A Project Report

on
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON BLACK COTTON SOIL
STABILIZED WITH BAGASSE ASH AND LIME

SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

AWARD OF DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

By

A.VENKAT SAKETH (160119732057)

NIKHIL PATHA (160119732034)
RAHUL GUNDOJU (160119732037)

Under the guidance of

Smt. Aswari Sultana Begum
Assistant Professor

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CHAITANYA BHARATHI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Autonomous)
Gandipet, Hyderabad-500075
April 2023
 A Project Report
on
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON BLACK COTTON SOIL
STABILIZED WITH BAGASSE ASH AND LIME

SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

AWARD OF DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

By

A.VENKAT SAKETH (160119732057)

NIKHIL PATHA (160119732034)
RAHUL GUNDOJU (160119732037)

Under the guidance of

Smt. Aswari Sultana Begum
Assistant Professor

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CHAITANYA BHARATHI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (Autonomous)
Gandipet, Hyderabad-500075

April 2023
 CHAITANYA BHARATHI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (Autonomous)
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project work entitled,"EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON BLACK

COTTON SOIL STABILIZED WITH BAGASSE ASH AND LIME" is a bonafide work
carried out by

A.VENKAT SAKETH (160119732057)

NIKHIL PATHA (160119732034)
RAHUL GUNDOJU (160119732037)

In the partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of degree of BACHELOR OF
ENGINEERING in CIVIL ENGINEERING by the OSMANIA UNIVERSITY during 2019-
2023 at CHAITANYA BHARATHI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY(A), Hyderabad. To
the best of our knowledge, the matter embodied in the report has not been submitted to any
other university or institute for the award of any Degree or Diploma.

Smt. Aswari Sultana Begum (Dr. K. .Jagannadha Rao)

Assistant Professor & Project guide Professor & Head
Department of Civil Engineering Department of Civil Engineering
CBIT- HYD CBIT- HYD

External Examiner
I
 DECLARATION

We (A.VENKAT SAKETH, NIKHIL PATHA, RAHUL GUNDOJU ) students of

Bachelor of Engineering, final year, Civil Engineering department, Chaitanya Bharathi
Institute of Technology (A), declare that the project entitled " EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
ON BLACK COTTON SOIL STABILIZED WITH BAGASSE ASH AND LIME " has
been independently carried out under the esteemed guidance of (Smt. Aswari Sultana
Begum), Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, CBIT (A). This work has
been submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of Bachelor of
Engineering in Civil Engineering by Osmania University during the academic year 2019-
2023.

Signature of candidates

1. A.VENKAT SAKETH (1601-19-732-057)

2. NIKHIL PATHA (1601-19-732-034)

3. RAHUL GUNDOJU (1601-19-732-037)

II
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Firstly we would like to express our immense gratitude and heartfelt thanks towards our
institution Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, which created a great platform to
attain profound technical skills in the field of Civil Engineering, thereby fulfilling our most
cherished goal.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our project guide, Smt. ASWARI SULTANA BEGUM
(Assistant Professor) of Civil Engineering Department, for her excellent guidance, support
and supervision. Without her supervision and many hours of devoted guidance this project
would have never come out in this form.

We would like to thank Prof. K. JAGANNADHA RAO, Head of the Department, Civil
Engineering, CBIT.

Our sincere thanks to Prof. P. RAVINDER REDDY, Principal, CBIT for providing the
necessary facilities to carry out this work.

Last but not the least, our appreciable obligation also goes to all the teaching and non-
teaching staff members of Civil Engineering Department and earnest thanks giving to our
dear parents for their moral support and heartfelt cooperation. We would also like to thank
our friends, whose direct or indirect help enabled us to complete this project successfully.

III
 ABSTRACT

Civil engineers are studying to find safe and economical solutions in design and construction
steps. The soil conditions of the project site have a great effect on the design and construction
methods in civil engineering applications. Problematic soil conditions can cause important
problems therefore; soil conditions should be improved. Soil stabilization is the improvement
of certain properties of soils by using several mechanical, chemical or biological methods.
The main objectives in soil stabilization are reducing the compressibility, and maximizing its
strength. When the literature is examined, although there are many different methods in soil
stabilization, the easiest and most practical one is to improve the soil by adding additives to
the soil. Materials such as cement, lime, bitumen, fly ash, bagasse ash are some of the
additives used in soil stabilization.

Black cotton soil is a most common soil in India, which covers more than 20 percentage land
area of India and is also known as ‘regur’. This soil is spread over Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat,
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka and other parts of India as
well. Presence of montmorillonite clay minerals is mainly responsible for swelling and
shrinkage characteristic of black cotton soil. Montmorillonite is active in nature and bond will
be weak, so when a water particle comes in between them it swells and if it evaporates it
shrinks. The swelling and shrinkage characteristics of black cotton soil pose a serious threat
to foundations and structures constructed on them.

Experimental study on black cotton soil was done by adding different proportions of bagasse
ash & lime. Proportions of bagasse ash and lime were 3%, 6% and 9% respectively. And
various tests were conducted and based on the results optimum amount of admixture will be
decided.

Keywords: Stabilization, Bagasse ash, Lime, Black Cotton Soil,

Compaction, Direct shear and Bearing Capacity.

IV
 LIST OF FIGURES

Fig.No Figure title Page No

1.2.1 Map of India showing Black Cotton

& other soils 02

3.1.1 Flowchart of procedure followed 08

3.2.1 Selected site in Janwada 09

3.2.2 Collection of sample 09

3.3.1.1 Ramming of core cutter along with dolly 10

3.3.1.2 Core cutter along with driven into the

ground. 10

3.3.2.1 Oven dried soil sample 11

3.3.3.1 Sample retained on 75 µ sieve 11

3.3.4.1 Adjusting Liquid Limit apparatus 12

3.3.4.2 Preparation of sample 12

3.3.4.3 Attached groove 13

3.3.5.1 Plastic limit test 13

3.3.6.1 Compaction test 14

3.3.7.1 Proving ring 16

3.3.7.2 Direct shear apparatus 16

3.3.7.3 Shear failure under various loads of soil

sample from core cutter 16

3.4.1.1 Sugarcane Bagasse Ash 17

V
3.4.2.1 Lime powder 17

4.3.1 Plasticity chart 19

4.4.1.1 Atterberg’s limits for Bagasse ash 20

4.4.2.1 MDD for Bagasse ash 21

4.4.3.1 OMC for Bagasse ash 22

4.4.4.1 Direct shear graph for 0% Bagasse ash 23

4.4.4.2 Direct shear for graph 3% Bagasse ash 24

4.4.4.3 Direct shear for 6% graph Bagasse ash 24

4.4.4.4 Direct shear for 9% graph Bagasse ash 25

4.5.1.1 Atterberg’s limits for Lime 26

4.5.2.1 MDD for Lime 27

4.5.3.1 OMC for Lime 28

4.5.4.1 Direct shear graph for 3% Lime 29

4.5.4.2 Direct shear graph for 6% Lime 30

4.5.4.3 Direct shear graph for 9% Lime 30

4.6.1.1 Variation of dry density under combination

of both admixtures 32

4.7.4 Terzaghi’s Bearing Capacity Factors 33

VI
 LIST OF TABLES

Table No TITLE Page no

4.1.1 Calculation of Bulk Density 18

4.2.1 Calculation of shear stress 18

4.3.1 Properties of soil sample 19

4.4.1.1 Determination of Atterberg’s Limits 20

4.4.2.1 Determination of MDD 21

4.4.3.1 Determination of OMC 22

4.4.4.1 Determination of c and Փ values 23

4.5.1.1 Determination of Atterberg’s Limits 26

4.5.2.1 Determination of MDD 27

4.5.3.1 Determination of OMC 28

4.5.4.1 Determination of c and Փ values 29

4.6.1.1 Variation of dry density values under combination 31

4.7.5.1 Bearing capacity of soil for various proportions

of Bagasse ash 35

4.7.5.2 Bearing capacity of soil for various proportions

of Lime 35

VII
 CONTENTS

Certificate I

Declaration II

Acknowledgement III

Abstract IV

List of Figures V

List of Tables VII

CHAPTER 1 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1. General 1

1.2. Problem Statement 1

1.3. Scope of study 2

1.4. Overview 3

1.5. Objectives 3

CHAPTER 2 4

LITERATURE REVIEW

CHAPTER 3 8

METHODOLOGY

3.1. Step-by-step procedure followed 8

3.2. Collection of sample 9

3.3. Experimental work

3.3.1. Determination of field density by core cutter method 10

3.3.2. Determination of Moisture Content 10

3.3.3. Wet sieve analysis 11

3.3.4. Liquid limit 12

VIII
3.3.5. Plastic limit 13

3.3.6. Standard proctor test 14

3.3.7. Direct shear test 15

3.4 Selection of admixtures

3.4.1.Sugarcane Bagasse Ash 16

3.4.2. Lime 17

CHAPTER 4 18

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1. Determination of field density by

core cutter method 18

4.2. Direct shear test 18

4.3. Soil classification 19

4.4. After addition of Bagasse ash to

the black cotton soil sample

4.4.1. Atterberg’s limits 20

4.4.2. Maximum dry density 21

4.4.3. Optimum moisture content 22

4.4.4. Direct shear test 23

4.5. After addition of Lime to

the black cotton soil sample

4.5.1. Atterberg’s limits 26

4.5.2. Maximum dry density 27

4.5.3. Optimum moisture content 28

4.5.4. Direct shear test 29

4.6. Combination of both admixtures

4.6.1. Standard proctor test 31

IX
4.7.Finding bearing capacity of soil using

terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation

4.7.1. Assumptions 33

4.7.2. Classification of shear failure based on angle of shear resistance 33

4.7.3. Local Shear Parameters 33

4.7.4. Terzaghi’s Bearing Capacity Factors 33

4.7.5. Calculations 34

CHAPTER 5 36

CONCLUSIONS

REFERENCES 37

X
CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
1.1.General

With the rapid growth in population and enormous development in infrastructure the demand
for land has increased significantly for the past few decades. This has led to limited
availability of land resources. Hence an engineer is forced to carry out the numerous
construction activities even on problematic soil. There comes the importance of ground
improvement techniques. Thus, different soil stabilizations are gaining more importance in
the present scenario. Moreover, due to the increase in population, social development and
socioeconomic activities the volume of wastes (industrial, agricultural, domestic, etc.)
generated in the world has increased over the years and hence utilization of these waste
materials in the improvement of soils is a cost efficient and environmentally friendly method.

1.2. Problem Statement

Black cotton soil is a most common soil in India, which covers more than 20 percentage land
area of India and is also known as ‘regur’. This soil is spread over Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat,
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka and other parts of India as
well. Presence of montmorillonite clay minerals is mainly responsible for swelling and
shrinkage characteristic of black cotton soil. Montmorillonite is active in nature and bond will
be weak, so when a water particle comes in between them it swells and if it evaporates it
shrinks. The swelling and shrinkage characteristics of black cotton soil pose a serious threat
to foundations and structures constructed on them.

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 Fig.1.2.1 Map of India showing Black Cotton & other soils

1.3. Scope of study

Today, world faces a serious problem in disposing the large quantity of industrial waste. The
disposal of industrial waste without proper attention creates impact on environmental health.
It disturbs ecosystem, causes air pollution, water pollution etc. The engineers have to take
challenge for safe disposal of industrial waste. This research undertakes use of industrial
waste in stabilizing black cotton soil, various attempts have been made to improve the
strength of soil using different chemical additives in combination with lime and cement, but
research work has to focus more on use of cheaper and locally available material.

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Bagasse ash is a residue obtained from the burning of bagasse in sugar producing factories.
Bagasse is the cellular fibrous waste product after the extraction of the sugar juice from cane
mills. The effective utilization of these waste products is a challenging task for a researcher
through economical and environmental impact. This material contains amorphous silica
which is indication of cementing properties, which can develop good bonding between soil
grains in case of weak soil.

Lime is a calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide form were lime stabilization is the most widely
used means of chemically transforming unstable soils into structurally sound construction
foundations. The use of lime in stabilization creates a number of important engineering
properties in soils, including improved strength; improved resistance to fracture, fatigue, and
permanent deformation; improved resilient properties; reduced swelling; and resistance to the
damaging effects of moisture.

1.4 .Overview

The research is carried out to study effects of bagasse ash and lime on the workability of
expansive soils after stabilization as it supposed to improve the behaviour of these soils. Soils
are generally stabilized to increase their strength and durability or to prevent erosion and dust
formation in soils. The main aim of soil stabilization is that the creation of a soil material or
system which will hold underneath the planning use conditions and for the designed lifetime
of the engineering project.

1.5.Objectives

 To study the properties of Black Cotton Soil.

 To stabilize black cotton soil using admixtures like Bagasse Ash and Lime.
 To study the behavior of strength gain in black cotton soil using process of
Bagasse ash –Lime stabilization.

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CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

Mahesh et al., (2016) have studied that various soil samples are compared which includes
normal black cotton soil sample and black cotton soil mixed with varying percentages of
Bagasse ash and lime. The various test performed on these samples are liquid limit, plastic
limit, plasticity index, Differential free swell test, Standard Proctor Compaction Test,
optimum moisture content, maximum dry density and California Bearing Ratio (CBR test).
These tests were performed on normal BCS sample & soil containing Bagasse and lime in
varying percentage [BA: L (14), BA: L (23), BA: L (3; 2), BA: L (4:1)]. The conclusions are
after stabilization of soil with mixture of Bagasse ash & lime there was remarkable decrease
in Plasticity index. In Differential Swell Test, after stabilization the swelling index witnessed
remarkable reduction i.e. swelling potential was reduced to considerable limits. And from the
test results, it was found that with increase in proportion of lime the Plasticity index reduces
whereas with increase in addition of Bagasse ash, Plasticity index increases. And It can be
clearly seen that Plasticity index decreases with increase in lime percentage. And from the
test results and observations, the most suitable and best proportion for stabilization of BCS
was found to be 2:3 of Bagasse ash: Lime. And When optimum ratio of Bagasse ash: Lime
was used, CBR value shown remarkable increase and the results obtained were excellent.

Kiran et al., (2013) have studied that the blend results of bagasse ash with different
percentage of lime for black cotton soil gave considerable change in CBR and UCS values.
But the density values got decreased with the higher amount of lime content. Then CBR
values got increased from 2.12 to 4.57 for addition of 4% bagasse ash with 4% lime and UCS
values got increased to 153.05 KN/m2 from 84.92 KN/m2 for addition of 4% bagasse ash with
2% lime.

Brajesh Mishra., (2014) has observed that the property of black cotton soil effectively
improved by use of different percentage of lime contents. In this research varying percentage
( 3% and 5%) of lime was used to stabilize the black cotton soil. Points which were drawn

4| P a g e
from this study are . It was observed that on addition of 3% of lime decreases the liquid limit
by 2.70% while with 5% addition of lime reflects a decrease 15.27%. And M.D.D. was
increased slightly by 6.29% and 5.59% at 3% and 5% lime content respectively It was
observed that there was a decrease in O.M.C. of 3.4% and 10.7% at 3% and at 5% lime
content. respectively. The C.B.R. value of black cotton soil improve considerably to 3.25
times and 4.76 times with 3% and 5% lime respectively.

Hitesh Sant et al., (2016) have used Bagasse ash from 5% to 14% to find the mix having
maximum stability. Test results for Maximum dry density, Optimum moisture content,
California Bearing Ratio and Unconfined compressive strength were used to find the
optimum mix of bagasse ash and soil. And the conclusions are MDD values of the mix have
shown a mixed variation upon increment in bagasse ash content. Peak value was obtained for
8% of ash content. and CBR values have also shown a similar nature. These values were
increasing up to 8% of inclusion of ash in the mix and thereafter decreasing if percentage of
ash is increased further. This nature of the mix with respect to CBR values is characteristic of
cementitious nature of bagasse ash by the virtue of which ash particles attains strength under
the action of moisture. And similar pattern was observed for UCS values with peak value of
1.72 kg/cm2 for 8% of Ash in the mix. Hence it can be said that use of bagasse ash in sub
grade can enhance its stability up to a certain extent. After that optimum content it has
detrimental effects on the stability.

Er. Amit Spehia et al., (2018) have conducted laboratory experiments on black cotton soil
with partial replacement by Bagasse Ash (3.2%, 6.4%, 9.6% and 12.8%). This paper
highlights significant increase in properties of black cotton soil obtained at 6% replacement
of Bagasse Ash without any chemical or cementing material. And the conclusions are It was
observed that there is reduction in Plasticity Index of Bagasse Ash treated soil from 24.00%
to 17.40%. and It was observed that by the addition of 6% bagasse ash for black cotton soils,
the density has significant increases from 1.57 to 1.78 g/cc. But OMC decreases from 17.20
to 15.00%. Further addition of Bagasse Ash density decreases and OMC increases. UCS
values got increases from 93.00KN/m2 to 429.00 KN/m2 at 6% bagasse ash content. Further
addition of Bagasse ash UCS values decreases. The increase in California bearing ratio value
at 6% dosage had better effect compared to the other dosage. And Increase in California

5| P a g e
bearing ratio indicates reduction in settlement. CBR values got increased from 1.16 to 6.8%
for addition of 6% Bagasse Ash. Further addition of Bagasse ash CBR values decreases.

Dr. Biswajit Acharya et al., (2019) have studied that the black cotton soil (expansive soil)
is stabilized by using sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) from 2.5% to 12.5% weight of black
cotton soil. The liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, differential free swell index,
swelling pressure, standard proctor test, California bearing ratio and unconfined compressive
strength tests were performed in laboratory to study the behaviour of black cotton soil and the
conclusion is the black cotton soil is inorganic clay of high plasticity soil. with 5%
percentage of SCBA, and the black cotton soil changes its behaviour from inorganic clay of
high plasticity soil to inorganic clay of low plasticity (CH to CL) and the plasticity index of
black cotton soil is increased 6.67%. The maximum dry density of black cotton soil is 1.708
gm/cc determined but when 5%SCBA is mixed in black cotton soil, and the maximum dry
density of black cotton soil is increasing up to1.740 gm/cc. Hence, the density is improved
and SCBA can be used to improve the shear strength of black cotton soil. From CBR test, it
is also observed that the 5% SCBA mix specimen of black cotton soil, increasing CBR value
by 6.11%. Similarly, in case of UCS test, the shear strength is increased up to 13.03% from
UCS value of BCS.

Shailendra Singh., (2013) while studying the effect of lime on geotechnical properties of the
black cotton soil established that the properties of the soil can stabilized by varying
proportions of lime. It was found that the liquid limit increases by almost 12.1% at 4% lime
content addition. A decrease of nearly 17.1% was observed at 6% lime addition. The M.D.D.
was found to decrease by 2.4% and 5.6% at 4% and 6% lime content respectively. The
C.B.R. value of black cotton soil mixed with 4% and 6% lime at 2.5 mm penetration
indicated a consistent improvement. At 5.0 mm penetration, the increase in C.B.R value also
increased consistently. This shows that lime can be used to stabilized deficient soil.

Hegde .,(2010) determined that when lime is applied to black cotton soil, a pozzolanic
reaction occurs, leading to stability. The hydrated lime combines with clay particles to
transform them into a strong cement matrix that is durable. The basic parameters of the soil

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were determined using black cotton soil with low to medium swelling potential. Plastic limit,
Liquid limit, MDD, OMC, free swelling, swelling pressure, and California bearing ratio were
determined. Adding lime to swelling soil immediately reduces the soil swelling potential
when it comes in contact with water. As the concentration of lime in the soil increases, the
plasticity of the soil decreases and the stiffness of the soil increases. The optimum lime
percentage used in the study to improve the strength properties was observed to be 3.5% to
4.5%.

Amruta .,(2020) have discovered that adding 6% lime to black cotton soil reduces its
flexibility, shrinkage, and swelling qualities significantly. When wet, the compressive
strength rises to around 15.22 kg/cm2. CBR values increase from 3.3 percent of virgin soil to
approximately 62.8 percent. The treated black cotton soil can be used safely as a sub-grade,
sub-base, or base material, reducing the thickness of a road's upper crust made of an
expansive material such as hard stone.

Gandhi.,(2012) have worked on improving the sub grade soil using Bagasse ash. Bagasse
ash effectively dries wet soils and provides an initial strength gain, which is useful during
construction in wet, unstable ground conditions. Various lab tests were performed with the
percentage of Bagasse ash varying from 0 % to 10%. It was observed that as proportion of
bagasse ash increased in the soil sample, there was notable increment in engineering
properties of the subgrade.

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CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1.STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE FOLLOWED

• Selection of site and collection of Black Cotton Soil.

1

• Determining the properties of untreated sample.

2

• Selection of admixtures and procurement of admixture.

3

• Determining the properties of soil after treating with admixture with

different proportions.
4

• Determining the optimum percentage of admixture to be added to soil

to improve its properties.
5

Fig.3.1.1 Flowchart of procedure followed

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3.2. COLLECTION OF SAMPLE
 After visiting some agricultural fields, we have collected black cotton soil which is
grayish to blackish in colour in a field which is located in Janwada, Hyderabad.
 We chose a small area on the field where the soil is wet. We dug a feet (approx) inside the
field and collected 6-8 kilograms of sample to perform laboratory tests on it.

Fig.3.2.1 Selected site in Janwada

Fig.3.2.2 Collection of sample

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3.3.EXPERIMENTAL WORK

3.3.1.Determination of field density by core cutter method

A cylindrical core cutter with a steel dolly is brought to the location and driven into the earth
with a rammer until the dolly is above the surface. The cutter will be excavated from the
surrounding soil after settling, and extra soil is removed from the area around the cutter.
Furthermore, the soil is brought from the field to the lab for additional testing.

Fig.3.3.1.1 Ramming of core cutter along Fig.3.3.1.2 Core cutter along with
. with dolly. driven into the ground.

3.3.2. Determination of Moisture Content

The soil sample is taken from the location, and its moisture content is tested in the laboratory
to determine how much moisture is present in the soil. The sample is heated at 105 to 115°C
for 24 hours using the oven drying process. To determine the moisture content of the soil
sample, the weight of the dried sample is compared to the weight of the sample without
drying.

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 Fig.3.3.2.1 Oven dried soil sample
3.3.3. Wet sieve analysis:

Sieve analysis is a method used to determine grain size of particles.

1. The material passing through 4.75mm IS sieve of about 1 kg was taken which is oven
dried for 24 hrs.

2. The sample was sieved through a 75 micron sieve and washing was done until the
wash water became clean.

3. The material retained on the sieve was taken and oven drained for 24 hours and its
weight was noted down.

Fig.3.3.3.1 Sample retained on 75 µ sieve

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3.3.4. Liquid limit:

The liquid limit of soil is the water content at which soil behaves practically like a liquid but
have small shear strength. It flows to close a groove in just 25 blows in Casgrande’s liquid
limit device.

1. The drop of device was adjusted to one centimetre by operating screws and the handle
provided and after adjusting adjustment was done screws were tightened. 100 grams of
women dried soil sample was taken passing through 425 Micron IS sieve.

2. The sample was mixed with certain percentage of water and sample was placed in the Cup
of the device and levelled the surface with spatula. The groove was made and handle was
turned at the rate of Revolution 2 per second until the groove came closer at the bottom
and number of Blows noted.

3. The same procedure was repeated for different water contents.

4. A graph was plotted between number of blows vs water content.

5. The water content corresponding to 25 blows was determined which is liquid limit and
slope of curve gives flow index.

Fig.3.3.4.1 Adjusting Liquid Limit apparatus Fig.3.3.4.2 Preparation of sample

12| P a g e
 Fig.3.3.4.3 Attached groove

3.3.5. Plastic limit:

The plastic limit of soil is the water content of soil below which it behaves like plastic. It
begins to crumble when rolled into threads of 3 mm diameter.

1. The soil sample was rolled with fingers on glass plate. 10 grams of sample passing
through 425 microns IS sieve was taken in a container and mixed with certain
percentage so that it is plastic. It crumbles at 3mm dia of the thread.

Fig.3.3.5.1 Plastic Limit Test

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3.3.6. Standard proctor test:

Compaction is the process of densification of soil by reducing air voids. The degree of
compaction of a given soil is measured in terms of its dry density. dry density is maximum at
the optimum moisture content.

1. Take a representative oven-dried Sample approximately 3 kg in the given pan. Thoroughly

mix the sample with sufficient water to dampen it with approximate water content of 6 to
8% of soil. Weigh the proctor mould without base plate and collar. Fix the collar and base
plate.

2. Place the soil in the Proctor mould and compact it in 3 layers giving 25 blows per layer
with the 2.5 kg. Rammer. Remove the collar, Trim the compacted soil evenly on the top of
mould, using a straight edge and weigh. Remove the sample from mould and slice
vertically through and obtain small sample for water content.

3. Weigh the mould along with compacted and sliced soil and calculate dry density of soil.

4. Add water in sufficient amounts to increase the moisture content of the soil sample by 2-3
percentage points and repeat the above procedure for each increment of water added.

5. Continue this series of determination until there is either a decrease or nor change in the
wet unit weight of the compacted soil. Tabulate the results and derive the optimum
moisture content from graph.

Fig.3.3.6.1 Compaction Test

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3.3.7. Direct shear test:

In the direct shear test, failure is induced in a soil sample by moving one part of the soil
container while the other is kept stationary. When a shear force of sufficient magnitude is
applied. The bottom portion of the box moves horizontally relative to the top one, causing
the soil in the box to shear along a plane of separation between two halves of the shear box
(horizontal plane) In a strength test of a soil, there are two basic stage. First a normal load is
applied to the specimen (consolidation stage) and the failure is induced by applying a shear
stress (shearing stage). If no water is allowed to escape from or enter into the specimen
either during consolidation or during shearing it is called an undrained test or
unconsolidated undrained test.

Undrained Test

1. Place the plate, and then the solid grid plate at the bottom of the shear box, fix the two
parts of the shear box with two suitable locking screws, after ensuring that the spacing
screws (3Nos) are screwed with their tips flush with the common surface between two
halves.
2. Push the soil specimen from the cutter into the shear box. Place another solid grid
plate on the top of specimen. The serration of both top and bottom grid plates should
be at right angles to the direction for shear. Place the loading pad on the top grid plate.
3. Place the shear box into the shear box container (on rollers) on the platform of the
apparatus provided with an adjustable loading frame. See that the shear box is in its
centre of shear box container.
4. Apply the desired normal load intensity in the range of 0.5 to 2 kg/sq.cm, through the
loading frame.
5. Adjust the providing ring such that it is in contact with the “U” arm of the shear box.
Arrange the dial gauge needle of the proving ring in zero reading.
6. Remove the locking screws. Raise the upper part of the shear box with the help of
spacer screws, such that a gap of about 0.5cm in the case of sandy soil. For fine soils
this step can be ignored. Induce shear displacement at a rate of about 1% strain per
minute (0.6 mm/min).
7. Take the readings of proving ring dial gauge. Repeat the test on at least two more
identical specimens (with same density) under increased normal loads.

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 Fig.3.3.7.1 Proving ring Fig.3.3.7.2 Direct Shear Apparatus

Fig.3.3.7.3 Shear failure under various loads of soil sample from core cutter

3.4 SELECTION OF ADMIXTURES

3.4.1 Sugarcane Bagasse Ash

The Bagasse is the fibrous waste produced after the extraction of the sugar juice from cane
mills. Bagasse ash is the residue obtained from the incineration of bagasse in sugar producing
factories. This material usually poses a disposal problem in sugar factories particularly in
tropical countries. In many tropical countries there are substantial quantities of Bagasse is
rich in amorphous silica indicated that it has pozzolanic properties. Utilization of industrial

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and agricultural waste products in the construction of roads has been the focus of research for
economical and environmental reasons. To stabilize expansive soil, the waste product
bagasse ash is collected from sugarcane industry located in Sangareddy.

Fig.3.4.1.1 Sugarcane Bagasse Ash

3.4.2 Lime

Lime is a general term for calcium containing inorganic materials, in which carbonates,
oxides and hydrates are predominating. Strictly speaking, lime is calcium oxide or calcium
hydroxide. Lime can be used to treat soils in order to improve their workability and load-
bearing characteristics in a number of situations. Quicklime is frequently used to dry wet
soils at construction sites and elsewhere, reducing downtime and providing an improved
working surface.

Fig.3.4.2.1 Lime powder

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CHAPTER 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1.DETERMINATION OF FIELD DENSITY BY CORE CUTTER

METHOD

Table 4.1.1: Calculation of Bulk Density

S.NO DESCRIPTION TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2 TRIAL 3 TRIAL 4

1 Mass of the core cutter 979 gm 980 gm 917 gm 986 gm
M1 gm
2 Mass of the core 2786 gm 2803 gm 2729 gm 2717 gm
cutter + moist soil
M2 gm
3 Mass of the soil (M2- 1807 gm 1823 gm 1812 gm 1731 gm
M1) gm
4 Volume of core 1013.16 cm3 1013.16 cm3 1013.16 cm3 1013.16 cm3
cutter(V) d=10
cm , h=12.9cm

5 Bulk Density =(M2- 1.78 gm/cm3 1.79 gm/cm3 1.78 gm/cm3 1.71 gm/cm3
M1)/V
6 Average Bulk Density 1.765 gm/cm3 = 17.31kN/m3

4.2.DIRECT SHEAR TEST

Table 4.2.1: Calculation of Shear Stress

S.NO. Proving ring Area Shear Shear Normal

reading (cm2) Force Stress Stress
(kg) (kg/cm2) (kg/cm2)

1 4*5+3=23 36 13.524 0.376 0.5

2 9*5=45 36 26.46 0.735 1

3 9*5+4=49 36 28.81 0.800 1.5

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4.3.SOIL CLASSIFICATION

Table 4.3.1: Properties of Soil Sample

Test performed / parameter Values

% Weight retained in wet sieve analysis 10.2 %
Liquid limit(wL) 58%
Plastic limit(wP) 30%
Plasticity index(PI) 28%
Optimum moisture content 25%
Maximum dry density 1.416g/cc
Average bulk density 1.765 gm/cm3
Moisture Content 25%

From the experiments performed,

wL=58% , wP =30%, PI=wL-wP=28%

From the graph,

PIgraph=0.73(wL-20)=27.74%
Therefore, PI>PIgraph

From the results, we can classify the soil type as high compressible clay (Black Cotton Soil)
i.e., Group symbol = CH. So we want to further continue tests and stabilization techniques for
soil sample.

Fig.4.3.1 Plasticity Chart

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4.4.AFTER ADDITION OF BAGASSE ASH TO THE BLACK COTTON
SOIL SAMPLE

4.4.1. ATTERBERG’S LIMITS

Table 4.4.1.1: Percentage combinations for determining Atterberg’s Limits.

Specimen Name Liquid Limit Plastic Limit Plasticity Index

WL (%) WP (%) P.I. (%)
Soil 58 30 28
Soil + 3% SCBA 64.4 35 29.4
Soil + 6% SCBA 66 36 30
Soil + 9% SCBA 65.2 33 32.2

VARIATION OF ATTERBERG'S LIMITS

70

60

50
Water Content (%)

40
LL
30 PL
PI
20

10

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Bagasse Ash added (%)

Fig.4.4.1.1 Variation of Atterberg’s Limits for different proportions of Bagasse ash.

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4.4.2.MAXIMUM DRY DENSITY

Table 4.4.2.1: Percentage combinations for determining Maximum Dry Density.

Proportions Of Bagasse ash (%) MDD (kN/m3)

0 13.88
3 13.92
6 13.97
9 13.87

STANDARD PROCTOR TEST

13.98

13.96
Dry Density (kN/m3)

13.94

13.92

13.9

13.88

13.86
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
% of Bagasse Ash

Fig.4.4.2.1 Variation of Maximum Dry Density for different proportions of Bagasse ash.

 The optimum amount of Bagasse ash is obtained to be 6%.

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4.4.3.OPTIMUM MOISTURE CONTENT

Table 4.4.3.1: Percentage combinations for determining Optimum Moisture Content.

Proportions Of Bagasse ash (%) OMC(%)

0 25
3 15
6 18
9 24

STANDARD PROCTOR TEST

30

25

20
OMC %

15

10

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
% of Bagasse Ash

Fig.4.4.3.1 Variation of Optimum Moisture Content for different proportions of Bagasse ash.

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4.4.4. DIRECT SHEAR TEST FOR BLACK COTTON SOIL WITH ADDITION OF
VARIOUS PROPORTIONS OF BAGASSE ASH

Table 4.4.4.1: Percentage combinations for determining c & Փ values form Direct Shear
Graphs.

% Bagasse ash c (Kg/cm2) Փ (degrees)

0 0.164 22.97o
3 0.067 40.29o
6 0.017 39.21o
9 0.114 30.45o

DIRECT SHEAR TEST OF BLACK COTTON SOIL

0.9

0.8 y = 0.424x + 0.164

0.7
Shear Stress (Kg/cm2)

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6
Normal stress (Kg/cm2)

Fig.4.4.4.1 Direct Shear graph for 0% Bagasse Ash.

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 DIRECT SHEAR TEST FOR 3% BAGASSE ASH
1.6

1.4
y = 0.848x + 0.067

1.2
Shear Stress (Kg/cm2)

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6
Normal Stress (Kg/cm2)

Fig.4.4.4.2 Direct Shear graph for 3% Bagasse Ash.

DIRECT SHEAR TEST FOR 6% BAGASSE ASH

0.9
y = 0.816x + 0.017
0.8

0.7
Shear Stress (Kg/cm2)

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
Normal Stress (Kg/cm2)

Fig.4.4.4.3 Direct Shear graph for 6% Bagasse Ash.

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 DIRECT SHEAR TEST FOR 9% BAGASSE ASH
0.8

0.7 y = 0.588x + 0.114

0.6
Shear Stress (Kg/cm2)

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1
Normal Stress (Kg/cm2)

Fig.4.4.4.4 Direct Shear graph for 9% Bagasse Ash.

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4.5. AFTER ADDITION OF LIME TO THE BLACK COTTON SOIL
SAMPLE

4.5.1. ATTERBERG’S LIMITS

Table 4.5.1.1: Percentage combinations for determining Atterberg’s Limits.

Specimen Name Liquid Limit Plastic Limit Plasticity Index

WL (%) WP (%) P.I. (%)
Soil 58 30 28
Soil + 3% LIME 52 36 16
Soil + 6% LIME 48.4 30 18.4
Soil + 9% LIME 48 27 21

VARIATION OF ATTERBERG'S LIMITS

60

50
Water Content (%)

40

30 LL
PL
20 PI

10

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Lime added (%)

Fig.4.5.1.1 Variation of Atterberg’s Limits for different proportions of Lime.

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4.5.2. MAXIMUM DRY DENSITY

Table 4.5.2.1: Percentage combinations for determining Maximum Dry Density.

Proportions Of Lime (%) MDD (kN/m3)

0 13.88
3 14.67
6 14.7
9 14.26

STANDARD PROCTOR TEST

14.9

14.8

14.7

14.6
Dry Density (kN/m3)

14.5

14.4

14.3

14.2

14.1

14

13.9

13.8
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
% of Lime

Fig.4.5.2.1 Variation of Maximum Dry Density for different proportions of Lime.

 The optimum amount of Lime is obtained to be 6%.

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4.5.3.OPTIMUM MOISTURE CONTENT

Table 4.5.3.1: Percentage combinations for determining Optimum Moisture Content.

Proportions Of Lime (%) OMC(%)

0 25
3 15
6 12
9 18

STANDARD PROCTOR TEST

30

25

20
OMC %

15

10

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
% of Lime

Fig.4.5.3.1 Variation of Optimum Moisture Content for different proportions of Lime.

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4.5.4. DIRECT SHEAR TEST FOR BLACK COTTON SOIL WITH ADDITION OF
VARIOUS PROPORTIONS OF LIME

Table 4.5.4.1: Percentage combinations for determining c & Փ values from Direct Shear
Graphs.

% Lime c (Kg/cm2) Փ (degrees)

0 0.164 22.97o
3 0.245 30.45o
6 0.276 27.65o
9 0.116 36.86o

DIRECT SHEAR TEST FOR 3% LIME

1.2
y = 0.588x + 0.245

1
Shear Stress (Kg/cm2)

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
Normal Stress (Kg/cm2)

Fig.4.5.4.1 Direct Shear graph for 3% Lime.

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 DIRECT SHEAR TEST FOR 6% LIME
1.2

y = 0.524x + 0.276
1
Shear Stress (Kg/cm2)

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
Normal Stress (Kg/cm2)

Fig.4.5.4.2 Direct Shear graph for 6% Lime.

DIRECT SHEAR TEST FOR 9% LIME

1.4

y = 0.75x + 0.116
1.2
Shear Stress (Kg/cm2)

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
Normal Stress (Kg/cm2)

Fig.4.5.4.3 Direct Shear graph for 9% Lime.

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4.6. COMBINATION OF BOTH ADMIXTURES WITH A
PERCENTAGE OF 6% BAGASSE ASH AND 6% LIME TO BLACK
COTTON SOIL

4.6.1.STANDARD PROCTOR TEST

When 6% of bagasse ash and 6% lime is added to black cotton soil the maximum dry density
and optimum moisture content values are as follows:

Table 4.6.1.1: Variation of dry density values under combination.

SNO Water Empty Weight of Weight of Bulk Dry

content mould the mould compacted density density
with base with base soil (g/cc) (g/cc)
plate plate and (W1-W2 )
(W1) compacted
soil
(W2)
1. 9% 3980 5490 1510 1.51 1.385

2. 12% 3980 5524 1544 1.544 1.378

3. 15% 3980 5550 1570 1.57 1.365

4. 18% 3980 5565 1585 1.585 1.343

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 STANDARD PROCTOR TEST
1.39

1.385

1.38

1.375
Dry Density (g/cc)

1.37

1.365

1.36

1.355

1.35

1.345

1.34
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Water Content %

Fig.4.6.1.1 Variation of dry density under combination of both admixtures

 The dry density values got decreased with the combination of optimum amounts of
Bagasse ash and Lime.

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4.7 FINDING BEARING CAPACITY OF SOIL USING TERZAGHI’S
BEARING CAPACITY EQUATIONS

4.7.1. Assumptions

 Water table is below the base of footing.

 Shape of footing is Strip footing i.e., Shape factors (sc = sℽ = 1).
 Considered for unit width (B) and depth (D) of footing i.e., ( B=D=1).

4.7.2. Classification of shear failure based on angle of shear resistance

 For Փ > 36o, general shear failure.

 For Փ < 28o, local shear failure.

4.7.3. Local Shear Parameters

 cm = ⅔ x c
 tan Փm = ⅔ x tan Փ

4.7.4. Terzaghi’s Bearing Capacity Factors

Fig 4.7.3.1 Terzaghi’s Bearing Capacity Factors

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4.7.5. Calculations

 Classification of shear failure based on angle of shear resistance

c=16.08 kN/m2 Փ=22.97o

→ Փ<28o

i.e., local shear failure

cm = ⅔ x c

cm = ⅔ x 16.08

cm =10.72 kN/m2

tan Փm = ⅔ x tan Փ

tan Փm = ⅔ x tan 22.97o

Փm = 15.78o

By Straight Line Interpolation, (from fig.4.7.3.1)

Nc'=10 ,

Nq'= 2.88 ,

Nℽ'=1.02

 Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Black Cotton Soil (qf)

Bulk Density of soil (ℽ) = 17.36 kN/m3
qf = cmNc' + ℽDNq'+ 0.5ℽBNℽ'
qf = 10 x 10.72 + 17.36 x 1 x 2.88 + 0.5 x 17.36 x 1 x 1.02
qf = 165.95 kN/m2
 Net ultimate bearing capacity (qnf)
qnf = cmNc' + σ(Nq'-1)+ 0.5ℽBNℽ'
qnf = 165.95 – 17.36 x 1
qnf = 148.59 kN/m2
 Net safe bearing capacity (qs)
→ Factor of safety (F) ranges from 2.5 to 3
qs = (1/F) x [cmNc' + σ(Nq'-1)+ 0.5ℽBNℽ'] + σ
qs = (1/2.5) x 148.59 + 17.36 x 1

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 qs = 76.79 kN/m2
 Recommended safe bearing capacity values of different soils & rocks for
preliminary analysis.
https://civilblog.org/2015/09/22/safe-bearing-capacity-values-of-different-soils-rocks/

 General shear case (Փ > 36o)

qf = cNc + ℽDNq+ 0.5ℽBNℽ
qnf = cNc + σ(Nq -1)+ 0.5ℽBNℽ
qs = (1/F) x [cNc + σ(Nq -1)+ 0.5ℽBNℽ] + σ
 Corresponding results of bearing capacity after calculations are as follows:

Table 4.7.5.1: Bearing capacity of soil for various proportions of Bagasse ash

% Bagasse ash qf (kN/m2) qnf (kN/m2) qs (kN/m2)

0 165.95 148.59 76.79
3 2945.32 2929.26 1187.76
6 2138.63 2122.13 865.35
9 187.21 170 85.21

Table 4.7.5.2: Bearing capacity of soil for various proportions of lime

% Lime qf (kN/m2) qnf (kN/m2) qs (kN/m2)

0 165.95 148.59 76.79
3 311.31 294.44 134.64
6 280.09 263.81 121.8
9 2301.66 2284.82 930.76

 Bearing Capacity of soil using 3% Bagasse ash has increased nearly 18 times than its
initial value.
 Bearing Capacity of soil using 9% Lime has increased nearly 14 times than its initial
value.

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CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of bagasse ash waste and lime for black cotton soil gave considerable variations
in values of dry density, plasticity index, cohesion (c), angle of shear resistance (Փ) and
bearing capacity. With those results the following conclusions are drawn;

 The basic laboratory test results showed that the soil belong to CH group as per
Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) classification with high compressibility,
low strength and high volume change properties.

 It was observed that by the addition of Bagasse ash for black cotton soil, the
maximum dry density has a small increment from 13.88 kN/m3 to 13.97 kN/m3 for
6%, but the bearing capacity for 3% has increased nearly 18 times more than its initial
value.

 Addition of Lime for black cotton soil gave good results, as the maximum dry density
has increased from 13.88 kN/m3 to 14.7 kN/m3 for 6% , reduction of plasticity index
from 28% to 16% for 3% and the bearing capacity for 9% has increased nearly 14
times more than its initial value.

 With the addition of Bagasse ash , the values of cohesion (c) got decreased but the
values of angle of shear resistance (Փ) have increased from 22.97o to 40.29o for 3%.

 With the addition of Lime , the values of cohesion (c) got increased from 0.164
Kg/cm2 to 0.276 Kg/cm2 and the values of angle of shear resistance (Փ) have
increased from 22.97o to 36.86o for 9%.

 Combination of both admixtures to the black cotton soil gave poor results in standard
proctor test as the maximum dry density values are decreasing with increase in the
water content.

 Therefore, comparing both admixtures Lime gave slightly good results than Bagasse
ash.

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 REFERENCES
I. Kulkarni, A. P., Sawant, M. K., & Battle, V. V. (2016). Mahesh S. Shinde patil,
Aavani P.,“Black Cotton Soil Stabilization Using Bagasse Ash and Lime”, IJCIET,
Vol. 67, Issue 06, Nov.
II. Kiran, R. G., & Kiran, L. (2013). Analysis of strength characteristics of black cotton
soil using bagasse ash and additives as stabilizer. International Journal of engineering
research& technology, (7).
III. Mishra, B. (2015). A study on engineering behavior of black cotton soil and its
stabilization by use of lime. International Journal of Science and Research, 4(11),
290-294.
IV. Sant, H., Jain, S., & Meena, R. Stabilization of Black Cotton Soil with Bagasse Ash.

V. Amit Spehia, K. K. (2018, January). STUDY OF BAGASSE ASH STABILISED

WITH BLACK COTTON SOIL. International Journal of Latest Research in Science
and Technology, 7 (1), 12-14.

VI. Saini, H., Khatti, J., & Acharya, B. (2019). Stabilization of black cotton soil by using
sugarcane bagasse ash. International Journal of Scientific Research and
Review, 7(01), 128-132.

VII. Singh, S., & Vasaikar, H. B. (2013). Stabilization of black cotton soil using lime. Int.
J. Sci. Res, 4(4), 2090-2094.
VIII. Hegde R. A. (2010). The Effect of Lime Stabilization on Properties of Black Cotton
Soil. Indian Geotechnical Conference, 511-514.
IX. Babatunde, A. Q., Oshioname, E. A., Paul, Y., & Junwolo, O. K. (2020). Effect of
elapsed time after mixing on the strength properties of lime–iron ore tailings treated
black cotton soil as a road construction material. Infrastructures, 5(11), 89.
X. Gandhi, K. S. (2012). Expansive soil stabilization using bagasse ash. International
journal of Engineering research & Technology (IJERT), 1(5), 2278-0181.
XI. Particle Size Distribution (IS 2720 (PART-4)-1985)
XII. Liquid limit test (IS 2720 (PART-5)-1985)
XIII. Plastic limit (IS 2720 (PART-5)-1985)
XIV. Compaction Test (IS 2720 (PART-7)-1980)
XV. Direct Shear Test (IS: 2720 (Part 13)-1986)

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