SUITABILITY OF BLACK CLAY SOIL FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING

WORK

BY

FASHAE SAMUEL SUNDAY

FPT/KND/SET/CET/HND/0314

BEING A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY, SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

TECHNOLOGY FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC KAURA NAMODA

ZAMFARA STATE.

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE

AWARD OF HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA (HND) IN CIVIL

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY.

JULY, 2022

1
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this project was conducted by me FASHAE SAMUEL

SUNDAY under the supervision of Engr. Sirajo Ibrahim Magaji and all information

used or cited in this work were acknowledged.

__________________________________ ________________

FASHAE SAMUEL SUNDAY. DATE/SIGN

2
 APPROVAL PAGE

This is to certify that this project is an original work undertaken by FASHAE

SAMUEL SUNDAY FPT/KND/SET/CET/HND/0314 and has been prepared in

accordance with the regulation governing the preparation of project in Federal

Polytechnic Kaura Namoda Zamfara State and approved by the following people.

_____________________ ____________________

Engr. Sirajo Ibrahim Magaji Date

________________________ ____________________

Engr. Sirajo Ibrahim Magaji Date

____________________ ____________________

Engr. J.C. Abbah Date

____________________ ____________________

External Examiner Date

3
 DEDICATION

This project work is dedicated to God Almighty, the giver of life and sustainer of

life for mercies and guidance throughout my Higher National Diploma programme

at Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda Zamfara State.

4
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My profound gratitude goes to God Almighty, for his love, grace and mercy for

keeping me to this day and favouring me in all way through the course of my

study. My sincere appreciation to my able and competent supervisor Engr. Sirajo

Ibrahim Magaji for despite his busy schedule went through this work and provided

useful information, suggestion and advice right from the point of proposal which

substantially improved the quality of the work. I am also grateful to all the

lecturers in civil engineering department for their support.

Special gratitude to my parents Mr (Late) & Mrs. Fashae for their inspiration, love,

advice, financial support, prayers and encouragement and also to my sibling’s

thank you all for been there for me, God bless you all abundantly. My sincere

appreciation goes to my uncle, auntie and mentor Mummy Nifemi, Akinrinmola

Solomon Kolawole, Arch. Golade Ogundele for their support encouragement and

advice towards the success of my education may God Almighty reward you all

according to his riches in glory.

Finally to my friends and school family who we have been together till the end of

our program Olarinde Samuel Olamide, Akor Daniel, Nwachukwu Janet, Dairo

Yinka, Adewale Peter Ulkanah, Omosade Michael, Ayoola Godwin, Paul Anjorin,

Lucius Ibrahim and Temitope Deborah Tolorunshagba and Jamila Shuaibu thanks

your endless love.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page………………………………………………………………………i

Declaration…………………………………………………………………….ii

Approval page ………………………………………………………………..iii

Dedication …………………………………………………………………….iv

Acknowledgement …………………………………………………………….v

Table of content………………………………………………………………vi

Abstract ………………………………………………………………………..x

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction………………………………………………………………..1

1.1 Statement of the problem………………………………………………….2

1.2 Aim………………………………………………………………………….2

1.3 Objectives…………………………………………………………………..2

1.4 Justification…………………………………………………………………3

1.5 Scope and Limitation……………………………………………………….3

1.6 Significance…….. ………………………………………………………….3

1.7 Methodology………………………………………………………………..3

CHAPTER TWO

2.1Literature Review……………………………………………………………5

2.1 Properties of Black Clay Soil………………………………………..………6

6
2.2 Types of Black Clay Soil…………………………………………………….7

2.3 Advantages of Black of Clay ………………………………………………..8

2.3.1 Disadvantages of Black Clay Soil………………………………………....8

2.4 Uses of Black Clay Soil……………………………………………………....9

2.5 Problems of Black Clay Soil………………………………………………….9

2.6 Physical Properties of Black Clay Soil………………………………………9

2.7 Chemical Composition of Black Clay Soil……………………………………10

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Material and Methods……………………………………………………….11

3.1 Materials……………………………………………………………………..11

3.1.1 Black Clay Soil……………………………………………………………11

3.1.2 Distilled water …………………………………………………………….11

3.1.3 Kerosene…………………………………………………………………..12

3.2 Methodology…………………………………………………………………12

3.3 Natural Moisture content…………………………………………………...12

3.4 Sieve Analysis Test……………………………………………………….…12

3.5 Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit Test…………………………………………13

3.5.1 Plastic Limit……………………………………………………………….14

3.6 Linear Shrinkage……………………………………………………………..14

3.7 Free Swell…………………………………………………………………….15

7
3.8 Specific Gravity………………………………………………………….….15

3.9 Compaction test……………………………………………………………..16

3.10 Potential of hydrogen (PH)…………………………………………………17

3.11 California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test……………………………………..18

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Presentation and Analysis of results………………………………………..20

4.1 Sieve Analysis Test…………………………………………………………...20

4.2 Specific Gravity……………………………………………………………..22

4.3 Free Swell……………………………………………………………………22

4.4 Natural Moisture Content…………………………………………………..23

4.5 Atterberg Limit Test………………………………………………………...23

4.5.1 Liquid limit………………………………………………………………..23

4.5.2 Plastic limit………………………………………………………………..25

4.6 Potential of Hydrogen………………………………………………………26

4.7 Compaction Test……………………………………………………………26

4.8 California Bearing Ratio (Un-soaked and Soaked)………………………..28

4.9 Summary of Result …………………………………………………………32

4.10 Discussion of Result ………………………………………………………33

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Conclusion and Recommendations…………………………………………35

8
5.1 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………..35

5.2 Recommendation……………………………………………………………36

References ……………………………………………………………….37

Appendix I……………………………………………………………….39

9
 ABSTRACT

As the topic of this research project implies (suitability of black clay soil for civil

engineering work) which is achieve through collecting sample by comparism result

obtained from laboratory with standard. The result obtained from the laboratory

work, passing sieve No. 200 was 4.4 with liquid limit and plasticity index of 28.8%,

8.3% respectively. According to standard (AASHTO) the soil is classified as A2 sub

group of A-2-4.In accordance to standard of free swell index range (<50, 50-100,

100-200, >200), the value obtained in the laboratory is 33.3 which is less than

<50 and belong to degree of expansion (low), degree of severity (non critical) and

P.H range within (rainfall 5-8) (Drier 6.5-9), the value obtained in the laboratory

is 8.612 which the soil is suitable for both wet and dry. The value obtained in the

laboratory for maximum dry density MDD 1.560kg/m3, optimum moisture content

OMC 14.5% respectively and the standard show that the range of MDD,OMC are

1.52-2.08, 10-20 respectively, so the value obtained from the laboratory work was

classified to be A4 with soil description of low compressibility. According to

standard the C.B.R >10%, the value obtained in the laboratory is 15.08%, 14.11%

respectively which show that soil sample fall at the range of sub-grade. So the soil

sample (black clay soil) can be suitable for sub-grade layer of a roads construction

work.

10
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Black clay soil is composed of tiny particles that are hard and able to

become easily compacted. According to (Osinubi, 2011) different machinery

may be able to provide a better option for tilling and shoveling the clay soil

when black clay soil is wet, it can be especially difficult to work with,

because it tend to stick to the hands, machinery and other things. Clay soil

has many crevices that can hold onto salts and can make plants unable to

grow successfully (Moses, 2012).

Black Clay Soil has Alost of space, poses an significant and strong

bulge (swelling) Characteristics with this reason, black clay soil

geotechnical properties is required to be investigate before allowing it to be

used for any Construction above the earth Surface (Mishra, 2015). The

amount of swell generally increase with increase in the plasticity index. The

swelling potential depends on the type of clay mineral, crystal lattice

structure, cation exchange capacity, and ability of water absorptions, density

and water content (Isamil, 2004).

In construction the problem of road foundation layer with soft black

clay soil is that it has a low bearing capacity and a high potential to the

pavement depression, this condition with Cause the road to be unable to

11
support the construction and suitability of the road. (Djide M.N, 2007)

According to (Ghosh, 2011) black Clay Soil also possess low strength and

undergo excessive volume change making their use in construction very

difficult. The properties of black clay soil may be altered in many way viz,

mechanical thermal, chemical and other means, so it's very important to

investigate the physical, engineering Properties and suitability associated

with the black clay soil.

1.1 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Highway construction involve a lot of capital for the construction the bulk

material needed in road Construction is lateritic Soil, which is used as; sub-

grade, sub-base and this material is normally supplied from borrow pit, if the

materials is not suitable to provide the needed strength. It properties need to

be investigated

1.2 AIM

To know the suitability of black clay soil for any of the road bases

construction.

1.3 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this project is a follows:

1. Soil samples was collected from site at a depth of 0.5m and 1m and

laboratory tests were conducted.

12
2. To determine Suitability of black clay soil by comparism results obtained

from laboratory with standard (AASHTO, Standard compaction test and

procedures Federal Ministry of Works, revised public roads or AASHTO

classification)

3. To draw conclusion and recommendation.

1.4 JUSTIFICATION

The justification to this research work, is to understand the suitability of the

soil samples which is black clay soil through various laboratory tests, and

recommend the soil classification for any layer of the roads.

1.5 SCOPE & LIMITATION

To determine the Suitability of the soil against any of the road layer.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE

This research will benefit many construction comparies on the suitability of

black clay soil for the purposes of any road bases construction, moreover

this will also be helpful to other's researcher and student that will engage in

the kind of research.

1.7 METHODOLOGY

The following basic geotechnical properties tests were carried out for the

study:

1. Natural Moisture Content Test

13
2. Attergber Limit

a. Liquid Limit Test

b. Plastic Limit Test

c. Plasticity index is determined

3. Shrinkage Limit Test

4. Sieve Analysis Test

5. Compaction Test

6. Unconfined Compressive Strength (C.B.R Test)

7. Free Swell Index

8. Specific Gravity Test

9. Potential of Hydrogen (PH)

10. Physical Colour Identification

14
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

Black clay soil is a very fine grained soil of colloidal size consisting mainly

of hydrated silicate of aluminum. It is a plastic cohesive soil which shrinks

on drying, expands on wetting black and when Compressed gives up water

(Agricola, 2008).

Black clay soil are described for engineering properties by their consistency

limits. the black clay soil possess low strength and undergo excessive

volume changes, making their use in construction very difficult and the

properties of this black clay soil may be altered in many ways viz,

mechanical thermal, chemical and other means (Chen, 2017).

Black clay soil consist of silicate of aluminum mixed with various

Impurities. Black clay Soil Care also to use in the manufacture of pottery

and bricks must be fine grained and sufficiently plastic to be molded when

wet (Moses, 2012). It must retain its shape when dried and sinter together

forming a hard coherent mass without losing its original shape, when heated

when heated to a sufficient temperature (Leed Jones, 2010), It becomes

plastic when moist but hardens on heating and it used in the manufacture.

According to (Chester, 2006) the black clay soil materials are basically

composed to tiny crystalline substance of one or more members of a small

15
group of minerals commonly known as clay minerals. Chemically these

minerals are by hydrous alumina-Silicate with other metallic ions. Their

particles are very small to Size, very flaky in shape and thus have

considerable Surface area, they can only be viewed or see with side with

electronic microscope. Black clay soil mineral are divided into three types

namely Kaolinites, Montmorillonite and lllite the properties of clay

minerals. They are produced from the breakdown of basic igneous rocks

where seasonal variation of weather is extreme (Ijimdiya & Osinubi 2011).

The sticky plastic nature of the soils cause them to pack up under wheels

animals feet, log cultivation implements, making the clay extremely difficult

to extract or dislodge (Green field, 2004).

2.1 PROPERTIES OF BLACK CLAY SOIL

Few properties of clay soil are:

1. Clay soil expands when they are wet and they are hard to plough.

2. Black clay soil are plasticity, porosity and the ability to vitrify.

3. Black clay soil are structure is cloddish of something friabic.

4. Black clay Soil are organic in content (Jack Gerard, 2018).

16
2.2 TYPES OF BLACK CLAY SOIL

Depending on the amount of clay in the soil, there are four types of clayey

soil that different in characteristics and according to their percentage of clay

soil.

1. Silt soils with 0-10 per cent clay

2. Black clay Soil with 10-25 percent clay

3. Black clay soil with 25-40 percent clay

4. Black clay soil with 40 percent clay (Ezoic, 2014)

SILT SOILS WITH 0-10 PERCENT CLAY

To form a crust that makes the soil hard this types of soil has a propensity

and it will become very compact and water will not be able to permeate the

soil due to this we cannot over dill this soil. This type of soil is generally

easy to till but in wet conditions.

BLACK CLAY SOILS WITH 10-25 PERCENT CLAY

This type of soil has low amount of clay and organic materials so it is

difficult to till this type of clayey soil. Crusting with this type of soil can be

really significant.

17
BLACK CLAY SOILS WITH 25-40 PERCENT CLAY

This type of soil is dark is colour and to be cultivated correctly it must be

tilled with the correct water content. The clay can cold if the environment

runs very dry.

CLAY SOILS WITH 40 PERCENT CLAY

In order to be considered an optimal soil heavy clay soils need a lot of

compacting and it cannot be tilled it wet condition but it is very nutrient rich

(Ezoic, 2014).

2.3 ADVANTAGES OF BLACK CLAY SOIL

1. It is great for growing things that need a lot of water

2. They attract and hold positively charged particle such as calcium,

magnesium, and potassium.

3. These soil have high moisture holding capacity so it prevent loss of

irrigation water.

4. It retains moisture well because of its density and as compared to

other soil types it also tends to be more nutrient rich (Holganix, 2018).

2.3.1 DISAVANTAGES OF BLACK CLAY SOIL

1. It is slow to warm in the spring

2. It hold onto water and slow to drain

3. It compact easily

18
 4. It tends to be alkaline (Holganix, 2018).

2.4 USES OF BLACK CLAY SOIL

There are the following uses of this soil such as:

1. It is moist and compact in nature that enables it to be used for pottery

and ceramics.

2. It contains elements that can help to serve in the industry of medical

and medicine.

3. Black clay is high in terms of nutrients and minerals that are required

for the growth of plant (Holganix, 2018).

2.5 PROBLEMS of BLACK CLAY SOIL

The following problem of black clay soil are:

1. It is poor drainage.

2. It is compaction and alkalinity.

3. It is hard to work with.

4. It is slower to warm up in spring. (Mahajan, 2014).

2.6 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BLACK CLAY SOIL.

The Physical properties of black clay Soil

1. Plastic behavior when wet.

2. Swelling behavior.

3. Low permeability.

19
 4. Cation exchange capabilities. (Mahajan, 2014).

2.7 CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF BLACK CLAY SOIL.

MINERAL PERCENTAGE

Silica 59%

Alumina 52.926%

Magnesia 2.3%

Water 60%

Civil Engineering Concepts (Holganix, 2018)

20
 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 MATERIAL AND METHODS

3.1 MATERIALS

3.1.1 BLACK CLAY SOIL

The soil used in this study is “Black Cotton Soil” (dark grey in colour)

collected from ungwan road, along RCF Company Limited Bida road, golf

course road, Shehu Lamin in Kaduna, Kaduna state is located at the North

Central of Nigeria. The sample was collected at the depth of 0.5m to 1m,

after removing the top soil to avoid organic matter, so the sample was

labeled at the site A, B and C and soil sample which is obtained by digging

trial pits, package in polythene bag. After the digging the sample was

transport back to Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda Laboratory to

determine the engineering properties of the sample soil.

3.1.2 DISTILLED WATER

Distilled water is a steam from boiling water that’s been cooled and returned

to its liquid state. The distilled water for this research project is collected

from main borehole point at permanent site in Federal polytechnic Kaura

Namoda.

21
 3.1.3 KEROSENE

The kerosene for this research project work is collected from low-cost in

Kaura Namoda.

3.2 METHODOLOGY

3.3 NATURAL MOISTURE CONTENT

All moisture content determination was done by the over drying method as

specified by the BS 1377 (1990).

In determining the natural moisture contents, crumbed samples of know

weight were placed in a container that has been pre-weight (Mw-Mc). The

weight of container plus the soil was observed accurately to the nearest 0.01gr

(M2). These were placed in the oven and dried at temperature range between

103o to 110o continuously for 24hrs. The moisture content is then deduced as:

W= M2-M3 x 100

M3-M1

Where M1= mass of container

M2= Mass of container and wet soil (g)

M3= mass of container and dry soil (g)

3.4 SIEVE ANALYSIS TEST

The sieve Analysis test was conducted in accordance to BS 1377 part 2

(1990).

22
A set sieve were properly cleaned and arranged according to the size of the

sieve. The black cotton soil sample was weighed on electrical weighing

balance and poured into set of sieve and shake manually with hand for about 6

to 10 minutes. This process aids the sieve to sieve the sample retained on each

sieve and receiver was weighed and recorded. Therefore a graph of

cumulative percentage passing against particle size is plotted.

Calculation:

Mass passing
Cumulative Percentage pass = Total mass retained ×100

Mass passing= total mass retained – individual mass retained.

Therefore total mass = summation of mass retained of sample retained.

3.5 LIQUID LIMIT AND PLASTIC LIMIT

The liquid limit test was conducted in accordance to BS 1377 (1975).

Soil sample that was retained on the pan was placed on a flat glass and mixed

thoroughly with water using pallet knife until homogenous paste is achieved.

Some portion of the mixed sample was later placed on the cassagrande cup

and trimmed off. The grooving tool is then used to divide the sample along

the sample along its diameter. The crack was then trimmed at two revolution

per second until the two parts of the cut sample come in contact, the number

23
of blow was noted and recorded 10gram of the sample from the closed groove

was taken and put inside the moisture container. After drying, the soil was

removed and weighed to deduce its dry weight.

3.5.1 PLASTIC LIMIT

The plastic limit test was conducted accordance to BS 1377 (1975).

A sample of soil is prepared in the same manner as for the liquid limit and

test and is thoroughly mixed with water until it can be made into a

homogenous plastic paste. The paste then roll between the palm the hand to

from this soil into thread. The diameter is gradually reduced to 3mm and the

soil is kneeled together and roll again. The crumbled portion of the sample

collected and put in the oven for 24hour to obtain the moisture content. The

moisture content is determined and percentage plastics limit are calculated.

Index= liquid limit – plastic limit

Calculation:

Plastic index is the numerical differences between plastic limit and liquid

limit. PI=LL-PL

3.6 LINEAR SHRINKAGE

The linear shrinkage limit test was conducted accordance to BS 1377 (1975).

The shrinkage mould was cleaned and oiled, the sample was then placed in

the mould and slightly tampered to remove air bubbles. Initial length of

24
 mould was recorded and put in oven dry for 24 hours. After drying, the

reduction in length was measured and recorded.

Shrinkage limit is then computed as shown below

Final length
S.L= 1× Initial length ×100

3.7 FREE SWELL

The test was performed by pouring 10grams of air dried soil through a sieve

or aperture size 0.42mm into a 100cm3 graduated jar filled with water to note

the swelled volume or the soil after it comes to rest. The procedures was

repeated for each soil and for various moisture contents.

Calculation:

V −Vo ×100
FS= V

Where: FS= the free swell (%)

V= the soil volume after swelling cm3

Vo= the volume of dry soil. (10cm3)

3.8 SPECIFIC GRAVITY

The specific gravity limit test was conducted accordance to BS 1377 (1990)

part 2:8:3.

25
The mass of gas jar and cover was taken as (M1). The soil sample was

poured into gas jar the weight was recovered as (M2). An unknown volume

of water was added to the soil sample in the gas jar and cover and shaken for

about two minutes in order to dissolve the soil completely. The gas jar was

filled up to the brim and weighted as (M2) the content was then turned away.

The gas jar was thoroughly cleaned and once again filled with water and

allowed to overflow to disallow air trapped before covering it with gas jar

cover and weighed as (M4). The specific gravity of the sample was

calculated and computed.

Calculation:

The specific gravity of the soil particles shall be calculated from this

equation

M 2−M 1
GS= ( M 4−M 1 )−( M 3−M 2)

Where M1= the mass of gas + cover (g)

M2= the mass of gas + cover + soil (g)

M3= the mass of gas jar + cover + soil + water (g)

M4= the mass of gas jar + cover + water (g)

3.9 COMPACTION TEST

The compaction test was conducted accordance to BS 1377 (1990).

26
A sample of air dried soil was crushed and allow to pass through 20mm B.S

sieve and was mixed with water. The wet sample was filled into a cylindrical

of 100cm at 5 layer with an extension collar attached. Each layer was

rammed 27 blows of a standard 4.5kg rammer falling vertically through a

height of 300mm, the blows were distributed uniformly over the surfaced of

each layer. The extension was removed and the mould trimmed level at the

top and weighed. Small sample of specimen was taken for moisture content

determination.

Calculation:

m2−m1
Bulk density = 1000

mass of moisture
Moisture content= mass of dry soil x 100

100 x ɤ
Dry density = 100+w x 100

M= mass of mould + base

M= mass of mould + base + compacted specimen

P= Bulk density

W= moisture content

3.10 POTENTIAL OF HYDROGEN (PH)

The PH test was conducted at the department of SLT (science laboratory

technology) school of science and technology, Federal Polytechnic Kaura

27
Namoda, Zamfara State. Log of the air dried soil sample sieved through

2mm sieve was collected and place inside a 50ml plastic breaker, 25ml of

distilled water was added and the suspension was stirred several time for

30minutes undistributed. The PH meter was calibrated using the PH buffer.

(2, 4 and 7). The electrode was then immersed into the soil without touching

the bottom of the breaker, the value of the PH was then recorded after some

seconds.

3.11 CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO (CBR) TEST

The CBR test was conducted accordance to BS 1377 (1990).

The test was carried out in a laboratory with air dried soil sample with a

predetermined natural moisture contents. The soil broken into specified size

was allowed to pass through a sieve and a mixed thoroughly with specified

percentage of water obtained from previous compaction test. The wet soil is

filled into the mould attached with collar in approximately 5 equal’s layers.

Each layer is given 62 blows from a standard rammer of 4.5kg dropping

from freely through a height of 300mm. The sample was the trimmed to the

spatula was used to scrape the level surface of the mould and weight

together with the base plate to obtain the weight of the soil sample.

The mould containing the compacted specimen with the base plate in

position were subjected to surcharge weights is required. A load was applied

28
 to it, firing the plunger to penetrate the sample. Therefore on the plunger was

read at every penetration of 0.25mm dial gauge reading the after the reading

was completed the mould was removed. The reading was recorded and

plotted.

Calculation:

Applied force
C.B.R= Standard value × 100%

Plunger reading × proving ring favour

Plunger reading × proving ring favour

Plunger reading x proving ring favour

29
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULT

4.1 SIEVE ANALYSIS TEST

Sample: Black clay soil

Total weight of sample used=1000g

B.S Wt. Cumm. % % % Sieve

sieve Retained Wt. Weight Cumm. Passing Size(mm)

No (g) Retained(g) Retained Wt.

retaine

5 199 199 19.9 19.9 80.1

4 33 232 3.3 23.2 71.8

3.15 54 286 5.4 28.6 71.4

2 101 387 10.1 38.7 61.3 10

1 200 587 20.0 58.7 41.3

0.630 110 697 11.0 69.7 30.3 40

0.25 129 826 12.9 82.6 19.4

30
0.075 130 956 13.0 95.6 4.4 200

Pan 44 1000 4.4 100 0

The result obtained from the laboratory work was sieve percent passing No.

10, 40, 200, are 61.3, 30.3, 4.4 respectively, liquid limit and plasticity index

28.8%, 8.3% respectively. When compare with standard (AASHTO

classification) the sample was classified under A2, subgroup (A-2-4) which

the soil description consist both silty or clayey gravel and sand.

Sieve analysis
100
Percentage passing

10 Y-Values

1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Sieve number

31
 4.2SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST

Number of trials 1

Weight of Pyconometer (w1) 182

Weight of Pyconometer + Soil (w2) 229

Weight of Pyconometer + Soil+ water (w2) 484

Weight of Pyconometer + water (w4) 554

Specific gravity 0.40

The standard requirement for specific gravity test range (sand 2.65-2.67, silty

sand 2.67-2.70, inorganic 2.70-2.80, soil with mica or iron 2.75-3.00, organic

soils below 2.00 <2.00), the value obtained in the laboratory is 0.40.which is

less than and belong to organic soils.

4.3FREE SWELL

BLACK CLAY SOIL FREE SWELL INDEX

1 33.3

32
The standard requirement of free swell index range (<50, 50-100, 100-200,

>200), the value obtained in the laboratory is 33.3 which is less than <50 and

belong to degree of expansion (low), degree of severity (non critical).

4.4NATURAL MOISTURE CONTENT

Sample No A B C

Can No: 1 2 3

Weight of can (W1) 16.8 16.4 16.3

Weight of can + wet soil (w2) 165.2 149.77 158.23

Weight of can + dry soil (w3) 145.6 134.32 137.55

Average moisture content

15.8+13.10+17.05
=15.11%
3

The standard requirement of natural moisture content range within 3%-10% at

top of soil but when going deeper it between 15 and the value of obtained

from the laboratory is 15.11% which can be used for moisture content control.

4.5 ATTERBERG LIMIT TEST

33
4.5.1 LIQUID LIMIT

Type of test Liquid limit

No of blows/ shrinkage 20 25 30

Container A B C

Wt. of wet soil and container 36.7 43.6 38.5

Wt. of dried soil and container 31.1 36.7 33.7

Wt. of container 14 14 14

Wt. of dry soil 17.1 22.7 19.7

Wt. of moisture 5.6 6.7 4.8

Moisture content 32.74 29.5 24.3

LL=28.8%

The standard requirement for liquid limit range between, (20-35, 35-50, 50-

70, 70-90) the value obtained in the laboratory is 28.8% which fall under the

range of 20-35%, that means the material has low content of clay, which

means it’s good for road construction.

34
 60

50

40
Moisture content

30
Y-Values
Linear (Y-Values)
20

10

0
18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32
Number of blows

4.5.2 PLASTIC LIMIT

Type of test Plastic limit

Container A B

Wt. of wet soil and container 45.1 42.1

Wt. of dried soil and container 38.6 35.8

Wt. of container 6 6

Wt. of dry soil 32.6 29.8

Wt. of moisture 6.5 6.5

Moisture content 19.9 21.1

PL= 20.5%

35
Plasticity index=28.8 – 20.5= 8.3%

Linear shrinkage = 1-(136/140) x 100= 2.9%

The standard requirement for both plasticity index and linear shrinkage are

(<12, 12-23, 23-32, >32 and <15, 15-30, 30-60, >60) respectively. The value

obtained in the laboratory are 8.3%, 2.9% respectively. Which fall under

range of <12 in plasticity index and <15 in linear shrinkage, that means the

material has low content of clay which means it’s good for road construction

and it means that the materials is able to retain water.

4.6 POTENTIAL OF HYDROGEN

S/N P.H Value

1 8.612

The standard requirement of P.H range within (rainfall 5-8) (Drier 6.5-9).

While the value obtained in the laboratory is 8.612 which the soil is suitable

for both wet and dry.

4.7 COMPACTION TEST

MOISTURE CONTENT DETERMINATION

Container No A Top A B Top B C Top C

Bottom Bottom Bottom

wt. of wet soil 73.64 64.88 70.46 60.31 70.05 63.8

Wt. of dry soil 67.86 59.70 63.62 54.93 62.20 56.22

and container

Wt. of container 16.67 16.55 16.59 16.43 16.52 16.29

Wt. of dry soil 51.19 43.15 47.03 38.50 45.68 39.93

Wt. of moisture 5.78 5.19 6.84 5.36 7.85 6.61

Moisture content 11.29 12.03 14.54 13.93 17.18 16.55

Average moisture 11.66 14.23 16.87

content

Dry density ɤ 1.239 1.242 1.232

=100 x ɤ /100+m

MDD= 1560G/CM3 OMC= 14.5%

The compaction test indicate the optimum moisture content and maximum dry

density as shown in appendix, the value obtained in the laboratory work of

both maximum dry density and optimum moisture content are 1.560kg/m 3,

14.5% respectively. According to standard (Revised public roads or AASHTO

classification), show the value of (MDD/OMC 1.52%-2.08%) respectively,

37
which fall at the range of A4 with the soil description of low compressibility

silts.

Compaction test
1.244
1.242
1.24
Dry Density (kg/m3)

1.238
1.236
Y-Values
1.234
1.232
1.23
1.228
1.226
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Moisture content(%)

4.8 CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO (CBR)

UNSOAKED (TOP)

Penetration Plunger[mm] Load[KN]

0.25 0.2

0.50 0.3

0.75 0.4

1.00 0.5

1.25 0.6

38
1.50 0.8

1.75 1.0

2.00 1.1

2.25 1.2

2.50 1.3

2.75 1.4

3.00 1.6

3.25 1.8

3.50 1.9

3.75 2.0

4.00 2.1

4.25 2.2

4.50 2.3

4.75 2.7

5.00 2.9

5.25 3.1

39
5.50 3.2

5.75 3.3

6.00 3.4

CBR= 14.11%

The table below shows the result of the California bearing ratio test carried

out on sample obtained from ungwan road, along RCF company limited bida

road, golf course road, shehu lamin. The value obtained for (C.B.R)

unsoaked is 14.11%. According to federal ministry of works and housing

specification (i.e C.B.R for sub-grade, sub-base and base should be >10%,

>30%, <80%) respectively. While the value obtained from the laboratory is

14.11%, which fall under sub-grade because the value obtained is >10.

40
 California Bearing Ratio
Unsoaked
10

Y-Values
Load (KN)

0.1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Penetration (mm)

SOAKED (TOP)

Penetration Plunger[mm] Load[KN]

0.25 0.0

0.50 0.1

0.75 0.2

1.00 0.4

1.25 0.5

1.50 1.0

1.75 1.2

41
2.00 1.3

2.25 1.5

2.50 1.7

2.75 1.8

3.00 1.9

3.25 2.0

3.50 2.3

3.75 2.4

4.00 2.5

4.25 2.7

4.50 2.9

4.75 3.0

5.00 3.1

5.25 3.2

5.50 3.3

42
 5.75 3.4

6.00 3.5

CBR= 15.08%

The table below shows the result of the California bearing ratio test carried out

on sample obtained from ungwan road, along RCF company limited bida road,

golf course road, shehu lamin. The value obtained for (C.B.R) soaked is

15.08%. According to federal ministry of works and housing specification (i.e

C.B.R for sub-grade, sub-base and base should be >10%, >3%0, <80%)

respectively. While the value obtained from the laboratory is 15.08%, which fall

under sub-grade because the value obtained is >10.

California Bearing Ratio

Y-Values
Load (KN)

1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Penetration (mm)

43
4.9 SUMMARY OF RESULTS

TEST CONDUCTED

Natural moisture content 15.11

Percentage passing sieve No 200 4.4

Liquid limit 28.8

Plastic limit 20.5

Plasticity index 8.3

Linear shrinkage 2.9

Maximum Dry Density[ Kg/m¿ ¿ 3 1.560

Optimum Moisture Content[% ] 14.5

Specific gravity 0.40

Free swell index 33.3

C.B.R (un-soaked) 14.11

C.B.R (Soaked) 15.08

Potential of hydrogen (PH) 8.612

Physical colour identification Dark grey

44
4.10 DISCUSSION OF RESULT

Sequel to the laboratory test carried out on the sample obtained from ungwan

road, along RCF company limited bida road, golf course road, shehu lamin.

Show that the value obtained in the laboratory work, plasticity index in

combination with the liquid limit, which is use to classified the soil using

AASHTO classification. Which show the soil description is silty or clayey

gravel and sand and fall under A2 sub group (A-2-4).

According to standard (Revised public roads or AASHTO classification and

procedures federal ministry of works) shows all the value of MDD, OMC and

C.B.R, the value obtained from the laboratory work maximum dry density

(MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) fall within the range of A4 with

soil description of low compressibility silts. And the C.B.R value obtained from

the laboratory work fall within the range of (C.B.R >10%) which the liquid

limit must be 40 maximum with A-2-4 group, plasticity index must be 10

maximum, not more than 35%passing NO. 200 sieve which shows sub-grade.

According to the standard requirement for specific gravity which show the

value obtained in the laboratory work is less than and belong to organic soils.

And the free swell index value obtained in the laboratory meet to the standard

with is less than (<50) and belong to degree of expansion (low), degree of

45
severity (Non critical). The value obtained for potential of hydrogen meet to

standard because when it rainfall (5-8) and drier (6.5-9).

46
 CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 CONCLUSION

Base on result obtained from various experiment carried out for sample. The

following conclusion are drawn from the study:

Sequences with the laboratory test carried out on black clay soil, it was show

that the soil is classified as A2, sub group of A-2-4 with a liquid limit of 28.8%

and plasticity index of 8.3% respectively. In accordance to standard free swell

index range (<50, 50-100, 100-200, >200), the value obtained in the laboratory

work is 33.3 which is less than <50 and belong to degree of expansion (low),

degree of severity (non critical) and P.H range (rainfall 5-8) (Drier 6.5-9), the

value obtained in the laboratory is 8.612 which the soil is suitable for both wet

and dry. According to standard which shown in the appendix the maximum dry

density (MDD), optimum moisture content (OMC) at the range of 1.52-2.08,

10-20 respectively the value obtained in the laboratory work are 1.560kg/m 3,

14.5% respectively which fall at the range of A4 with a soil description low

compressibility silts. Standard requirement for C.B.R shown in the appendix,

liquid limit must be 40 maximum with A-2-4 group, plasticity index must be 10

maximum, not more than 35% passing NO. 200 sieve and C.B.R >10% the

47
value obtained in the laboratory work fall at the range of 15.08%, 14.11%

respectively, the soil sample is classified under sub-grade.

5.2 RECOMMENDATION

Sequel to the above findings and conclusion, the following recommendation

are:

1. Black clay soil can be used as a subgrade layer of a road construction

work.

2. This research recommend that further researcher can go to the location

(ungwan road, along RCF company limited bida road, golf course road,

shehu lamin) to pick up sample for sub grade road construction work.

REFERENCES

48
AASHTO (1986) Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and

Methods of Sampling and Testing. 14th Ed., Am. Assoc. of State

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BS 1377 (1990) “Method of testing soil for civil Engineering Purpose” British

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BS 1377 part 2 (1990) “Method of testing soil for civil Engineering Purpose”

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Chen, F. H. (2017) Foundations on Expansive Soils, Elsevier Scientific Pub. Co.

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Chester, (2006). “Recent Technical Trends in Dry Mixing (DJM) in Japan.

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Ezoic, (2014). Paitil Foundation, college of Agriculture, Ahmednagar

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Greenfield, (2004)”Stabilization of Nigeria Deltaic with black clay soil”

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Jack Gerard, (2018).Expansive soils the hidden disaster. Civil Engineering

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Leed Jones, (2010). “Lime stabilization of black clay soil using bagasse ash as

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Mahajan Bhushan (2019), Civil Concepts: Black Clay Soil Properties, Types and

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Osinubi, (2011) “Lime stabilization of black clay soil using bagasse ash as

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http://www.scientific net Trans Tech. Publications, Sentor land.

Revised public roads or AASHTO classification

Standard compaction test and procedures federal ministry of works

APPENDIX I

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52
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