem for the civil engineers. In this paper to stabilize the soil flyash and lime
were used. The testes were carried out with the percentage of 5, 10 and 15 of fly ash and 4, 8, 12
percent of lime.

9) R C Gupta ,Blessen Skariah Thomas , Prachi Gupta :- An experimental

study of clayey soil stabilized by copper slag

Industrialization extremely demands to the uplift of nation’s economy. However, it causes severe
environmental pollution due to the generated waste materials. As the non-renewable raw materials
for industrial production are dwindling day-by-day, efforts are to be made for conversion of these
unwanted industrial wastes into utilizable raw materials, which in turn controls environmental
pollution. The disadvantages of clay can be overcome by stabilizing with suitable material. This
research was done on the engineering behavior of clay when stabilized with one of byproduct
copper slag.
10) P. BharathGoud, D. SruthiLaya :- Stabilization of black cotton soil with
copper slagand rice husk ash – an environmental approach

Stabilization of Black Cotton (BC) soils have been in recently attracted many researchers. The
stabilization of Black Cotton Soils by Copper slag (CS) and Rice husk ash (RHA) were tried in
the past separately. The authors tried to use both of them together in stabilization of BC soils.
Present study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of different percentages of rice husk
ash and copper slag as soil stabilizers. The tests performed on the mixed proportion of BC soils,
Copper Slag and Rice Husk Ash are Vane shear, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Atterberg
limits, free swell index (FSI), and compaction tests. Limited studies have been reported forthe
combination of copper slag and rice husk ash in soil stabilization. The optimum mix was found to
be in the proportion of 64%BC+30%CS+6%RHA. FSI of soil treated with RHA+CS decreased
steeply from 100% to 20.4%. There was a slight change in maximum dry density of the treated
soil. The unsoaked CBR test shows that strength of optimum mix was 12.7%. The stabilized soil
mixtures have shown satisfactory strength characteristics and can be used for low-cost
constructions to build houses and road infrastructure. Laboratory vane shear tests have been
carried out under undrained conditions to study the shear strength parameters of the stabilized soil.
 CHAPTER 4 EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

“STANDARD TEST PROCEUDRE”

4.1. “To figure out the percentage of different grain sizes in soil
passing through 4.75 IS sieve and retain on 75-micron IS sieve”.

GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS

Determination of quantitative size distribution of

1 OBJECTIVES particles of soil down to fine-grained fraction.

2 CROSS IS 2720 (Part 4)-1985

REFERENCES

Set of sieves (4.75 mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600 micron,

3 EQUIPMENT 300 micron, 150 micron, and 75 micron), Balance (0.1 g
accuracy), Drying oven, Trays and Buckets Cleaning
brush, Mechanical shaker.

Room Temperature
4 WORK
ENVIRONMENT
Take 500gm oven dried sample passing through IS sieve
4.75mm.

Clean the different sizes of sieve with brushes and weigh

all sieves Separately in balance.

Assemble sieve in ascending order of sizes i.e. 4.75mm,

2.36mm,1.18mm, 600μ, 300μ,150μ, 75μ and pan.
Carefully pour the soil Sample into top sieve and place
lid on top.
 Place the sieve stack in the mechanical shaker and shake
for 10 Minutes.

Remove the stack from the shaker and carefully weigh

5 DESCRIPTION
and record the weight of each sieve with its retained soil
and also weight the soil Retained in pan.

Calculate the Percentage passing per sieve.

7. Make a grain size distribution curve by plotting sieve

size on log scale and percent finer on ordinary scale.

8. Read off the sizes corresponding to 60%, 30% and

10% finer.

Calculate the uniformity coefficient (Cu) and the

curvature coefficient (Cc) for the soil.

Soil sample, as received from the field, should be dried

6 PRECAUTIONS
in air or in the sun. In wet weather, the drying apparatus
may be used in which case the temperature of the sample
should not exceed 60°C
4.2. “To figure out the liquid limit (by mechanical method and cone
penetration method) and plastic limit of soil.”

PLASTICITY INDEX

Determination of the liquid and plastic limits of a soil.

1 OBJECTIVES And also determine Plasticity Index.

IS 2720 (Part 5) – 1985

2 CROSS
REFERENCES

Liquid limit device and grooving tools, Metal rod of 3 mm

3 EQUIPMENT diameter, Apparatus for moisture content determination,
Porcelain evaporating dish, Spatula, Wash bottle filled
with distilled water, Measuring cylinder, Glass plate.

Room Temperature
4 WORK
ENVIRONMENT

Procedure for Liquid Limit by One Point

Method Using Cone Penetrometer:

Take 500 gm of soil sample passing through IS sieve 425

micron, mixed the sample thoroughly with distilled water
in Evaporate Dish and left for 24 hrs for uniform
distribution of moisture.

Transferred the wet soil paste into the cylindrical cup of

cone penetrometer apparatus at three layers that no air is
entrapped into the soil sample.

Level the top of surface of the soil sample and placed the
 cone in cylindrical cup such that cone just touches the
surface of soil sample at top.

Adjust the dial gauge at zero or take the reading at any

graduated mark.

Released the cone to penetrate the soil sample at its own

DESCRIPTION
5 weight of and after 5 second noted the depth of penetration
which should be lies between 16 to 26 mm.

Take the soil sample from the mid of the cylindrical

cup to determine the moisture content.

Repeat the test for at least four sets of value of

penetration.

Calculation:

WL = WN / (0.65+0.0175 D) or WL = WN / 0.77 log D

Where,
WL = Liquid limit of soil WN = Moisture Content of soil
D = Depth of penetration in mm

Procedure for Plastic Limit:

1.Use the remaining soil from the porcelain dish.

2.Take about 10 gm of the soil mass in the hand, form a

ball, and roll it between the palm or the fingers and the
glass plate using complete motion of the hand forward and
reverse.

3.Apply only sufficient pressure to make a soil thread, and

continue rolling until a thread of 3 mm diameter is formed.
Comparison can be made with the metal rod.

4.If the diameter becomes less than 3 mm without

 cracking, turn the soil into a ball again, and re-roll. Repeat
this remoulding and rolling process until the thread starts
just

5.Gather the pieces of crumbled thread and place them in a

moisture can for determining water content.
6.Repeat steps 2 to 5 at least two more times with fresh
samples of 10 gm each.
7.Moisture content %=(WP)

PLASTICITY INDEX (PI) =(WL-WP)

Remove the organic matter like tree roots, pieces of bark,

6 PRECAUTION etc.

4.3 “To figure out the minimum density and maximum density of
expansive soil”

Determination of the maximum dry density and the

1 OBJECTIVES
optimum moisture content of a soil by Standard Proctor
Test

IS 2720 (Part 7) – 1986(Light Compaction)

2 CROSS & IS 2720 (Part 8) – 1986(Heavy Compaction
REFERENCES

Moulds:dimension of mould (height

3 EQUIPMENT 127mm and inner diameter 100 mm)
Weighing balances

Thermostatically controlled oven.

Container :To determine water content.
Steel straightedge: 30 cm in a length and having one
beveled edge.
 Sieve:4.75mm and 19 mm IS-Sieve
Mixing tools: tray or pan, spoon, trowel and spatula
Metal rammer : having mass of moving part 2.6 kg ± 25
gm(Light Compaction)
4.9Kg (For Heavy Compaction

4 WORK Room Temperature

ENVIRONMENT

1.Take air dried soil material and of sufficient quantity

such that 6 kg of material
passing through 20 mm IS sieve for soils not
susceptible to crushing during compaction, or 15 kg of
material passing through 19-mm IS sieve for soils
susceptible to crushing during compaction.

2.Sieve the 15 kg sample through 19-mm IS sieve and

broken down sample so that, it will sieved through 4.75-
mm sieve.
5 DESCRIPTION
3.Take five samples each of 2.5 kg and mixed each
sample thoroughly with a
suitable amount of water i.e. for sandy and
gravelly soil, moisture content 4 to 6 % and
for cohesive soil, moisture content less than 8 to 10 %
below plastic limit are required.

4.Keep the soil samples in desiccators for minimum16

hrs such that water is distributed uniformly for high
plastic soil.

5.Weight the empty mould with base plate which is m1

and measure the volume of the mould (V).
 6.Place the mould in solid place and use oil or grease in
mould, collar and rammer so
that soil will not attached in mould. Fill the mould with
soil sample prepared in three
layers and each layer is given 25blows from
2.6 kg rammer and from height 310mm above soil.
After each layer compaction, scrub surface of soil with
spatula so that another layer bond together then keep
another layer and give 25 blows.

7.In Heavy Compaction 10cm Dia. And 4.9 kg Rammer

used and 25 blows and 5
Layer.(In Case of Material Particle Size
37.5mm Large Size Mould(15cm Dia.) use
30 kg sample taken passing 37.5mm Sieve, Five layer
and 55 blows)

8.Remove the collar and remove the extended soil and

leveled the compacted soil by using straightedge.

9.Weight the mould with base plate and soil sample

(m2).

10.Then remove the soil specimen from mould and take

the soil of different three
layers for determination water content (w).

11.Repeat the test for at least five times such that

maximum dry density will occur at range of water
content.

The blows should be uniformly distributed over the

6 PRECAUTION surface of each layer.
4.4 “To figure out the moisture content of expansive soil”

MOISTURE CONTENT

To determine Weter content of soil by Oven drying

1 OBJECTIVES method

IS:2720 (part 2) – 1973

2 CROSS
REFERENCES

Thermostatically conllend oven

3 EQUIPMENT maintained at a temperature of 110 ± 5˚C
Weighing balance, with an accuracy of
0.01 gm
Air-tight container made of non-
corrodible material with lid

Room temperature
4 WORK
ENVIRONMENT

1.Leane the container, dry it and weight it(w1)

2.TAke the required quantity of the wet soil

specimen in the container and weight it (w2)

5 DESCRIPTION 3.Place the container, with its removed, in the oven till
its weight becomes constant (Normally for 24 hrs.)

4.Whene the soil has dried, remove the container from

the oven place the container into
Desiccatores at least for 30 minute.

5. Find the weight (w3) of the container with the dry soi
sample.
 The percent of the water content shall br calculated as
ollows:

W= Water Content percent

W2=Mass of container + wet soil in gm

W3= Mass of container + dry soil in gm,

W1= Mass of Container with lid with in gm

6 PRECAUTION
Air dy sample and break the clods. Remove the organic
matter like tree roots, pieces of bark, etc.

4.5 . “To figure out the free swell index of expansive soil.”

Determination of free swell index of soil.

1
OBJECTIVE

2 IS: 2720(Part 40)-1985- Methods of test for

REFERENCE soil
STANDARD

Oven(1050C to 1100C, min)

3 EQUIPMENT /
APPARATUS Balance (0.01g accuracy)

Sieve [425 micron]

 Graduated glass cylinder [100ml capacity]

The soil passing 425 micron sieve is used in

PREPARATION this test.
4
SAMPLE

1.Two no. of 10 g oven dried soil specimens

passing through 425 micron IS sieve is taken.

2. Each soil specimen is poured in each of the

two glass graduated cylinders of 100 ml.
5 PROCEDURE
capacity.

3.Then one cylinder is filled with kerosene oil

and the other with distilled water up to the
100 ml. mark.

4.It is to be stirred with a glass rod to remove

entrapped air and allowed to settle for 24
hours.

5.After completion of 24 hours the final

volume of soils in each of the cylinder is read
out.
 CHAPTER 5 RESULT / ANALYSIS

5.1 To figure out GRAIN SIZE DISTRIBUTION for given soil

sample.

Observation Table: Weight Of Soil Taken =

Table 5 Observation table for grain size analysis

Sieve(mm Individual Cumulative Cumulative Passing

4.75 5 5 1 99

2.36 86 91 18.2 81.8

1.18 126 217 43.4 56.6

0.6 105 322 64.4 35.6

0.3 110 432 86.4 13.6

0.15 38 470 94 6
0.075 17 487 97.4 2.6

Pan 3.11 490.11

Calculation:

D10 = 0.24

D30 = 0.54

D60 = 1.34

Co-efficient of uniformity (cu) = [d60/d10] = 5.583

2
Co-efficient of curvature (cc) = [(d30) / (d60xd10)] =0.9067
Graph 1: Grain size analysis
5.2 To figure out the LIQUID And PLASTIC LIMIT for given soil
sample.

Table 6 Observation table for plasticity index value

Particulars Liquid Plastic

Limit Limit
1 2 1 2

Penetration in mm D 18.8
18.8
Container No. K1 IR4 B K3
Wt. of Container + Wt. of wet soil in gm 66.10 57.14 42.24 43.69

Wt. of Container + Wt. of dry soil in gm 51.21 43.89 37.21 59.53

Wt. of water in gm 14.89 13.27 5.03 4.16

Wt. of Container in gm 26.32 21.65 22.64 27.11

Wt. of oven dry soil in gm 24.89 22.24 14.57 12.42

Moisture content % 59.82 59.57 34.52 33.49

Average percentage WN= 59.695 WP = 34.007

Calculation:
WL = WN / (0.65+0.0175 D) or WL = WN / 0.77 log D

= 59.695 / (0.65 +0.0175 (18.8))

= 61 %

Result:
PLASTIC LIMIT PLASTICITY INDEX
LIQUID LIMIT (WL)
(WP) (PI) =(WL-WP)

61 % 34% 27%
5.3 To figure out the MAXIMUM DRY DENSITY AND OPTIMUM
MOISTURE CONTENT of given soil sample.

Type: Light / Heavy

Wt. of Rammer: 2.6 / 4.9 Kg

Fall of Rammer: 310 / 450 mm

Volume of Mould (Vm) in cc: 1000

DENSITY

Table 7 Observation table for MDD

Sr Particulars 1 2 3 4 5 6
No

1 Wt. of mould + Compacted Soil (W) gm 5300 5532 5578.4 5608.9 5612.5 5596.2

2 Wt. of mould ( Wm ) gm 3754.7 3750.2 3712.3 3710.8 3784 3784.5

3 Wt. of compacted soil gm = (1)-(2) 1545.3 1781.18 1866.1 1898.1 1828.5 1811.7

4 Water added % 8 11 14 17 20 23

5 Wet Density (m) gm/cc= (3)/ (Vm) 1.54 1.78 1.866 1.898 1.828 1.811

6 Moisture Content (M) % 13.20 21.15 25 31.38 34.62 33.70

7 Dry Density (d) gm/cc 1.36 1.46 1.49 1.447 1.35 1.355
 MOISTURE CONTENT

Table 8 Observation table for OMC

Sr Particulars 1 2 3 4 5 6
No

1 Container No. K1 IR 4 B IR 6 K3 3

2 Wt. of Container + Wt. of wet soil (gm) 72.97 55.04 50.96 59.63 73.34 64.87

3 Wt. of Container + Wt. of dry soil (gm) 67.53 49.21 45.29 51.26 61.45 55.46

Wt. of water (gm) = (2)-(3)

4 5.44 5.83 5.67 8.37 11.89 9.41

5 Wt. of Container (gm) 26.32 21.65 22.64 24.59 27.11 27.54

6 Wt. of oven dry soil (gm) = (3)-(5) 41.21 27.56 22.65 26.67 34.34 27.92

7 Moisture Content (M) % 31.20 21.15 25.00 31.38 34.62 33.70

Result:
Graph 2: MDD V/s OMC
5.4 To figure out the Free Swell Index of given soil sample.

Free swell index, percentage = (Vd-Vk)/Vk*100

= (16.70-10)/10*100

= 67 >50 (%)

Where,

Vd = volume of soil specimen read from the graduated cylinder containing distilled water.

Vk = volume of soil specimen read from the graduated cylinder containing kerosene.

Table 9 Observation table for free swell index

Free Swell Degree of
LL PL SL
Index expansiveness

<20 Low 0.50 0-35% >17%

20-35 Moderate 40-60% 25-50% 8-18%

35-50 High 50-75% 35-65% 6-12%

>50 Very high >60% >45% <10%

So the degree of expansiveness is very high in soil sample.

5.5 Result Summary Of Given Soil Sample

Table 10 Observation table for result summary

Grain Size Atterberg Limit Is Standard Free

Analysis (%) (%) Classification Proctor Test Swell

Index

(%)

G S M&C WL WP PI OMC MDD 67

CH (%) (gm/cc)

1 17 79 70 32 38 21 1.49
 SOIL + COPPER SLAG

5.5 To figure out the LIQUID And PLASTIC LIMIT for SOIL+
COPPER SLAG.

Table 11 Observation table for plasticity index value

Liquid Limit Plastic Limit

Particulars
1 2 1 2
Penetration in mm D 18.9
Container No. IM3 IR2 IM4 IR8

Wt. of Container + Wt. of wet soil in 73.127 66.500 65.453 67.872

Wt. of Container + Wt. of dry soil in
gm. 58.131 52.291 57.000 57.091

gm 14.996 14.209 8.453 10.781

Wt. of water in gm
Wt. of Container in gm 25.970 21.576 27.735 21.000

Wt. of oven dry soil in gm 32.161 30.715 29.265 36.091

Moisture content % 46.63 46.26 28.884 29.872
Average percent WN=46.45 WP =29.378

Calculation:
WL = WN / (0.65+0.0175 D) or WL = WN / 0.77 log D

=46.45/(0.65+0.0175*18.9)

= 47%
Result:

Plastic Plasticity index

Liquid limit (wl)

Limit (wp) (pi) =(wl-wp)

47% 29% 18 %
5.6 To figure out MAXIMUM DRY DENSITY and
OPTIMUM MOISTURE CONTENT of SOIL + COPPER SLAG

Type: Light / Heavy

Wt. of Rammer: 2.6 / 4.9 Kg

Fall of Rammer: 310 / 450 mm

Volume of Mould (Vm) in cc: 1000

DENSITY

Table 12 Observation table for MDD

Sr
Particulars 1 2 3 4 5 6
No

1 Wt. of mould + Compacted Soil (W)

5082 5120 5148 5101 5110 5110
Gm

2 Wt. of mould ( Wm ) gm
3732 3754 3750 3751 3750 3754

3 Wt. of compacted soil gm = (1)-(2)

1350 1366 1398 1350 1362 1356

4 Water added %
8 11 14 17 20 23

5 Wet Density (m) gm/cc= (3)/ (Vm)

1.350 1.366 1.398 1.350 1.362 1.356

6 Moisture Content (M) %

9.07 10.17 13.38 16.50 19.64 22.52

7 Dry Density (d) gm/cc

1.418 1.61 1.689 1.750 1.640 1.449
 MOISTURE CONTENT

Table 13 Observation table for MCC

Sr Particulars 1 2 3 4 5 6

No

1 Container No. TR4 IR6 IR7 IR8 IR5 IM1

Wt. of Container + Wt. of wet soil (gm)

2
72.44 78.45 81.58 82.77 75.60 74.25

3 Wt. of Container + Wt. of dry soil (gm)

69.23 73.53 74.89 74.52 67.23 65.16
4 Wt. of water (gm) = (2)-(3)
3.21 4.92 6.77 8.25 8.37 9.09
5 Wt. of Container (gm)
25.20 25.10 24.22 24.50 24.90 4.78
6 Wt. of oven dry soil (gm) = (3)-(5)
44.03 48.43 50.57 50.02 42.63 40.38
7 Moisture Content (M) %
7.30 10.17 13.38 16.50 19.64 22.52

Result:
 Graph 4: MDD V/s OMC

2.000
1.800
1.600
DD 1.400
(g 1.200
m/ 1.000
cc)
0.800 DD
0.600
0.400
0.200
0.000
0.000 5.000 10.000 15.000 20.000 25.000
MC(%)
5.7 To figure out the Free Swell Index of SOIL + COPPER SLAG

Free swell index, percentage = (Vd-Vk)/Vk*10

= (11.6-10)/10*100
= 16 < 20 (%)

So, Degree of Expansiveness is low when soil is used with copper slag.

Result summary using SOIL+ COPPER SLAG

Table 14 Observation table for result summary

Free Swell Index (%)
Atterberg Limit Standard Proctor Test

WL WP PI OMC MDD
(%) (%) (%) (%) (gm/cc) 16
47 30 17 16.5 1.75
In this semester we have performed the various testes on given soil samples
without an admixtures. After this testes we have performed testes by taking
copper slag as a admixture.
In next semester, we r going to check the index properties by using various
proportion of copper slag and fly ash .