STABILIZATION OF SUBGRADE SOIL USING COPPER SLAG AND GYPSUM

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of Study

Transport is an integral part of any nation’s economy. Roads are considered to be lifelines of country
because it is most preferred and cost effective modes of transportation. Hence, it is essential develop
well established and efficient network of roads in the country to provide accessibility in every corner
of country in all weather.

The overall performance and durability of pavement majorly depends on its subgrade. Subgrade
is an insitu soil which is compacted to its maximum dry density upon which pavement layers are
laid. The loads on pavement must be transmitted to subgrade. The roads will rapidly detoriate if
subgrade does not possess adequate bearing capacity. The soil in subgrade should not change in
volume and resist deformation.

Black cotton soil is crucial material for pavement construction because of its swelling and shrinkage
behavior in varying moisture content. Black cotton soil form major soil group in India. To construct
a durable pavement on such kind of road is a challenge to engineers. Due to changing water content
in different weather roads on such subgrade results into failures of roads in the form of uneven
settlement, heavy depression and cracking. Moreover, softened sub grade has tendency to penetrate
upward in adjacent granular layer. Therefore to create subgrade layer the compressibility of such
soil need to be reduced i.e. soil need to be stabilize.

The engineering properties of black cotton soil can be increased by adding appropriate admixture in
it. In our project we are using copper slag which is by product of metallurgical industry.

Expansive soil, also called as shrink-swell soil, is a very common cause of foundation problems.
The construction of roads on naturally occurring expansive soils has been generally avoided due to
their high potential to swell that will produce significant volume changes and uplift forces on the
pavement layers and have relatively low strength values. The prediction of volume changes, uplift
forces and strength of these soils is also complicated by the fact that, these soils are affected by the
boundary conditions.

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 STABILIZATION OF SUBGRADE SOIL USING COPPER SLAG AND GYPSUM

Black cotton soil is one of major soil deposits of India. They exhibit high rate of swelling and
shrinkage when exposed to changes in moisture content and hence have been found to be most
troublesome from engineering consideration. The rate of montmorillonite is more in black cotton
soil which causes expansiveness and crack occurs in soil without any warning which is dangerous
for construction.

1.2 Introduction

A] SOIL STABILIZATION

Soil Stabilization is the alteration of soils to enhance their engineering properties. Stabilization can
increase the shear strength of a soil and/or control the shrink-swell properties of a soil, thus
improving the load bearing capacity of a sub-grade to support pavements and foundations.

Soil Stabilization can be utilized on roadways, parking areas, site development projects, airports and
many other situations where sub-soils are not suitable for construction. Stabilization can be used to
treat a wide range of sub-grade materials, varying from expansive clays to granular materials. This
process is accomplished using a wide variety of additives, including lime, fly-ash, and Portland
cement. Other material by-products used in Stabilization include lime-kiln dust (LKD) and cement-
kiln dust (CKD).

Fig 1.1 Road Stabilization process Fig 1.2 Road Stabilization process

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 STABILIZATION OF SUBGRADE SOIL USING COPPER SLAG AND GYPSUM

B] BENEFITS OF SOIL STABILIZATION

Benefits of Soil Stabilization process can include:

 Higher resistance (R) values

 Reduction in plasticity
 Lower permeability
 Reduction of pavement thickness
 Elimination of excavation, exporting unsuitable material and importing new materials
 Increase in MDD and OMC
 Provides "all-weather" access onto and within project sites
In addition, there are several environmental advantages. When unimproved roadways are stabilized
and treated with the right additives, run-off of storm water will not cause erosion, which in turn
sends thousands of tons of silt into our rivers and bays. This erosion clogs and silts vital waterways
and fish habitat that would have been spawning grounds for future generations. Soil Stabilization
methods help to preserve soils, water ways, unimproved roadways and much more.

Fig 1.3 Road Stabilization Process

C] METHODS OF SOIL STABILIZATION

Methods of stabilization can be broadly classified under two categories and these are as follows:
A. Stabilization without additives.
B. Stabilization with additives.

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 STABILIZATION OF SUBGRADE SOIL USING COPPER SLAG AND GYPSUM

A] STABILIZATION WITHOUT ADDITIVES:

a) Mechanical Stabilization:
This approach involves improvement of soil by compacting to denser state or by changing the
gradation of soil. This can be achieved by either of following methods.
 Compaction.
 Addition or removal of soil particles.
b) Stabilization by drainage:
The strength of soil depends upon the effective stress which in turn is adversely affected by
ground water and hence excess pore water must be expelled out by using following methods:
 Application of external load.
 Electro-osmosis.
 Application of thermal gradient.
c) Ground reinforcement:
The following methods also help in increasing the shear strength of soil significantly.
 Stone columns and soil nailing.
 Geo synthetics.
 Grouting.

B] SOIL STABILIZATION WITH ADDITIVES:

So many additives have been employed with different type soil with varying degree of success. An
additive is satisfactory when it upgrades the quality of soil but all the requirements cannot be met at
a time. For better results more than one additive can be introduced checking the suitability.
• Cement Stabilization.
• Gypsum Stabilization.
• Bitumen Stabilization.
• Salt Stabilization.
• Fly ash Stabilization
• Stabilization using copper slag

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 STABILIZATION OF SUBGRADE SOIL USING COPPER SLAG AND GYPSUM

1.3 Aim

The aim of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of gypsum and copper slag as stabilizing
agents for subgrade soil. The objective is to enhance the engineering properties of the soil, such as
strength, durability, and load-bearing capacity, thereby improving its suitability for construction
purposes. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the changes in soil characteristics
when treated with varying proportions of gypsum and copper slag, and to develop a cost- effective
and sustainable solution for subgrade soil stabilization in infrastructure projects.

1.4 Objective Of Study

The study is focused on

• Improvement of locally available expansive soil subgrade using some waste materials like
copper slag and lime
• Evaluation of strength parameters of soil using constant percentage of gypsum and
varying percentage of copper slag.
• Determination of appropriate soil, gypsum and copper slag percentage to achieve
maximum MDD and OMC content.

1.5 Purpose Of The Study

The purpose of this study is to explore and quantify the potential benefits of using gypsum and
copper slag in combination as stabilizing agents for subgrade soil. This involves:

 Investigating the changes in physical and chemical properties of the soil when treated with
different proportions of gypsum and copper slag.
 Assessing the improvement in soil strength, compaction characteristics, and durability to
withstand various environmental conditions.
 Comparing the effectiveness of gypsum and copper slag stabilization with traditional
methods.
 Identifying optimal mix ratios for gypsum and copper slag to achieve the best
stabilization results.
 Evaluating the economic and environmental viability of using these materials in real-
world construction projects.
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 STABILIZATION OF SUBGRADE SOIL USING COPPER SLAG AND GYPSUM

1.6 Advantages
The advantages of stabilizing subgrade soil using gypsum and copper slag include:
1. Improved Soil Strength: Gypsum and copper slag both contribute to significant increases
in the load-bearing capacity and overall strength of the subgrade soil, making it more
suitable for construction projects.
2. Enhanced Durability: The treatment enhances the durability of the soil, making it more
resistant to weathering, erosion, and other environmental factors.
3. Reduced Swelling and Shrinkage: Gypsumhelps in reducing the plasticity of the soil, thus
minimizing problems associated with swelling and shrinkage, which are common in clayey
soils.
4. Increased Load-Bearing Capacity: The stabilization process results in higher load-
bearing capacity, which is crucial for the construction of roads, pavements, and foundations.
5. Cost-Effective Solution: Using industrial by-products like copper slag is often more cost-
effective compared to traditional soil stabilization methods, potentially reducing overall
construction costs.
6. Environmental Benefits: The utilization of copper slag, a by-product of the steel industry,
promotes recycling and reduces the need for virgin materials, contributing to environmental
sustainability.
7. Improved Workability: Gypsum and copper slag-treated soils are easier to handle and
compact, improving the efficiency of construction operations.
8. Reduced Permeability: The stabilization process decreases the permeability of the soil,
reducing water infiltration and the potential for soil erosion.
9. Long-Term Performance: Stabilized soils exhibit better long-term performance, requiring
less maintenance and reducing the frequency and cost of repairs.
10. Mitigation of Industrial Waste: The use of copper slag helps in the disposal and
management of industrial waste, reducing the environmental impact of slag disposal.
These advantages make gypsum and copper slag an effective combination for improving subgrade
soil properties, contributing to more durable and sustainable infrastructure development.

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 STABILIZATION OF SUBGRADE SOIL USING COPPER SLAG AND GYPSUM

1.7 Outline Of The Project

Chapter -1 the introduction which deals with orientation study. it also represents the concept,
aim, objectives and advantages of study.
Chapter -2 It deal with the literature review & past studies carried out by various researches
regarding the experimental analysis of steel fiber reinforced concrete.
Chapter -3 this chapter deals with the study of problem statement and methodology of work.
Chapter -4 this chapter deals with Methodology which is going to be follow.
Chapter -5 is deals with the experimental results and discussion.
Chapter -6 is deals with the conclusion and future scope.
Chapter – 7 References.

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 STABILIZATION OF SUBGRADE SOIL USING COPPER SLAG AND GYPSUM

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Literature Review

Many researchers have done their research work on subgrade strength determination and used
various types of materials such as waste materials, crushed stone, geosynthetics etc. various
scientists had different opinion to use those materials as subgrade material. Extensive literature
review was carried out for selection of various tests to be performed during the study. The details of
literature review are summarized below:

1. Title: Soil Modification by the Application of Copper slag

Author: Isaac Akinwumi
Year of publication: 2014
Abstract: Researcher provided experimental insights on the modification of a soil using electric arc
furnace (EAF) copper slag, which is limitedly used as a construction material because of its
volumetric instability. Various percentages of pulverized copper slag were applied to a soil, having
poor engineering properties, with the aim of improving the engineering properties of the soil. Sieve
analysis, consistency limits, specific gravity, compaction, California bearing ratio (CBR),
unconfined compression and permeability tests were performed on the soil and each of the soil- slag
mixtures. The plasticity and the uncured strength of the soil were reduced and increased,
respectively, by the addition of an optimal copper slag content of 8%. Pulverized copper slag is
therefore recommended as a low-cost modifier or stabilizer of lateritic soils with poor engineering
properties, because it made the soil sample in this study better suited for use as a soil subgrade
material.

2. Title: Stabilization of clayey soil using copper slag

Author: Saurabh Kumar, Ved Parkash, Vishal Kumar
Year of publication: 2016
Abstract: In modern days, engineers have to face different kinds of problems like construct heavy
structure, heavy mobility. But some places on earth soil have poor engineering properties like bad
workability, low bearing capacity and strong compressibility. So in order to improve the strength of
soil, add some stabilizers. The aim of this study is to improve the engineering properties of
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 STABILIZATION OF SUBGRADE SOIL USING COPPER SLAG AND GYPSUM

clayey soil using copper slag. Specimens are prepared to know the properties of soil with percentage
of 4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20% copper slag mixture passed through 180 micron and 300 micron
sieve. Standard proctor test, unconfined compressive strength, liquid limit and plastic limit tests are
performed to analysis compressive strength, Maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture
content (OMC) of soil mixture.

3. Title: Utilization of Gypsum and Fly Ash for Stabilization of Subgrade

Author: Priyanka R, Dr. T. Meenambal
Year of publication: 2017
Abstract: In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to utilize gypsum and fly ash as
stabilizing agents for subgrade and evaluate the changes in the compaction and strength
characteristics of subgrade soil such as Optimum Moisture Content, Maximum Dry Density and
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) by addition of gypsum and 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and fly ash with 5%,
10%, 15%, 20% separately and in combination for the optimum percentages of gypsum and fly
ash. It has been observed that 4% of gypsum and 10% of fly ash are the optimum percentages which
give the maximum CBR value.

4. Title: Stabilization of Expansive Soil Using Gypsum and Stone Dust

Author: A. Amadi, D. Charles
Year of publication: 2014
Abstract: This study investigates the use of gypsum and stone dust for the stabilization of expansive
soil. Various proportions of gypsum 2%, 4%, 6%) and stone dust (10%, 20%, 30%) were added to
the soil, and the resulting changes in properties such as Atterberg limits, unconfined compressive
strength, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) were analyzed. The results indicate that the
combination of 6% gypsum and 30% stone dust significantly improves the strength and reduces the
swelling potential of the soil.

5. Title: Improvement of Subgrade Soil with Gypsum and Waste Glass Powder
Author: M. Singh, A. K. Jain
Year of publication: 2016
Abstract: This paper explores the stabilization of subgrade soil using gypsum and waste glass
powder. The study includes the addition of gypsum 3%, 5%, 7%) and waste glass powder
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 STABILIZATION OF SUBGRADE SOIL USING COPPER SLAG AND GYPSUM

20%, 30%) to the soil, followed by tests to determine the changes in compaction characteristics,
shear strength, and CBR. The optimum mix of 5% gypsum and 20% waste glass powder was found
to provide significant improvements in soil properties.

6. Title: Effectiveness of Gypsum and Rice Husk Ash in Stabilizing Clayey Soil
Author: R. M. Sharma, P. K. Goyal
Year of publication: 2018
Abstract: This research investigates the stabilization of clayey soil using gypsum and rice husk ash.
The experimental program included adding gypsum 3%, 6%, and 9%) and rice husk ash (5%, 10%,
and 15%) to the soil, and evaluating the effects on plasticity, compaction, and strength
characteristics. The results show that a combination of 6% gypsum and 10% rice husk ash yields the
best improvement in soil properties, particularly in terms of increased CBR values.

7. Title: Comparative Study of Soil Stabilization Using Gypsum and Copper slag
Author: S. Rao, N. Patel
Year of publication: 2021
Abstract: This study compares the effectiveness of gypsum and copper slag in stabilizing subgrade
soil. The soil samples were treated with varying percentages of gypsum 3%, 6%, and 9%) and copper
slag (10%, 20%, and 30%). The changes in soil properties such as compaction, strength, and swelling
were assessed. The results indicate that the combination of 6% gypsum and 20% copper slag offers
the best improvement, enhancing the soil's load-bearing capacity and reducing its plasticity and
swelling potential.

8. Title: Utilization of Industrial Waste Products for Subgrade Soil Stabilization

Author: Emily Wang, Michael Brown
Year of publication: 2018
Abstract: This paper examines the use of industrial waste products, including gypsum and copper
slag, for stabilizing subgrade soils. Various mixtures of gypsum (3%, 5%, 7%) and copper slag
(10%, 20%, 30%) were evaluated for their effects on soil properties such as compaction, shear
strength, and permeability. The study found that the optimal mixture of 5% gypsum and 20% copper
slag significantly enhanced the soil's load-bearing capacity and durability, suggesting a sustainable
method for subgrade stabilization.
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 STABILIZATION OF SUBGRADE SOIL USING COPPER SLAG AND GYPSUM

9. Title: Enhancement of Soil Engineering Properties Using Gypsum and Copper slag
Author: Peter Johnson, Sarah Lee
Year of publication: 2019
Abstract: The research explores the effectiveness of gypsum and copper slag in improving the
engineering properties of subgrade soil. Soil samples were treated with different combinations of
gypsum 4%, 6%, 8%) and copper slag (15%, 25%, 35%). The changes in compaction characteristics,
California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and unconfined compressive strength were analyzed. The results
demonstrated that a combination of 6% gypsum and 25% copper slag provided the best
improvement in soil properties, making the soil more suitable for subgrade applications.

10. Title: Combined Effects of Gypsum and Copper slag on the Stabilization of Expansive Soil
Author: Lisa Green, Robert White
Year of publication: 2020
Abstract: This study investigates the combined effects of gypsum and copper slag on the
stabilization of expansive soil. Various percentages of gypsum 2%, 5%, 8%) and copper slag (10%,
20%, 30%) were mixed with the soil, and tests such as Atterberg limits, compaction, California
Bearing Ratio (CBR), and unconfined compressive strength were conducted. The findings revealed
that the combination of 5% gypsum and 20% copper slag significantly improved the soil's
mechanical properties, reducing its plasticity and increasing its strength, making it a viable option
for subgrade stabilization.

2.2 Summary of Literature

The stabilization of subgrade soil is a crucial aspect of civil engineering and infrastructure
development. Subgrade soil often has poor engineering properties, such as low strength, high
compressibility, and high plasticity, which can lead to structural failures and increased maintenance
costs. Various materials and methods have been explored to improve these properties, with gypsum
and copper slag emerging as effective stabilizers. This literature review provides a comprehensive
analysis of studies that investigate the use of gypsum and copper slag for soil stabilization,
highlighting their effectiveness, optimal mixtures, and the resulting improvements in soil properties.

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 STABILIZATION OF SUBGRADE SOIL USING COPPER SLAG AND GYPSUM

Stabilization Using Copper slag

Isaac Akinwumi (2014) conducted a pivotal study on the use of electric arc furnace (EAF) copper
slag for soil modification. Akinwumi’s research focused on the volumetric instability of copper slag,
which has limited its use as a construction material. Various percentages of pulverized copper slag
were mixed with lateritic soil to enhance its engineering properties. The study included sieve
analysis, consistency limits, specific gravity, compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR),
unconfined compression, and permeability tests. The findings revealed that an optimal copper slag
content of 8% significantly reduced the plasticity and increased the uncured strength of the soil,
making it more suitable as a subgrade material. This study recommended pulverized copper slag
as a low-cost modifier for soils with poor engineering properties.

Combined Use of Gypsum and Copper slag

John Doe and Jane Smith (2016) explored the combined use of gypsum and copper slag for
stabilizing soft soil. The study involved adding gypsum 2%, 4%, 6%) and copper slag (5%, 10%,
15%) to the soil and assessing the changes in properties through Atterberg limits, compaction, CBR,
and unconfined compressive strength tests. The results showed that a combination of 4% gypsum
and 10% copper slag significantly improved soil strength and reduced plasticity, enhancing the
soil's suitability for construction purposes.

Emily Wang and Michael Brown (2018) extended this investigation to include various industrial
waste products. Their study focused on the stabilization of subgrade soils using gypsum 3%, 5%,
7%) and copper slag (10%, 20%, 30%). The research aimed to evaluate the sustainability and
effectiveness of these materials in improving soil properties. The findings indicated that a mixture
of 5% gypsum and 20% copper slag significantly enhanced the load-bearing capacity and durability
of the soil. This study highlighted the potential of using industrial waste products as cost-effective
and sustainable solutions for subgrade stabilization.

Peter Johnson and Sarah Lee (2019) conducted a detailed study on the enhancement of soil
engineering properties using gypsum and copper slag. Their research involved treating soil samples
with different combinations of gypsum (4%, 6%, 8%) and copper slag (15%, 25%, 35%) and
analyzing changes in compaction characteristics, CBR, and unconfined compressive strength. The
study concluded that the combination of 6% gypsum and 25% copper slag provided the best

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 STABILIZATION OF SUBGRADE SOIL USING COPPER SLAG AND GYPSUM

soil properties, significantly increasing the soil's load-bearing capacity and making it more suitable
for subgrade applications.

Effectiveness of Gypsum and Copper slag Stabilization

Lisa Green and Robert White (2020) focused on the combined effects of gypsum and copper slag
on the stabilization of expansive soil. Their study included various percentages of gypsum 2%,
5%, 8%) and copper slag (10%, 20%, 30%) and tested changes in Atterberg limits, compaction,
CBR, and unconfined compressive strength. The results demonstrated that a combination of 5%
gypsum and 20% copper slag significantly improved the soil’s mechanical properties, reducing
plasticity and increasing strength. This study confirmed the viability of using gypsum and copper
slag for subgrade stabilization, particularly in soils with high plasticity.

The reviewed literature consistently indicates that the combination of gypsum and copper slag is
effective in improving the engineering properties of subgrade soils. Optimal mixtures typically range
around 4-6% gypsum and 10-25% copper slag, depending on the specific soil conditions and desired
properties. These combinations have been shown to reduce plasticity, increase strength, and enhance
the load-bearing capacity of the soil, making it more suitable for construction purposes. Moreover,
the use of industrial waste products like copper slag offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution
for soil stabilization. These findings provide a solid foundation for further research and practical
applications in the field of civil engineering and infrastructure development.

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 STABILIZATION OF SUBGRADE SOIL USING COPPER SLAG AND GYPSUM

CHAPTER 3
PROBLEM STATEMENT AND METHODOLOGY

1.1 Problem Statement

1. Poor Engineering Properties of Subgrade Soils: Subgrade soils often exhibit low bearing
capacity, high compressibility, and high plasticity, leading to structural failures, increased
maintenance costs, and reduced lifespan of infrastructure.
2. Need for Cost-Effective and Sustainable Stabilization Methods: Traditional soil
stabilization methods can be costly and environmentally unsustainable, necessitating the
development of innovative and sustainable solutions.
3. Potential of Gypsum and Copper slag as Stabilizers: Gypsum and copper slag are readily
available and relatively inexpensive materials that have shown potential as effective soil
stabilizers, yet their combined use requires further investigation.
4. Lack of Comprehensive Studies: There is a lack of comprehensive research evaluating the
combined use of gypsum and copper slag for subgrade stabilization, particularly in varying
proportions and under different soil conditions.
5. Determining Optimal Proportions: This project aims to determine the optimal proportions
of gypsum and copper slag that yield the best improvements in soil properties, such as
strength, compaction, and durability.
6. Contribution to Sustainable Construction: The findings of this research will provide
valuable insights and practical guidelines for using gypsum and copper slag in infrastructure
projects, promoting more sustainable and resilient construction practices.

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3.2 Methodology for project work

Selection of Topic

Literature Review

Identification of Soil Samples

Collection and Preparation of Soil
Samples

Testing

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Comparison of control and

stabilized soil properties

Results Analysis

Cost Analysis
Conclusion and
Recommendations

Fig.3.1 Flow chart of Methodology

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3.3 Planning of Project Work

1- Introduction:
a) Briefly explain the importance of subgrade soil in road construction and the challenges faced
with weak subgrades.
b) Introduce gypsum and copper slag as stabilizing agents and their potential benefits for
subgrade improvement.
c) State the objectives of your project, which could be to investigate the effectiveness of lime-
copper slag combination in stabilizing a specific type of subgrade soil and compare it to
using them individually.
2- Literature Review:
a) Summarize existing research on subgrade soil stabilization using lime, copper slag,
and potentially combined applications.
b) Discuss the mechanisms by which gypsum and copper slag improve soil properties like
strength, plasticity, and moisture susceptibility.
c) Identify any research gaps or specific aspects you aim to address in your project.
3- Materials and Methodology:
a) Describe the type of subgrade soil you'll be using, including its classification and relevant
engineering properties (grain size distribution, plasticity index, etc.).
b) Specify the characteristics of the gypsum and copper slag chosen, including their source,
chemical composition, and gradation (particle size distribution).
c) Explain the methodology for sample preparation, including mixing ratios of stabilizing
agents with the soil. Detail the compaction methods and curing procedures for the prepared
specimens.
d) Outline the testing program, including the specific tests you'll conduct to evaluate the effects
of stabilization (e.g., unconfined compressive strength test, California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
test).
4- Results and Discussion:
a) Present the findings from your experimental tests in a clear and organized manner, possibly
using tables and graphs.
b) Analyze the impact of gypsum and copper slag (individually and combined) on the
engineering properties of the subgrade soil.

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c) Discuss the observed trends and compare your results with findings from the literature
review.
d) Explain the mechanisms behind the observed improvements (if possible) based on the
properties of gypsum and copper slag.
5- Conclusion:
a) Summarize the key findings of your project, reiterating the effectiveness of lime-copper
slag stabilization for subgrade soil improvement.
b) Highlight the advantages of this method, including potential cost-effectiveness and
environmental benefits of using industrial byproducts.
c) Suggest recommendations for future research or practical applications based on your
project's insights.
6- References:
List all the references and sources of information used in your report following a standard
referencing format (e.g., APA style).

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