Stabilization of Soil Using

Seashell and Coconut Husk Ash

Jason Dela Rosa
Chuck Cajaro
Nove Baldago
 Chapter 1 : Introduction
 Background of the Study
• Soil stabilization is a technique introduced many years
ago with the main purpose to render the soils capable of
meeting the requirements of the specific engineering
projects. In this work review of the possibility of
stabilising fine-grained plastic soils with waste
materials and without cement is investigated. These
stabilised materials may be used as improved subgrades
or capping layers or sub-bases for road or airfield
pavements
 Introduction
• On the other hand, Marginal soils, including loose
sands, soft clays, and organics are not adequate
materials for Highway construction projects. These
marginal soils do not possess valuable physical
properties for construction applications. Waste
materials such as fly ash, offer a cheaper method for
stabilizing marginal soils As an added benefit, utilizing
waste materials in soil stabilization applications keeps
these materials from being dumped into landfills,
thereby saving already depleting landfill space.
 Introduction
 Statement of the Problem
• Being a tropical island, Philippines is very rich in marine
resources tropical trees such as coconut trees. Over the
year, agricultural establishment produced many types of
waste in its daily operation. Coconut husk for example is
one of the most abundant agricultural wastes produced
in Philippines. Despite the massive amount of the waste
produced, the standards of waste management in
Philippines are still poor. The purpose of this study is to
focus on the potential of coconut husk utilization into
clay soil stabilization.
 Introduction
• Along the west coast of Philippines, oyster farming is one of the
most important production activities for the country’s economy.
In general, most of the oyster shells are discarded with no further
use once the flesh is stripped off; except that a small amount is
used for art creation. As a result, oyster shell piles are common in
areas of oyster production with no further utilization.
• Considering the scale of construction industries in the near future
it is imperative to guarantee a secure supply of high-quality sand
resources. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a research for
other alternatives to meet future demands. This research
investigates the usage of seashells and coconut husk into soil
stabilization.
 Introduction
 Significance of Study
• Clay soils are one among the problematic soils that has a high
potential of shrinking and swelling due to change of moisture
content. The volume changes due to the shrink-swell
behaviour of the soil cause excessive total and differential
movements of overlying structures and embankments in
addition to load induced settlement of the soil. Population
growth leading to rapid urbanization requires various types of
civil engineering infrastructures and facility services. The
growing metropolitan cities need more number of good lands
for both construction activities and road development.
 Introduction
 The present study deals with the influence of sea
shell powder and coconut husk ash in stabilizing
these problematic soils. Also considering the scale of
construction industries in the near future it is
imperative to guarantee a secure supply of high-
quality sand resources. Therefore, it is essential to
conduct a research for other alternatives to meet
future demands. It is also necessary to fully utilize
wastes such as empty seashells and coconut husks
and find a way to discard them safely and usefully.
 Introduction
 Objectives of Study
 To evaluate the performance of clay soil when mixed
with seashells and coconut husk
 To determine whether seashells and coconut husk are
viable for soil stabilization
 To determine if seashells and coconut husks can be
alternative for cement
 To determine if seashells and coconut husks is viable in
construction
 Introduction
 Theoretical Framework
 Introduction
 Scopes and Limitations
• This study focuses on the utilization of seashells and
coconut husk ash in soil stabilization. The data on the
soil used was obtained through laboratory work and
experiment. The information regarding the properties of
seashells and coconut husk were collected from
secondary literatures and previous studies. The ratio in
which the seashell and coconut husk ash mixed with
soil was done by in site mixing and does not follow any
method by the ASTM standard.
 Chapter 2 : Review of Related Studies and
Literature
 The literature and studies cited in this chapter
tackle the different concept, understanding, and
ideas, generalization or conclusions and different
development related to study of soil stabilization
from the past up to the present and which serves
as the researchers guide in developing the
project. Those that were also included in this
chapter helps in familiarizing information that
are relevant and similar to the present study.
 Review of Related Studies and Literature
 In a published journal done by Athira T, Ashish Johnson
(International Journal of Engineering Research &
Technology)expansive soils denote clayey soil that not only possess
the tendency to swell but also to shrink when the prevailing moisture
condition is allowed to change. There are various methods for
improving the properties of expansive soil. They investigated the
effectiveness of coconut husk and lime from seashells in stabilizing the
expansive soil. Coconut husks and lime are commonly available
materials and are also economical. The tests were conducted for
various dosages of coconut shell powder and lime after curing periods
of 0, 7 and 28 day in order to study the drying and wetting properties.
From the results it was inferred that coconut husk powder and lime are
effective in improving the properties of expansive soil.
 Review of Related Studies and Literature
 In a research done by Engr. Pierre Parfan (ARPN Journal of
Engineering and Applied Sciences 2016), it explores an
alternative utilization of seashell wastes in clay soil stabilization
in order to reduce environmental pollution. Evaluation of the
crushed seashell (CSS) reveals that it can be considered as a
gravel material. Laboratory testing and analysis determined that
it meets the American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) requirements for use as a
subbase and base coarse material at 45% replacement of fine soil
aggregate. The CSS addition in clay soil increases the maximum
density using less water than the control group, with the same
compaction energy.
 Review of Related Studies and Literature
 In a published article done by Engr. Hene L.
Hapinat (FFTC Agricultural Policy Articles
2017), the demand for agricultural lime is high,
considering its various uses from agricultural
production to processing.This study determines
the lime potential of shellfishes as a promising
raw material for lime industry in the Philippines
and can be used as alternatives for
commercially produced agricultural lime.
 Review of Related Studies and Literature
 In the study on the properties of expansive clayey soil
using Coconut Husk Ash (CHA) as stabilizer done by
Arunav Chakraborty and Swapnaneel Roy (Tezpur
University, Department of Civil Engineering) the
volume of wastes generated in the world has increased
over the years due to increase in population,
socioeconomic activities and social development hence
utilization of these waste materials in the improvement of
soils is a cost efficient and environmental friendly method.
Coconut husk ash (CHA) is used as a stabilizer to improve
the properties of expansive clayey soils.
 Chapter 3 : Methodology
 Preparation of Materials:
• Soil - Soil is the raw material that was used in this study. The soil was obtained in
Bagakay Ozamiz City.The soil collected is stored and dried. Subsequently, the soils
were crushed and sieve to ensure the soil must not contain any impurities. Preliminary
test was conducted which covers the determination on plastic limit, liquid limit and
plasticity index of the in accordance Method of Test for Soil or Civil Engineering
Purposes.
• Coconut Fibre - Coconut husk is used as by incorporating different percentages of
coconut fibre into fired clay brick. Coconut husks were collected around Ozamiz area.
Coconut fibre was dried in the oven before being used in the brick.
• Seashells – Empty shells were collected from the beach and local households. The
empty shells were thoroughly washed with tap water to remove impurities and then
left for 2-3 hours for air drying. The shells were then crushed for easier calcination.
The shells were then calcinated for 3-4 hours in a furnace. The shells were then set
aside to cool down. Using a mortar and pestle, they were pulverized and then sieved.
Preparation of Materials
 Preparation of Materials
 The soil sample was washed and sieved to
remove impurites. It was then dried under the
sun before conducting the lab experiments.
 Preparation of Materials
 The seashells were collected in the beach at
Jimenez. It was washed thoroughly to remove
salinity and dried under the sun. It was then
crushed into smaller pieces for easier burning
 Preparation of Materials
 Limestone is basically calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The general
source of lime is limestone and various other calcareous
minerals, though shells, egg shells and coral are other sources
of lime
 When heated above 840 degrees Celsius, the lime decomposes
into calcium oxide (CaO) or Quicklime and releases carbon
dioxide (CO2). When water is added to the quicklime it
becomes calcium hydroxide Ca (OH)2 or lime putty. From here
the calcium hydroxide can then be shaped into a form and
allowed to set. Carbon dioxide enters the lime putty as it dries
causing it to turn back into calcium carbonate. The new calcium
carbonate has then set, remaining solid and water resistant.
 Preparation of Materials
 Coconut husk were collected from a copra
maker in Ozamiz. The coconut husk were
washed and dried under the sun before burning
it
 Methodology
 Plastic Limit Test
• Plastic limit test is one of the laboratory tests used
internationally to differentiate or classify soils into
groups. As the starting procedures of liquid limit test
and plastic limit test are common, the both tests are
executed at the same time in most of the purposes. The
Swedish Scientist, A. Atterberg defined the plastic limit
as, boundary of soil between the plastic and solid state.
 Methodology
 Liquid Limit Test
• The liquid limit of a soil is the water content at which the soil behaves
practically like a liquid, but has small shear strength. It flows to close
the groove in just 25 blows in Casagrande’s liquid limit device.
• Equipment for Liquid Limit Test on Soil
 Casagrande’s liquid limit device
 Grooving tools of both standard and ASTM types
 Oven
 Evaporating dish or glass sheet
 Spatula
 425 micron IS sieve
 Weighing balance accuracy 0.01g.
 Wash bottle.
 Methodology
 Plasticity Index
• The plasticity index is expressed in percent of the dry
weight of the soil sample. It shows the size of the
range of the moisture contents at which the soil
remains plastic. In general, the plasticity index
depends only on the amount of clay present. It indicates
the fineness of the soil and its capacity to change shape
without altering its volume. A high PI indicates an
excess of clay or colloids in the soil. Its value is zero
whenever the PL is greater or equal to the LL.
 Lab Report
 Liquid Limit Test
No. of Mass of Mass of wet Mass of soil Mass of soil Mass of soil
container (g) soil + (wet) + container (oven dried)
Trial Drops container (oven dry) (g0
(wet)(g) (g)

1 33 10.5 25 14.5 21.5 11

2 21 9 23 14 19.5 10.5

3 18 9 29 20 23.5 14.5
 Lab Report
  Liquid limit test data
• Moisture content is calculated using the equation:
M.C. = x 100
For trial 1
M.C. = x 100 = 31.82%
After repeating for trial 2 and 3:

Trial No. of Drops Water Content

1 33 31.82
2 21 33.33
3 18 37.93
 Lab Report
 The relationship between the water content, , and the corresponding
number of drops, N, of the cup was plotted on a semi‑logarithmic graph
with water content as the ordinates and arithmetical scale, and the number
of drops on the abscissas on a logarithmic scale. The best fit straight line
through three trials was plotted and the liquid limit of the soil sample is
the water content at 25 blows.

 Liquid limit is 34
 Lab Report
 Plastic Limit Data
No. of Mass of Mass of wet Mass of soil Mass of soil Mass of soil
container (g) soil + (wet) + container (oven dried)
Trial Drops container (oven dry) (g0
(wet)(g) (g)
1 10.5 16.5 6 14.5 9.5 5
2 9 15 6 13 8 5

 Water content
Trial Mass of soil (wet) Mass of soil Water content
(oven dried)
1 6 5 20
2 6 5 20
 Lab Report
 Plasticity Index
 From PI = PL – LL
PI = 34-20 = 14
 Common values of liquid and plastic limit of
common soils
Soil Type Plastic Limit Liquid Limit
Sands 20 0
Silts 27 20
Clays 100 45
Colloidal Clays 399 46
 Lab Report
 Using the Atterberg limits of the soil sample
found in the simplified, it can be seen that the
soil used in the experiment is classified under
CL or clays with low plasticity (lean clays).
Lab Report
 Methodology
 Mixing soil with seashells and coconut husk
• The ingredients were mixed with a 50/50 ratio and water
mixed is approximated. The specimens were then left to
settle for 1 week. After 1 week the specimens were removed
from the molds and totally submerged in water to cure for 2
weeks.
 Methodology
Compressive Strength Test
 


• Crushing Strenght of bricks is determined by placing brick in compression testing
magchine. After placing the brick in compression testing machine, apply load on it
until it breaks the minimum crushing strength of brick is 35 N/ if it is less than 35
N/, then it is not useful for construction purpose.

• Brick A

COMPRESSIVE STRENGHT FOR BRICK A: 127.92 N/

 Methodology
  Brick B (seashells)

AVERAGE COMPRESSIVE STRENGHT FOR BRICK B: 81.24 N/

 Methodology
  Brick C (coconut husk)

AVERAGE COMPRESSIVE STRENGHT FOR BRICK B: 30.81 N/

 Methodology
 Brick A Brick B
Trial Compressive Trial Compressive
Strength(N/mm2) Strength(N/mm2)

1 127.64 1 82.23
2 128.19 2 80.67
3 127.94 3 80.83

 Brick C Trial Compressive

Strength(N/mm2)

1 29.76
2 31.12
3 31.54
 Chapter 4: Results and Discussion
 The bricks that we bought was strong as expected with a compressive
strength of 127.92. This brick is used to compare the results of that of
mixed with seashells and coconut husk ash

 Brick B has a compressive strength of 81.24.As per IS:1077–1992 clause

4.1 applied for burnt clay strength = 40 N/mm^2. It passed the standard
minimum strength of a first class brick.

 Bricks C has a compressive strength of  30.81. It failed to pass the standard

minimum strength of a first class brick.
 Results and Discussion
 While the bricks with seashells (Brick A) passed the
standards, the one with coconut husk ash (Brick B)
failed horribly and therefore cannot be used for
construction purposed.Compared to a factory made
brick, Brick A has a higher compressive strength than
expected and can be used for small scale construction.
It also has a similar appearance and color to that of
concrete.
 Conclusion
 In regards to the objectives, the following answers can be
made:
 To evaluate the performance of clay soil when mixed with seashells and
coconut husk
 Seashells passed the standard strength while the coconut husk ash failed
horribly
 To determine whether seashells and coconut husk are viable for soil
stabilization
 Seashells is viable for soil stabilization while coconut husk ash is not
 To determine if seashells and coconut husks can be alternative for
cement
 For small scale construction, seashells can be used as alternative for cement.
 To determine if seashells and coconut husks is viable in construction
 Conclusion
 Recommendations
Large scale production of lime from seashells can be used as
alternative for cement. As for the mix design, if the mix ratio is
adjusted to the standard ASTM method, the compressive
strength of seashells can be enhanced and can be viable for
construction purposes. As for coconut husk ash, another raw
material can be added to it, one with high silica substabce to
further enhance its strength.