CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1. BACKGROUND

Wheat husks are the hard-protective coverings of wheat grains which are separated from the
grains during milling process. Wheat husk is an abundantly available waste material in all wheat
producing countries, and it contains about 30%–50% of organic carbon. It is estimated that
Rwanda produces over 100,000 tons of wheat annually on an approximate 40,000 hectares. The
Northern and Western provinces dominate production in districts such as Gicumbi, Burera,
Musanze, Nyabihu, Ngororero and Karongi. (Reporter, 2012)

Most engineering structures such as highways, railways, water reservoir, building, retaining
walls, etc. require soil material in very large quantity, usually such area are covered with highly
plastic and expansive soil, which is not suitable for such purpose. laboratory and field tests have
been carried out by various researchers about mechanical properties of the soil and a good
promising result have shown after addition of such amount of wheat husk ash, it has been found
that waste wheat husk ash have impact on properties of the soil, a quantity of WHA has been
selected where CBR was conducted and the CBR value was 12.9 at 5% of WHA and 15.7 at 7%
of WHA. (Sharma, 2020.)

The type of the pavement to be constructed either rigid or flexible pavement should be selected
based on the axle loads that are distributed by the passing vehicles to the road subgrade and have
to be calculated in order to know the type of the road pavement to be used. (Taylor,1937).

Therefore, converting wheat husk into wheat husk ash has the benefit of environmental pollution
control, and also Based on the research about what has been conducted for using (WHA) in soil
it has shown that (WHA) improve the mechanical properties of the soil. (Vikas, Pramod and
Amit , 2018)

This research is based on the stabilization of road subgrade by the use of wheat husk ash which
will improve the mechanical properties of subgrade so that the road subgrade will not fail if
subjected to mechanical loads.

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 1.2. PROBLEM STATEMENT

Soil is a critical factor in stability of the civil engineering constructions. In Rwanda, many
projects are affected and damaged due the effect of weak soil, that effect causes the increasing of
cost due project rehabilitation and stability of weak soil. The weak soils are recent sedimentary
deposits, probably formed by their featureless and flat ground surface defined by the latest many
years ago (Karim, Hussein, et al., 2018).

The weak soils are characterized by their low bearing capacity and strength besides their low
California bearing ratio (CBR). Thus, such types of soils always bring the problems of soil
instability and structure settlement. Therefore, the construction of structures in such problematic
soils has always been associated with such problems.

Figure 1 : Settlement and development of cracks due to presence of weak soil in subgrade.
Source: internet

For the roads, the traffic wheel loads are transmitted to the subgrade, and when those loads
transmitted to the unstable natural soil (subgrade) then the roads are automatically damaged.

It is shown that the amount of wheat husk produced in Rwanda is increasing as the years going,
This great amount are served as waste material for landfill and if it is not utilized in beneficial
way, it lead to disposal problems in landfill, and it causes more other problems to the health.
This research will provide alternative solutions to the existing problems caused by weak soil in
this region, and can also be applied in the whole country where there is presence of weak soil
before construction.

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1.3. SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE RESEARCH
This research will focus on the analyses of the weak soil and how to modify its properties so that
it can bear all different engineering structures, so this project is based on improvement of
mechanical properties of the weak soil by using wheat husk ash as additional material. The
research of improvement of mechanical properties of weak soil using wheat husk ash will be
conducted at GITICYINYONI-NYABYONDO ROAD AND MAGERAGERE ROAD.

Figure 2 :GITICYINYONI – NYABYONDO ROAD

Source: Google Earth

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1.4. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

1.4.1. general objective

The main goal of this project is the use of wheat husk ash as additional materials for
improvement of mechanical properties of soil. laboratory tests will be carried out to accomplish
this change by applying different percentages of wheat husk ash to the soil sample.

1.4.2. specific objectives

1) To perform various tests on the soil at the targeted site before adding wheat husk ash in
order to determine the mechanical properties of that soil.
2) To investigate the effect of wheat husk ash on soil and the changes of the geotechnical
characteristics of soil
3) To obtain the appropriate proportion of admixtures.

1.5. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1) What are the mechanical properties of the soil at the targeted site?
2) What are the effects of wheat husk ash on soil and the changes of the geotechnical
characteristics of soil?
3) What are the appropriate proportion of admixtures (WHA) to be used in stabilization?

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0. INTRODUCTION

Soil stabilization is the framework which is utilized to enhance the engineering properties of the
earth and consequently making everything the more steady. Soil stabilization is required when
the earth accessible for development isn't sensible for the ordinary reason. It requires
compaction, pre-consolidation, spillage and different other such frameworks. There are several
frameworks utilized for updating geotechnical properties of questionable soils that requires
densification, (for example shallow compaction, dynamic significant compaction, pre-stacking),

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leakage, contemplations, (for example, geosynthetics and stone areas), and alterations. For
instance, wheat husk is solid waste from farming field which additionally causes disposal issue
for the civil engineer so the fundamental intention of this research is to diminish the disposal
issue of such sort of material by using this waste material in improving mechanical properties of
soil subgrade.

The subgrade stabilization for road construction especially in Rwanda is most concern
nowadays. Due to the rising development in urban area, there is a high prospect of rural area also
to be developed and the important aspects of subgrade construction is aware. Many studies are
being conducted which are focused on the soil stabilization techniques of problematic soils
present at specific location for a road and other structures construction. there are several types of
soil which can be considered as problematic such as marine clay, peat soil etc. Several
stabilization techniques including physical, chemical and mechanical approaches have been
implemented and some of it provides a good solution either in a short term or long-term
application (Nik Daud, 2019)

Most of the time the soil conditions are very poor with low bearing capacity and it is not
practical to use it as construction sites for heavy structures, in such cases various methods of soil
improvement (stabilization) techniques are adopted (Butt, Wajid , Gupta, Naik, et al., 2014) .
The purpose of stabilization is to improve soil properties, by increasing its strength; or by
reducing the variations in cohesion and size caused by changes in moisture content; or by
reducing the erosive effect of water on the surface, or by combinations of these (RSB, 2016).

It has been found that wheat husk ash is a growing technique used in improving mechanical
properties of soil, where it is mixed with soil. Wheat husk by itself has no cement benefit, but it
reacts chemically and forms cemented compounds in the presence of moisture and contributes to
the improvement of mechanical property of soil. The compounds of silicon account for the
maximum amount as eight seven of earth’s-crust, and silica is that the major component of soil
(Ogunribido, 2012). Silica is the main component of ash from wheat husk (WHA), which
governs ash reactivity.

Most road failures may be attributed to the existence of poor subgrade conditions and costly
subgrade is one such challenging state. Recent researchers, found that WHA may be used as a
ternary blend to serve as a soil admixture.

On addition of different percentage of WHA, dry density decreased up to a certain limit

afterwards again seemed increment in it. This is more effective in addition of 7% (optimum)
WHA, Addition of different percentage of WHA the CBR value increased up to a limit afterward
revealed decrement and more effective at 7%. (Sharma, 2020.)

First of all, this project, in conjunction with a review of previous soil stabilization studies,
examines the potential benefits of the use of wheat husk ash waste materials in soil stabilization

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by increasing its mechanical properties. To this end, a literature review on the use of recycled
waste materials is being reviewed.

2.1. WHEAT HUSK ASH

WHA has a decent pozzolanic property. It is utilized for different purposes. It is the staple
nourishment delivered in expansive amount for living and non-living creatures. It has high
calorific estimation of around 3.5 kcal/g. Its result is frequently found in the fields since waste is
scorched by the farmer subsequent to extricating grains. In this study, the impact of WHA on the
soil is contemplated. Wheat husk is taken from the agriculture fields and consumed at 600°C to
change over into fine ash remains.

2.1.2. PROPERTIES OF WHEAT HUSK ASH(WHA)

This wheat husk ash has most astounding measure of silica which helps in fruitfulness of soil.
Wheat husk ash, essentially a waste material, is created by burning crop waste while handling
wheat from paddy. Around 20 – 22% wheat husk is created from paddy and around 25% of this
aggregate husk progress toward becoming cinder when consume. It is non – plastic in nature. Its
properties additionally fluctuated relying upon its consuming temperature. The chemical
properties of WHA are shown in Table 1

Table 1 Chemical Properties of WHA at 600°C

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2.1.2.1.Applications of wheat husk ash

• It is often used in the construction industry as the concrete additive (zhang and khatib, 2008)
• WHA can be used as a biomass source as a fuel in boilers because is has a calorific value of
about 3.5 kcal/g (Bledzki et al. 2010; zhang et al. 2009)
• It is used in increasing bearing capacity of soil

2.1.2.2 Advantages of wheat husk ash as soil stabilizer

Easy processing: wheat husk ash is smooth in nature so that it can easily be managed.

Cheap: The wheat husk ash is less expensive compared to other materials used in other
techniques of soil stabilization. Its satisfactorily acts as a cheap stabilizing agent for sub –grade
and sub- base purposes in soil.

2.1.2.3 Limitations of wheat husk ash as soil stabilizer

• Durability: wheat husk ash is not very much durable and can be destroyed easily.

• This technique is not developed in developing countries especially in our country It is not yet
applicable.

2.1.2.4 Effects of wheat husk ash on soil during soil stabilization

• absorb water from soil

• Decreases soil plasticity

• reduce swelling of the soil

2.2 SOIL

The physical system of the soil is continuously exposed to external forces and is, thus, complex.
These external forces may be environmental or mechanical. The specific reaction of the soil to
these forces is of interest. The forces provide the means for changing soil from one condition
into another and the reaction indicates the kind and degree of change. If one is to be able either to
maintain a soil condition or to change it to a more suitable condition, he must first have an
understanding of soil behavior; this behavior must eventually be properly described. Soil
conditions and properties, widely varying types of forces, and widely varying types of behavior
must all be included in any description before the description can be satisfactory.

2.2.1 PROPERTIES OF SOIL

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Soil has a surprisingly diverse set of mechanical properties. The empirical and theoretical study
of soil mechanics has progressed to the point where soil engineers are able to consider a wide
variety of mechanical properties when they design structures that involve large quantities of soil.
Soil mechanics has applications in everything from major civil engineering projects to backyard
landscaping.

2.2.1.1 SHEAR STRENGTH

One of the most important and the most controversial engineering properties of soil is its shear
strength or ability to resist sliding along internal surfaces within a mass. Shear resistance refers
to the degree of shear stress a material can endure without fracture. In Newtons the shear
strength is measured per square meter. Shear stresses are forces applied tangentially along a
surface of the ground.

2.2.1.2 LATERAL EARTH PRESSURE

Lateral earth pressure is the pressure that earth exerts horizontally. If you have a cubic mass of
soil held in a cubic container, then lateral earth pressure is the pressure exerted on the walls of
the container. Lateral earth pressure is measured in Pascals, or Newtons per meter squared.

2.2.1.3 COMPRESSIBILITY AND CONSOLIDATION

2.2.1.3.1 CONSOLIDATION

Consolidation is the mechanism by which the amount of the soil diminishes under load
application. Consolidation is caused by loads being applied to the soil, as a result of which soil
grains are more closely packed together. Structures are built on soils. They transfer loads to the
subsoil through the foundations.

2.2.1.3.2 COMPRESSIBILITY

Compressibility can be defined as the proportional reduction in the thickness of a material under
prescribed conditions of increased pressure or compressive loading.

2.2.1.4 BEARING CAPACITY

Bearing capacity is the capacity of the earth around a structure to support applied loads. Bearing
capacity is measured in Pascal or Newton per meter squared. This bearing capacity is the one of
the major of mechanical properties of the soil which determine how much the soil is able to
support the structure without undergo excessive settlement, the more bearing capacity the more
the soil to resist fail due to structure

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2.2.1.5 PERMEABILITY AND SEEPAGE

Permeability refers to the ease with which fluid in soil may flow through the pores. Permeability
is measured in square meters, or Darcys. Seepage refers to the rate at which fluid flows through a
soil layer. Seepage scale is per second in meters.

2.2.2 METHODS OF IMPROVING SOIL PROPERTIES

2.2.2.1 STABILIZATION OF SOIL

Soil stabilization Is a general term for any physical, chemical, mechanical, biological or
combined method of changing a natural soil to meet any engineering purpose. Stabilization has
the following techniques; Surface Compaction, Drainage Methods. Vibration Methods. Pre-
compression and consolidation, Grouting and Injection. Chemical Stabilization. Soil
Reinforcement. Geo textiles and Geo membranes.

2.2.2.2 MODIFICATION OF SOIL

Modification of soil refers to the process of adding and mixing the above chemical agents into
the soil to not only dry the soil, improving workability, but also reducing the plasticity index (PI)
and shrink swell potential. These improvements often result in a slight increase in the shear
strength of the soil.

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

This section highlights the methodology used in the processing and arrangement of the data
during the research project. Relevant Data required to carry out this research were collected and
analyzed to prove whether the proposed solution will be sustainable for general application.
Upon collection of required data, planning for laboratory analysis was the next step to
demonstrate the exact outcome and to evaluate the potential of the proposed materials. The aim
of data collection is to capture the quality and facts that can be translated in order to achieve an
efficient analysis and interpretation of reliable results. However, in this study, the data collection
followed a sequence that can readily interpret the outcomes. The flow chart below highlights
the methodology that were used during research project, in collecting and organizing of the data.
It is intended to show the capacity of using agriculture product (WHA) in improving the
mechanical properties of soil.

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 Figure 1The follow is chat of data collection

3.1 COLLECTION OF SOIL MATERIAL AND PREPARATION

The soil which is disturbed was used in this study. Disturbed samples were taken from trial pits
at a depth of 0.80-1.00 m. This sample was collected from GITICYINYONI-NYABYONDO
ROAD, NYARUGENGE District. The sample was packed in plastic bags which are closed
system so that they are not allowed to exchange matter. The samples were immediately
transported to soil mechanics laboratory of UR/NYARUGENGE Campus by the use of a pickup
truck. After the sample reach the laboratory the natural moisture content was determined, the soil
sample was day by day being dried out by sun rays as our sample contained more water until
they get dried. Because the soil is clay soil, they get dried forming hard lumps and therefore we
used a mallet hammer to destroy those lumps. The soil tests that were performed in this work,
were conducted with standard procedures.

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 Fig. Trial pit excavated

3.2 Collection of wheat husk material and preparation

Wheat husk is an agricultural waste produced from grinding of wheat. Wheat husk by itself has
little cementitious value but in the presence of moisture it reacts chemically and forms
cementitious compounds and attributes to the improvement of strength and compressibility
characteristics of soils. So, in order to achieve both the need of improving the geotechnical
properties of soil and also to make use of the agricultural wastes. Wheat husk was collected from
largest agricultural farms located KINIGI, MUSANZE DISTRICT. The wheat husk was spread
out and burned to get wheat husk ash. After burning the wheat husk, the wheat husk ash was
obtained and sieved in sieve number 170 (with 0.088 mm of opening) in order to obtain the ashes
which are fine. The ash was putted in oven at 600oC at least one hour for removing some organic
matter that have been contaminated during burning process. After that the ashes was stored in an
air tight container to avoid moisture attack and other kind of contamination. The chemical
composition of wheat husk ashes needed in this work is Silica.

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3.2.1. Steps of preparing wheat husk ash

Fig. Collection of wheat husk material Fig: Burning of wheat husk

3.3. Water

During conducting tests water that has been used was clean water free from any impurities in
order to avoid any barriers to the project.

3.4 PREPARATION OF SOIL-WHA MIXTURES

During the preparation of soil mixture there are some percentage of wheat husk ashes that were
added, as it is on the rate of 0, 3, 5,7 and 9% of the prepared soil. For each portion of wheat husk
ashes added, there were mixed until it becomes uniform color. This phase of agitation has been
done at least seven minutes in order to be sure that a good mixture of soil and wheat husk ashes
was obtained. During this mixture preparation, the small amount of distilled water was added for
facilitating the agitation.

3.5 EXPERIMENTAL TESTS

For every portion of the mixture, there are an investigation about the behavior of soil as some
amount of wheat husk ash ashes was added. Those investigation was done by means of
laboratory experimental tests. Tests such as Particle Size Distribution Analysis and Atterberg
Limits were conducted on natural soil sample for classification purpose, and strength tests such
as CBR test.

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Proctor Test and CBR Test, were performed on the soil-WHA mixture to assess the improvement
of strength properties upon addition of different % of WHA.

3.6. TESTING PROGRAM

3.6.1. SIEVE ANALYSIS

The test is carried out with the utilization of a set of sieves with different mesh sizes. Each sieve
has squared shaped openings of a certain size. The sieve retains the grains with diameters larger
than the size of the openings, while smaller diameter grains pass through the sieve. The test is
conducted by placing a series of sieves with progressively smaller mesh sizes on top of each
other and passing the soil sample through the stacked sieve “tower”. Therefore, the soil particles
are distributed as they are retained by the different sieves. A pan is also used to collect those
particles that pass through the last sieve. Sieve analysis of soil consists of shaking the soil sample
through a set of sieves that have progressively smaller opening.

3.6.1.1. Purpose of test

This test is performed to determine the percentages of different grain sizes contained within a
soil and also the distribution of coarse, large size particles.

Standard reference of sieve analysis ASTM D422-63 Standard test method for particle size
distribution (gradation of soil using sieve analysis)

3.6.2 ATTERBERG LIMITS TEST

Atterberg limits test give us liquid limit (LL) and plastic limit (PL) which gives the plasticity
index (PI) and this PI is used in soil classification.

3.6.2.1 Purpose of Atterberg limit test

As moisture contents increase, clay and silt soils go through four distinct states of consistency:
solid, semi-solid, plastic, and liquid. Each stage exhibits significant differences in strength,
consistency, and behavior. Atterberg limit tests accurately define the boundaries between these
states using moisture contents at the points where the physical changes occur. The test values and
derived indexes have direct applications in the foundation design of structures and in predicting
the behavior of soils infills, embankments, and pavements. The values assess shear strength,
estimate permeability, forecast settlement, and identify potentially expansive soils. In Atterberg
limit test we gain information about liquid limit , plastic limit shrinkage limit and plasticity
index. Liquid limit (LL) is the water content at which soil changes from a plastic to a liquid
state. Plastic Limit (PL) is the water content at which the soil change from a plastic to a semi-
solid state. Shrinkage limit (SL) transition from semi-solid to solid state Standard reference
The Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils is
ASTM D4318.

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3.6.3. SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST

The knowledge of specific gravity is needed in calculation of soil properties like void ratio,
degree of saturation etc.

Specific gravity G is defined as the ratio of the weight of an equal volume of distilled water at
that temperature both weights taken in air.

3.6.4 MODIFIED PROCTOR TEST

Modified Proctor Test Compaction of stabilized materials is the process by which the solid
particles are packed more closely together by mechanical means, to increase the dry density of
materials. In the laboratory, we might need to determine the optimum moisture content and
maximum dry unit weight which the soil can attain most especially in CBR testing. The proctor
test is used to determine those values from the curve of dry unit weight varying with various
respective values of moisture content.

The dry unit weight of the soil depends on two main parameters:

I. Degree of compaction (effect of compaction effort)

ii.Moisture content (softening agent)

In this experiment, assume various moisture contents to mix up with sampled soil to be
compacted in material of modified proctor test. The moisture content and dry unit weight are
obtained after drying the compacted soil and have to be plotted on graph which yields optimum
moisture content and maximum dry unit weight.

Within the framework of engineering application, compaction is particular useful as it results in

• An increase in strength of soil

• A decrease in compressibility of soil
• A decrease in permeability of soils

3.6.4.1 Aims of experiment

This test is performed to determine the relationship between the moisture content and dry density
of a soil for a specified compacting effort.

3.6.4.2 Modified Proctor Test Standards

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 ASTM D1557-91

ASTM D1557, 2012 Edition, may 1,2012- standard test methods for laboratory compaction
characteristics of soil using modified effort (56000ft-lbf/ff3(2700 KN-m/m3)) These test method
cover laboratory compaction methods used to determine the relationship between molding water
content and dry unit weight of soil (compaction curve) compacted in 4-or 6-in (101.6-or 152.4-
mm) diameter mold with a 10.00lbf. ( 44.48-N)rammer dropped from a height of 18 in
(457.2mm) producing compacting effort of (56000ft-lbf/ff3(2700 KN-m/m3)).

3.6.5. CALIFONIA BEARING RATIO(CBR)

California bearing ratio (CBR) test is a measure of resistance of a material to the penetration of
standard plunger under controlled density and moisture conditions.it was developed by the
California division of highways as a method of classifying and evaluating soil- subgrade and
base course materials for flexible pavements.

3.6.5.1 Purpose of CBR test

The purpose of foundations is to transfer loads from a structure to competent soil/rock. They
come in the form of traditional shallow spread foundations (strips, pads and rafts) or deep
foundations (piles and ground improvement). By performing CBR test we get information on
the stability of underlying ground and settlement which are the main factors affecting
foundation design.

3.6.5.2 Standard reference

The laboratory test method in ASTM D1883 and AASHTO T 193 for the CBR test is a simple
empirical method, comparing resistance to penetration of the test specimen to that of a
“standard”sample of well-graded crushed stone material using a standard-sized piston.

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