See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/341346891

STABILIZATION OF BLACK COTTON SOIL USING PLASTIC STRIPS

Experiment Findings · June 2019

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.23215.36004

CITATIONS READS

0 937

5 authors, including:

Abhijit Waghre Vaibhav A Khairnar

Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Institute of Engineering and Technology sinhgad college narhe
2 PUBLICATIONS   0 CITATIONS    1 PUBLICATION   0 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Sujeet V Zagade
Sinhgad Institute of Business Administration and Computer Applications
2 PUBLICATIONS   12 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Stabilization of Black Cotton Soil Using Plastic Strips View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Abhijit Waghre on 13 May 2020.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

© 2019 JETIR June 2019, Volume 6, Issue 6 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162)

STABILIZATION OF BLACK COTTON SOIL

USING PLASTIC STRIPS
1
Prof. - Aparna H. Chavan, 2Abhijit M. Waghre, 3Vaibhav A. Khairnar, 4Sujeet V. Zagade, 5Vedant S. Chaudhary
1,2,3,4,5
Department of Civil Engineering
1,2,3,4,5
Sinhgad Institute of Technology & Science, Narhe, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Abstract: Soil stabilization is a process which improves the physical properties of the soil, such as increasing in shear strength,
bearing capacity etc. Which can be done by the use of controlled compaction or addition of suitable mixtures like cement, lime,
and waste materials like fly ash, coconut shell etc. The cost of introducing these additives has also increased in recent years which
opened the door widely for the other kinds of soil additives such as plastic, bamboo etc. This new technique of soil stabilization
can be effectively used to meet the challenges of the society to reduce the quantities of waste, producing useful stabilization from
plastic waste. Use of plastic products such as polythene bags, bottles etc is increasing day by day leading to various
environmental concerns. Therefore, the disposal of plastic wastes without causing any ecological hazards has become a real
challenge. Thus, using plastic as soil stabilizer is an ecological utilization since there is scarcity of good soil for construction. This
project involves the study on the possible use of waste plastic. The results of CBR test have been done on Aspect Ratio of plastic
strips and percentage of plastic.

Keywords – Black Cotton Soil, Plastic Strips, Aspect Ratio of plastic, Percentage of Plastic, CBR Ratio

I. INTRODUCTION

The soil is weak and does not have enough stability to bear heavy loads. The aim of the study is to make use of waste material for
stabilization of soil. For this project we have selected the use of waste plastic stripes which are generally found available as waste
in abundance in every nook and corner of not only in our country but in the whole world as these days every day is found of
consuming it as a food. After consumption all the plastic are thrown into the waste baskets or in the open. Soil reinforcement
technique can be a significant secondary market for waste HDPE to improve the strength of sub-grade soils. This technique has
been found effective and reliable method to improve the strength of sub-grade soils. A treated or stronger subgrade soils shall
require relatively thinner section of a flexible pavement as compared to that of an untreated and weaker sub-grade resulting in
significant cost advantage. Over the years, the use of geotextiles and other polymeric reinforcements such as geogrids has
increased drastically in geotechnical engineering. However; in certain cases; especially for low cost. The study regarding the
stabilization of black cotton soil by using plastic strips carried out by experimental work. These work are reviewed keeping in
view the methodology, principal and various aspect for situation. Based on literature review, the gap in research work is identified
to carry out further research work. Black Cotton Soils which you have referred basically falls under montmorillonite group having
more swelling and shrinking characteristics. Depending on its application in civil engineering, different ways of stabilization are
employed to give it more strength.

II. METHODOLOGY
The material used for experimental study was black cotton soil. The various laboratory tests were performed on black cotton soil
with relevant IS codes. Laboratory test were performed on black cotton soil are Water content in Black cotton soil, Specific
Gravity, Liquid limit and Plastic Limit of Black cotton soil. The various tests conducted to obtain Engineering Geotechnical
properties of black cotton soil.
i) Specific Gravity
ii) Liquid Limit
iii) Plastic Limit
iv) Standard proctor test
v) California Bearing Ratio test.
Following are the results obtained from the various tests conducted on the black cotton soil:-
Table 1: Engineering Properties of Black Cotton Soil

JETIR1906A18 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org 87

© 2019 JETIR June 2019, Volume 6, Issue 6 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162)

Sr.No Laboratory Test Result

1 Water Content 21.67%
2 Liquid Limit 53.3%
3 Plastic Limit 38%
4 Plastic Index 15.33%
6 Specific Gravity 2.58
7 Maximum Dry Density 1.35 g/cm3
8 Optimum Moisture Content 34%

The various parameter was considered for the study of bearing capacity of black cotton soil are aspect ratio of plastic and
percentage of plastic increment in black cotton soil. Aspect ratio of plastic strip selected for study of bearing capacity of black
cotton soil as shown in Following Table. For this study we have selected the use of waste plastic material which are generally
found in every nook and corner of not only in our country.
Table 2: Aspect Ratio of Plastic and percentage of plastic used for CBR test
Aspect Sizes of plastic percentage of
Ratio Strip plastic

2 2x4
0.25%
3 2x6 0.50%
0.75%
4 2x8

Photograph 1: Waste plastic material used for stabilization of black cotton soil
III. OBJECTIVES

 To improve the shear strength of black cotton soil.

 To control shrink-swell property of soil.
 To improving the soil bearing capacity of sub-grade and foundation soil.
 To improve durability of soil.
 To reduce the settlement of soil.
 To improve the soil properties and make that soil useful for future construction activities.
 To alter the soil condition in the site by using low cost plastic waste .

IV. TESTS PERFORMED

 Standard Proctor Test
Compaction test of soil is carried out using Proctor’s test to understand compaction characteristics of different soils with change
in moisture content. Compaction of soil is the optimal moisture content at which a given soil type becomes most dense and
achieve its maximum dry density by removal of air voids. Standard Proctor Test is used to determine the compaction of different
types of soil and the properties of soil with a change in moisture content. According to Proctor, the compaction of a soil mass is
dependent on the following four major factors:
1. Soil type,

JETIR1906A18 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org 88

© 2019 JETIR June 2019, Volume 6, Issue 6 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162)

2. Moisture Content,
3. Compactive effort,
4. Dry density of the soil.
Maximum dry density is calculated by equation,
M
P d= g/cm3
1000(1+w)

Where,
P d =Dry Density of soil
M= Mass of soil
w= Water content

MDD and OMC

1.36
Dry Density (g/cm3)

1.34
1.32
1.3
1.28
1.26
1.24
0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45
Water Content (w)

mdd and omc

Graph 1: MDD and OMC of Black cotton soil

The Maximum Dry Density of the Soil = 1.35 g/cm3
The Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) = 34%

 California Bearing Ratio

CBR test, an empirical test, has been used to determine the material properties for pavement design. Empirical tests measure the
strength of the material and are not a true representation of the resilient modulus. It is a penetration test standard piston, having 50
mm diameter, is used to penetrate the soil at a standard rate of 1.25 mm/minute. The process of calculation of CBR test was done
as per the prescribed IS code 2720 part 16 (1987) which was done in the remolded soil by the mean of static compaction. Then
required amount of the strips in their appropriate sizes (2x4mm, 2x6mm, and 2x8mm) were cut with the help of cutter, scale, and
marker and weighed according to required percentage. The experimental study involved performing a series of laboratory CBR
tests on unreinforced and randomly oriented plastic strip reinforced soil specimen. Required amount of strips as well as soil was
first weighed and then the strips randomly mixed with dry soil at obtained moisture content. The soil mass formed must be a
homogeneous specimen. The soil was compacted in three layer with the help of compression machine such that each layer is of
42mm. The laboratory CBR apparatus consists of a mould 150 mm diameter with a base plate and a collar, a loading frame and
dial gauges for measuring the penetration values. A surcharge weight of 2.5 Kg was placed over the specimen, clamped over the
base plate and the whole mold with the weight is placed under the testing machine. Load is applied on the sample by a standard
plunger with diameter of 50 mm at the rate of 1.25 mm/min. Reading of the load at penetrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 4.0, 5.0,
7.S, 10.0 and 12.5 mm are noted. After this the plunger raised and the mould detached from the loading equipment. About 20 to
50 g of soil was collected from the top 30 mm layer of the specimen.

Experimental Study

The CBR test were performed on black cotton soil as per IS code 2720 part 16 (1987). The result are presented in form of load
intensity-Penetration curve for black cotton soil

JETIR1906A18 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org 89

© 2019 JETIR June 2019, Volume 6, Issue 6 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162)

Without Plastic
4

Load intensity (kg/cm2)

3

1 Without Plastic

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Penetration (mm)

Graph 2: Load intensity Vs Penetration curve for Black cotton soil (without plastic)

Comparison of Load intensity Vs penetration curves for aspect ratio 2 (Size of plastic strips 2x4) with 0.25 %, 0.50% and 0.75%
plastic the curves shown in graph

Aspect Ratio 2
8
7
Load Intencity (kg/cm2)

6
5
4 0.25 % Plastic
3 0.5 % Plastic
2 0.75 % Plastic
1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Penetration (mm)

Graph 3: Comparison curves of Load intensity Vs penetration for aspect ratio 2 with various percentage of plastic

Comparison of Load intensity Vs penetration curves for aspect ratio 3 (Size of plastic strips 2x6) with 0.25 %, 0.50% and 0.75%
plastic the curves shown in graph

Aspect Ratio 3
8
7
Load Intencity (kg/cm2)

6
5
4 0.25 % Plastic
3 0.5 % Plastic
2 0.75 % Plastic
1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Penetration (mm)

Graph 4: Comparison curves of Load intensity Vs penetration for aspect ratio 3 with various percentage of plastic

JETIR1906A18 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org 90

© 2019 JETIR June 2019, Volume 6, Issue 6 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162)

Comparison of Load intensity Vs penetration curves for aspect ratio 2 (Size of plastic strips 2x8) with 0.25 %, 0.50% and 0.75%
plastic the curves shown in graph

Aspect Ratio 4
9
8
Load Intencity (kg/cm2)
7
6
5
0.25 % Plastic
4
0.5 % Plastic
3
2 0.75 % Plastic
1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Penetration (mm)

Graph 5: Comparison curves of Load intensity Vs penetration for aspect ratio 4 with various percentage of plastic

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results obtained from the experimental study of stabilization of black cotton soil by using plastic strips. From the results it is
observed that due to increase in plastic percentage in black cotton soil there is significant change in CBR value as compared to
untreated black cotton soil.
Results and Discussion for 2.5 mm Penetration Value
CBR value for 2.5mm penetration with variation of percentage of plastic and various aspect ratio. Graph shows that CBR value vs
percentage of plastic for 2.5mm penetration.

CBR value for 2.5mm penetration

6.00%

5.00%

4.00%
CBR value

3.00% Aspect Ratio 2

Aspect Ratio 3
2.00%
Aspect Ratio 4
1.00%

0.00%
0.00% 0.25% 0.50% 0.75% 1.00%
Percentage of plastic

Graph 6: CBR value vs percentage of plastic for 2.5mm penetration.

Table 3: CBR value for 2.5mm penetration with various aspect ratio and percentage of plastic
Percentage of plastic
Aspect Ratio
0.25% 0.5% 0.75%
2 2.40% 5.14% 1.28%
3 3.52% 2.57% 3.52%
4 2.24% 1.60% 5.14%

JETIR1906A18 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org 91

© 2019 JETIR June 2019, Volume 6, Issue 6 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162)

From Graph and table it is observed that CBR value Maximum for aspect ratio 2 and percentage of plastic is 0.5% for 2.5 mm
penetration value. For Aspect Ratio 3 CBR value is Minimum for 0.5% of Plastic.

Results and Discussion for 5 mm Penetration Value

CBR value for 5mm penetration with variation of percentage of plastic and various aspect ratio. Graph shows that CBR value vs
percentage of plastic for 5mm penetration.

CBR value for 5mm penetration

6.00%

5.00%

4.00%
CBR Value

3.00% Aspect Ratio 2

Aspect Ratio 3
2.00%
Aspect Ratio 4
1.00%

0.00%
0.00% 0.25% 0.50% 0.75% 1.00%
% Plastic

Graph 7: CBR value vs percentage of plastic for 5mm penetration.

Table 4: CBR value for 5mm penetration with various aspect ratio and percentage of plastic

Percentage of plastic
Aspect Ratio
0.25% 0.5% 0.75%
2 1.60% 5.14% 1.06%
3 3.20% 1.71% 4.50%
4 1.92% 3.42% 4.28%

From Graph and table it is observed that CBR value Maximum for aspect ratio 2 and percentage of plastic is 0.5% for 5 mm
penetration value. For Aspect Ratio 3 CBR value is Minimum for 0.5% of Plastic.

V. CONCLUSION
In our day to day life the plastic material products such as bottles, polythene carry bags usage has become more, because of which
today we find that more wastage is of the plastic material. Hence in order to get the best out of this wastage. Thus this project is to
meets the challenge of society to reduce the quantities of plastic waste, the plastic stripes were made out of this plastic wastage
and are used in making the payment and it is found that there is an increase in the strength of the soil. California Bearing Ratio
test was carried out to find bearing capacity of black cotton soil. The CBR was conducted for soil mixed with plastic strips.
From the results of CBR test on black cotton soil we conclude:
 Bearing capacity of soil increased with particular percentage of plastic strips. Which is economical than other
stabilization methods.
 For aspect ratio 2, CBR value gives maximum result for 0.5% of plastic increment in black cotton soil as compared to
0.25% and 0.75% of plastic increment.
 After studying combined result it is clear that the best fit case is achieved when reinforced with aspect ratio 4 in 0.75%
plastic and aspect ratio 2 in 0.50% plastic.
 Most economical and beneficial case obtained for aspect ratio 2 in 0.5% plastic, which gave maximum CBR value 5.1

VI. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We would like to express our gratitude to all those who gave us the possibility to complete this project. We want to thank our
guide Ms. A H. CHAVAN, for giving us such a golden opportunity to commence this project in the first instance and also for his

JETIR1906A18 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org 92

© 2019 JETIR June 2019, Volume 6, Issue 6 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162)

valuable inputs on this project. We have further more to thank the Mr. I.M. Jain (H.O.D) and our Principal Dr. R. S. Prasad both
of whom encouraged us to go ahead with our project. We are also thankful to the entire civil engineering department SITS for
their stimulating support. Our colleagues from the civil engineering department supported us in our project work. We want to
thank them for all their help, support, interest and valuable hints. We would also like to thanks Mr.B.N.Jagtap & TRI-IDOLS
GEOTECHNICS Consultancy for helping us & to let us perform our various number of tests in their laboratory under their
intelligence & guidance.

REFERENCES
1. Ref. IS: 2720 (Part 2) -1973, for moisture content.
2. Ref. IS: 2720 (Part 7) - 1980, for light compaction.
3. Ref. IS: 2720 (Part 16) - 1987 (Re-affirmed 2002), for CBR
4. Edwards, J.E. (1992) “Markets first” MSW Mgmt.,
5. Cofield, G. (1992) “Recycling plastics: Curving the collect and reject syndrome” MSW Mgmt.,
6. Dutta , M. (ed.) (1997) “ Waste disposal in engineered landfills” Narosa publishing house, New Delhi,3-4
7. A.K. Choudhary1 J.N. Jha2 and K.S. Gill3, A study on CBR behavior of waste plastic strip reinforced soil.
8. Arora, K. R. (2004) ‘Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering. Standard Publishers Distributors’.
9. Purushothama Raj, P. (2005) ‘Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering. Pearson Education’
10. Meera Manuel and Shyla Joseph (2014). “Stability Analysis of Kuttanad Clay Reinforced with PET Bottle Strips”
International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT) November-2014.
11. Anas Ashraf et al (2011). “Soil Stabiliisation Using Raw Plastic Bottles” Proceedings of Indian Geotechnical
Conference December 15-17,2011, Kochi
12. Apurva J Chavan, “Use of plastic waste in Flexible pavements” International Journal of Application or Innovation in
Engineering & Management (IJAIEM.)
13. A. S. Muntohar Influence of Plastic Waste Fibers on the Strength of Lime-Rice Husk Ash Stabilized Clay Soil.
14. Arora, K. R. (2004). Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering. Standard Publishers Distributors.Mercy Joseph
Poweth, Solly George and Jessy Paul (2013): "Study on use ofplastic waste in road
15. Achmad Fauzi, et al.(2016) “Soil engineering properties improvement by Utilization of cut waste plastic and crushed
waste glass as additive”, Int. J. of engineering and Technology
16. K.Shyam Chamberlin , Assistant Professor, Dept of Civil Engineering, KL University, Vijayawada, AP, India
“Stabilization of Soil by Using Plastic Wastes” for International Journal of Emerging trends in Engineering and
Development
17. C. Gümüşer& A. Şenol International Journal of Civil Engineering, Vol. 12, No. 2, Transaction B: Geotechnical
Engineering, April 2014 on Effect of fly ash and different lengths of polypropylene fibers content on the soft soils.
18. K.Shyam Chamberlin , Assistant Professor, Dept of Civil Engineering, KL University, Vijayawada, AP, India
“Stabilization of Soil by Using Plastic Wastes” for International Journal of Emerging trends in Engineering and
Development.
19. Review Study of soil behaviour mix with waste plastic”- Devashish kushwah, Mukesh Pandey( professor and head),
Rakesh Gupta(asst. Professor), Department of Civil Engineering, ITM University, Gwalior.

JETIR1906A18 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org 93

View publication stats