EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON SOIL STABILIZATION OF

BLACK COTTON SOIL WITH PLASTIC WASTES

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

ARUN A (2020101006)

MUTHU SONAI M (2020101030)

GURU PRAKASH M (2020101014)

In partial fulfilment for the award of the degree

of
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING

In

CIVIL ENGINEERING

SETHU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

(An Autonomous Institution)
Affiliated to Anna University, Chennai
PULLOOR, KARIAPATTI – 626 11
MARCH 2024

1
 SETHU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

An Autonomous Institution

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this Project report entitled “EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION

ON SOIL STABILIZATION OF BLACK COTTON SOIL WITH PLASTIC
WASTES” is the bonafide work of A.ARUN (2020101006), M.MUTHU
SONAI(20201030) M.GURU PRAKASH(20201014) Who carried the project under
my Supervision.

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT PROJECT SUPERVISOR

Dr.K.ARUMUGAM M.E., Ph.D Dr.A.M.ARUNMOHAN M.Tech., Ph.D

PROFESSOR &HEAD ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

SETHU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY SETHU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

(An Autonomous Institution) (An Autonomous Institution)

PULLOOR KARIAPATTI, – 626 115 PULLOOR KARIAPATTI, – 626 115

Submitted for the Viva voce examination held at Sethu Institute of Technology on

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, I thank God almighty and one and all who helped immensely directly
for the successful completion of my project.

We are grateful to Mr.S.MOHAMMED JALEEL B.A, B.L Chairman,

Sethu institute of technology for helping us in making this project a grand
success.

We are grateful to Dr.G.D.SIVA KUMAR M.E., Ph.D., Principal, Sethu institute of

technology for the sample facilities made available to accomplish our project.

We would heartedly thank Dr.K.ARUMUGAM M.E, Ph.D., Head of the Department.

Department of Civil Engineering, for providing the necessary infrastructure facilities
and the encouragement given during the entire course of study.

We also thank our guide Dr.A.M.ARUNMOHAN M.Tech.,Ph.D Associate

Professor for his excellent guidance and end over for our project.

Our sincere thanks to Associate Professor, Assistant Professor and all the staff members,
forgiving as the knowledge by their effective teaching for the past three years which
have utilized almost fully in the project work. We also thank everyone who directly and
indirectly helps us in making this project a successful one.

Finally, we thank our faculty members. Supporting Staffs and Friends for their help
extended during these times.
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 ABSTRACT

The process of improving the physical and engineering properties of soil such
as shear strength and bearing capacity is known as Soil Stabilization. Indian terrain is
mostly occupied by black cotton soil. It is highly expansive soil which shows more
swelling, shrinkage and settlement problems. Thus, Construction of buildings and other
Civil Engineering structures on this soil is risky. Use of compaction technique or
suitable admixtures like cement, lime and waste material like fly ash, phosphagens etc
can bring out the soil stabilization. But these are expensive additives. The research
papers that we studied here suggest and proved that the use of plastic waste for
stabilization of soils would reduce the problem of disposing plastic waste and also
reduce environmental problems. It is seen that CBR test, Proctor test, Sieve analysis are
performed to check the suitability of plastic waste as soil stabilizer. Sieve Analysis gives
the physical properties of the soil sample. Modified Proctor Test gives the OMC and
Dry Density of soil sample. CBR Test results the Optimum Plastic content. Optimum
Plastic content is the percentage of plastic added in the soil sample above which the
CBR value falls. Modified Proctor Test is recommended than Standard Proctor Test
because the soil which is tested will be used for road construction which requires high
compaction. This review paper concludes that soil stabilization is possible by plastic
waste which is a cheap method of soil stabilization. This review paper motivates for the
further studied with the change in dimensions of plastic strips and performing Plate load
test may speak on the effect of plastic strips on bearing capacity of soil.

Key words: plastic, Bricks, Environmentally Friendly, Sustainability, Composite,

Strength, properties.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER NO TITLE PAGE NO

ACKNOWLDEGEMENT iii

ABSTRACT iv

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1 INTRODUCTION
2 8
OBJECTIVE OF THE

PROJECT
3 9
MATERIAL OF METHOD
4 16
DETAILS OF TESTS

CONDUCTED
5 19
LITERATURE SURVEY
6 24
CONCLUSIONS
7 19
SCOPE FOR FURTHER

STUDY
8 20
REFERENCES
9 21
RESULT

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 1. INTRODUCTION

Soil stabilisation is the process of development of strength or load bearing power of the
soil by the adopting compaction techniques, addition of suitable admixture or stabilisers.
The essential principles of soil stabilisation are:
• Studying the properties of given soil.
• Deciding the physical property of soil and choosing the effective and economical
methods for soil stabilisation.
• Analysing the stabilised soil for intended stability and sturdiness values. Stabilisation are
often wont to treat a good range of sub-grade materials from expansive clays to granular
materials. In wet weather, stabilisation can also be wont to provide a working platform
for construction operations. These sorts of soil quality improvement are mentioned as
soil modification. The determining factors related to soil stabilisation could also be the
prevailing moisture content, the top use of the soil structure and ultimately the value
benefit provided . The black cotton soil having good bearing capacity is scarcer and its
location becomes harder and expensive, thus the necessity to enhance bearing capacity
of soil using soil stabilisation is must. Using raw plastic bottles is non-traditional and
alternate method for the development of subgrade soil of pavement. The properties of
utilized soil can be significantly enhanced by the raw plastic bottles in the development
of road infrastructure.

This paper showed that the soil stabilisation enhances the physical properties
of soil such as increasing bearing capacity, shear strength etc. which can be carried out by
use of compaction or the addition of other suitable admixtures like cement, lime and waste
products such as fly ash, phosphogypsum and many others. The price to introduce these

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types of additives has also monotonously increased in the recent years which has opened
the door to develop other kinds of soil additive materials such as plastics, bamboo and
several others. Use of plastic products such as polythene products, bottles, PVC, etc. has
increased hazardous urge to various environmental burdens which is why the disposal of
the plastic wastes without causing any ecological hazards and ramifications has become a
real plight. Thus, using plastic bottles as a soil stability.

Soil stabilization is generally used for any method which is given to soil either
physically, chemically, mechanically, biologically or combinedly for modify the properties
of natural soil to meet an engineering purpose. Cement, bitumen, lime, chemical
stabilization, geotextile, grouting etc. are most commonly used materials and techniques
for stabilization of soil. The various methods of soil stabilization can be bifurcated into two
categories, i.e. mechanical and chemical stabilization. The process of changing the grading
of soil by mixing it with different grading of soils for achieving a compacted soil mass is
known as mechanical stabilization. While improving the soil properties by adding
chemically active materials is known as chemical stabilization. It is prime to know the
properties of soil before and after the soil stabilization. Based on the properties of soil,
suitable stabilization material and/or stabilization method should be selected. The selection
of material and technique for stabilization does also depends on compaction layer
thickness, compaction effort, mixing & spreading, selection of roller, sequence of
operation, curing, environmental and climatic conditions.

Since 1950, over 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic waste has been produced worldwide and
approx. 60 percent of that has ceased in landfills or in the natural environment. India

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contributes approx. 9.46 million tonnes of waste plastic annually, 40 percent of which
remains uncollected and 43 percent is used for packaging, most of which is single-use only.

India generates almost 62 million tons of municipal solid waste every year.
Almost 70% (43 million tonnes) of the waste is collected and only 20% (11.9 million
tonnes) waste is treated. About 50% (31 million tonnes) is dumped in landfill sites. It is
supposed to increase up to 165 million tons by 2030. Almost 4% plastic of toxic nature is
found in different forms in municipal solid waste.

Non‐biodegradability of waste plastic in the atmosphere has invoked

numerous obstacles for both urban and rural India. Some usual problems associated with
waste plastic generation are choking of drains, stagnation of water and release of toxic
gases upon open incineration. On the other hand the major threat to environment is the
disposal of plastic waste due to its non‐biodegradability.

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 2. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

The specific objectives of the present investigations are as listed

below.

 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.

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 3.MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

3.1 Materials
There were two materials used for this study: a representative black clay
soil type taken from Thirumangalam area in Tamil Nadu, India and rectangular PET
bottle strips. The strips were prepared from waste plastic bottles that were collected
from the nearby surroundings. The bottles were cleaned properly after collection and
cut into three different sized strips, manually using scissors . The strip sizes are shown
in Table belowStrip preparation.
Strip Width (mm) Length (mm)
1 5 7.5
2 10 15
3 15 20

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3.2 Material Characterization

The characterization of the soil sample taken for this study included particle
size distribution, Atterberg limit and specific gravity of soil tests. The sample soil
taken was sieved in order to take out any other impurities and unnecessary particles.
It was then prepared for testing according. Once sample preparation was done, sieve
analysis and hydrometer analysis were conducted to study the particle size distribution
of the soil. The tests were done as per and respectively. Plastic limit, liquid limit and
plasticity index of the soil were determinedy performing the Atterberg limit test. The
test was carried out as per using Casagrande’s apparatus. Specific gravity of the soil
on the other hand was determined from the specific gravity test in the geotechnical
laboratory. A specific gravity beaker and vacuum pump were used to carry out the test
as per . The specific gravity was taken as the ratio of the density of soil to the density
of water at the same temperature.

3.3 Material Mixing Method and Proportions

The PET fibers on the other hand were characterized as per size (length,
width and thickness), surface texture, shape and color. he plastic strips, which are
expected to act as soil reinforcements, were added to the soil in three different
percentages (0.5%, 1% and 2%) by mass of the soil. Table 2 shows the treatment levels
used for each strip while carrying out this study. Percentage by mass represents the
ratio of mass of plastic to mass of soil sample taken as a percentage.

The material used for experimental study was black cotton soil. The various laboratory
tests were performed on black cotton soil

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 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 GraviLiquid Limit
ii) iii) Plastic Limit iii) iv)
Standard proctor test iv) 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

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
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 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 RATIO SIZE OF PLASTIC STRIPS PERCENTAGE OF

PLASTIC
2 2X4 0.25%
3 2X6 0.50%
4 2X8 0.75%

TESTS PERFORMED

STANDARD PROCTOR COMPACTOR TEST FOR BLACK

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

P d =Dry Density of soil

M= Mass of soil w=
Water content

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CBR MRTHOD OF TESTING THE BLACK CLAY SOIL

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

15
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.

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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

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 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

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

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 7. SCOPE FOR FURTHER STUDY

ˆ The results of the study concluded that insertion of plastic waste material in clayey soils
would be productive for ground improvement and soil stabilization in geotechnical
engineering.
ˆ In the present study, different content of plastic waste in % by weight varying from 0%
to 2% were added into the soil.
ˆ The optimum moisture content(16.35%) and in the maximum dry density(1.72g/cc)
results respectively.
ˆ The swelling of the soil was reduced significantly at high percentages of plastic content
because of replacement in an equal mass of expansive soil by nonexpansive plastic.
ˆ Reduction in swelling.
ˆ Properties of soil can be improved by using waste plastic as stabilizer: - CBR
value(4.3%) and Increase the strength of soil. Reduction in consolidation settlement.

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 8. REFERENCES

1. Asst. Lech. Maha Hatem Nsaif (2013): ”behaviour off soils strengthened by
plastic waste materials” JED October 2013/vol. 17/no. 4.
2. Rajkumar Nagle (2014): ”comparative study of CBR of soil, reinforced with
natural waste plastic material” IJESR June 2014/ vol-4 /issue-6/304-308.
3. F.C. Chebet and D. Kalumba (2014):”laboratory investigation on re-using
polyethen (Plastic) bag waste material for soil reinforcement in geotechnical
engineering” CIVEJ June 2014/vol. 1/no. 1.
4. Dr. A.I. Dhatrak, S.D. Konmare (2015): ”performance of randomly oriented
plastic waste in flexible pavement” IJPRET march 2015/vol. 3/no. 9/193-
202.
5. Achmad Fauzi, Zuraidah Djauhari, and Usama Juniansyah Fauzi (2016):”Soil
engineering properties improvement by utilization of cut waste plastic and
crushed waste glass as additive” IJET February 2016/vol. 8/no. 1.

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 9. RESULT

For the soil sample the Free swell value is 73.6 %

For the soil sample the Specific Gravity value is 2.76
For the soil sample the Optimum moisture content( OMC)value is 16.35%
For the soil sample the CBR value is 4.3%

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 CO/PO/PSO MAPPING PROJECT WORK
Program Outcomes PSO’S

CO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2

CO-1 3 3 3 3 3 3

CO-2 3 3 3 3 3

CO-3 3 3 3 3 3

CO-4 3 3 3 3 3

CO-5 3 3 3 3 3

CO-6 3 3 3 3 3

CO-7 3 3 3 3

COURSE OUTCOMES:
CO 1 – Design / Develop sustainable solution for societal issues with environmental considerations
applying the basic engineering knowledge (Create)
CO2 – Analyze and review research literature to synthesize research methods including design of
experiments to provide valid conclusion. (Analyze)
CO3 – Utilize the new tools and appropriate techniques to provide valid conclusion following the
norms of engineering practice. (Apply)
CO4 – Test and evaluate the performance of the developed solution using appropriate techniques and
tools. (Evaluate)
CO5 – Apply management principles to function effectively in the project team for project execution.
(Apply)
CO6 – Engage in learning for project implementation in the broadest context of Technological change
with consideration for public health, safety, cultural and social needs. (Apply)
CO7 – Write effective reports and make clear presentation to the engineering community and society.
(Apply)

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 PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Engineering Knowledge
PO1 Apply the knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering fundamentals,
and an engineering specialization to the solution of complex engineering
Problem Analysis
PO2 Identify, formulate, review research literature, and analyze complex engineering
problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics,
natural sciences and engineering sciences.
Design/Development of Solutions
Design solutions for complex engineering problems and design system
PO3 components or processes that meet the specified needs with appropriate

consideration for the public health and safety, and the cultural, societal, and
environmental considerations.
Conduct Investigations of Complex Problems
PO4 Use research-based knowledge and research methods including design of

experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and synthesis of the information

to provide valid conclusions for complex problems.
Modern Tool Usage
PO5 Create, select, and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern

engineering and IT tools including prediction and modeling to complex engineering

activities with an understanding of the limitations.
The Engineer and Society
PO6 Apply reasoning informed by the contextual knowledge to assess societal, health,

safety, legal and cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities relevant to the
professional engineering practice.
Environment and Sustainability
PO7 Understand the impact of the professional engineering solutions in societal and

environmental contexts, and demonstrate the knowledge of, and need for
sustainable development.

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 Ethics
PO8 Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and
norms of the engineering practice.

Individual and Team Work

PO9 Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader in diverse teams,
and in multidisciplinary settings.
Communication
Communicate effectively on complex engineering activities with the engineering
PO10 community and with society at large, such as, being able to comprehend and write
effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, and give
and receive clear instructions.
Project Management and Finance
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the engineering and management
PO11
principles and apply these to one’s own work, as a member and leader in a team,
to manage projects and in multidisciplinary environments.
Life-long Learning
Recognize the need for, and have the preparation and ability to engage in
PO12
independent and life-long learning in the broadest context of technological
change.

PSO NO. PROGRAM SPECIFIC OUTCOMES

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 Design, Create and maintain safe and cost effective Structural systems.
PSO1

Design Hydraulic and Water supply systems with environmental concern for
PSO2 sustainable development

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