International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 8 Issue 3, May-June 2024 Available Online: [Link] e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

Enhancing the Properties of Expansive Soil

Stabilized with Sisal Fibre and Fly Ash
Sunil Kumar1, Er. Raj Bala2
1
M Tech Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, 2Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering,
1,2
Jan Nayak Chaudhary Devi Lal Memorial College of Engineering, Sirsa, Haryana, India

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: Sunil Kumar |

This study delves into the efficacy of employing fly ash (FA) and Er. Raj Bala "Enhancing the Properties
sisal fibers (SF) as additives for soil stabilization, with a focus on the of Expansive Soil Stabilized with Sisal
inherently fragile expansive soil found in the Sirsa, Haryana, region. Fibre and Fly Ash"
Given the pressing need for stable soil in construction endeavors, the Published in
International Journal
research examines both mechanical and chemical stabilization of Trend in
techniques. Through a series of experimental methods such as the Scientific Research
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test and Proctor compaction test, the and Development
study evaluates the impact of these additives on soil properties. (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456- IJTSRD64928
Results reveal that the incorporation of FA leads to notable 6470, Volume-8 |
enhancements in both maximum dry density (MDD) and CBR value, Issue-3, June 2024, pp.568-574, URL:
whereas the introduction of SF, serving as a tensional reinforcement, [Link]/papers/[Link]
decreases MDD while significantly augmenting CBR value, thus
showcasing its potential for soil improvement. Copyright © 2024 by author (s) and
International Journal of Trend in
Scientific Research and Development
Journal. This is an
Open Access article
distributed under the
terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)
([Link]

I. INTRODUCTION
There has been a notable increase in construction expenses, and the ongoing imperative for structural
endeavors globally, driven by the pressing demand for stability.
infrastructure development. This surge is primarily II. LITERATURE REVIEW
spurred by factors such as rapid population expansion, Priyanka Sharma et al. (2020) explored the strength
industrialization, and urbanization. In previous and durability properties of soil when combined with
decades, construction projects predominantly utilized an optimized ratio of rice husk ash (RHA) and sisal
land with sufficient bearing capacity or structurally fiber (SF). The study evaluated various geotechnical
suitable terrain for erecting residential complexes and properties such as unconfined compressive strength
other large-scale infrastructures. However, the present
(UCS), compaction, and preliminary tests on soil
scenario presents a challenge with a scarcity of samples with different proportions of RHA and SF.
suitable land due to the exponential population The findings indicated that the addition of SF and
growth. This scarcity extends to lands suitable for the RHA led to improvements in maximum dry density
construction of essential transportation networks like
and UCS, highlighting their potential for soil
roads, highways, railways, and airports, particularly as stabilization applications.
urban and rural areas merge.
S.M Kavita et al. (2019) conducted research to
Consequently, the construction industry is compelled examine the influence of sisal fiber on soil
to embark on projects utilizing any available land stabilization. Their findings revealed that the addition
parcel. Addressing this challenge necessitates of sisal fiber led to a slight increase in the liquid limit
innovative approaches to enhance soil properties. This of the soil. In contrast, the presence of polypropylene
need stems from various factors, including the limited fiber did not affect the liquid limit due to the water-
availability of land, stringent construction schedules, absorbing properties of sisal fibers. Yet, both sisal and
environmental considerations, high maintenance polypropylene fibers led to a reduction in the optimal

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moisture content (OMC) and an elevation in the characteristics, and shear strength parameters. The
maximum dry density (γd, max) when compared to study specifically examined the impact of blending
unstabilized soil. Moreover, a hybrid fiber expansive soils with an optimal quantity of Quarry
combination consisting of 0.3% sisal and 0.3% Dust (QD), set at 45%. Through their experimentation,
polypropylene achieved the highest dry density. The the researchers observed noteworthy trends.
inclusion of fibers also resulted in significant
They found that augmenting the lime content led to
enhancements in unconfined compressive strength
notable alterations in several key parameters of the
(UCC) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values,
soil. Notably, there were reductions in the liquid limit,
thereby improving soil stability. Overall, the hybrid
plasticity index, and maximum dry density with
fiber combination was deemed an excellent ground
increasing lime content. Conversely, other properties
improvement technique in geotechnical engineering.
exhibited an upward trend. The plastic limit, shrinkage
Anil Kumar Sharma et al. (2019) directed their limit, cohesion, angle of internal friction, and
attention toward augmenting the load-bearing Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) of the soil-QD
capability of soil through the stabilization process blends all demonstrated increases.
involving bottom ash (BA) and reinforcement using
This detailed investigation sheds light on the intricate
sisal fibers. Given the cost and availability constraints
interplay between lime content, Quarry Dust
associated with synthetic fibers, the study explored the
percentage, and various soil characteristics, providing
use of waste product BA and sisal fibers as viable
valuable insights for soil stabilization and engineering
alternatives.
applications.
Soil samples containing different proportions of BA
Agarwal & Gupta (2011) highlighted the positive
and sisal fibers underwent a series of laboratory
impact of adding QD to expansive soil to enhance
experiments, including compaction and unconfined
stability, particularly in the highway sector.
compression strength tests. The findings
unequivocally favored sisal fibers over polyvinyl III. MATERIAL USED
alcohol (PVA) fibers, emphasizing their effectiveness In this comprehensive study, the two distinct soil
in soil stabilization. types are investigated, denoted as Soil1 and Soil2. A
comprehensive compilation of the properties of the
Sachin N Bhavsar et al. (2013) meticulously
filler material utilized in the study, specifically Fly
conducted a series of comprehensive tests including
Ash (FA). For a thorough understanding of the
Atterberg’s limit tests, linear shrinkage tests, free
reinforcing agent employed,
swell index evaluations, and modified proctor tests.
Their research focused on analyzing the behavior of Soil Properties Comparison
black cotton soil in conjunction with marble dust Soil Soil
Properties
sourced from Gandhi nagar. 1 2
Sabat et al. (2013) explored an in-depth investigation Liquid limit value in (%) 32 48
into the effects of blending quantities of QD (Quarry Plastic limit value in (%) 12 23
Dust) and FA (Fly Ash) across a range of proportions Plasticity Index value in % 20 25
on the mechanical characteristics of expansive soil. Maximum Dry Density (in g/cc) 1.42 1.57
They observed that with increasing proportions of
both FA and QD, key parameters such as the OMC (in %) 21 24
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Maximum Dry Sand (%) 44 32
Density (MDD), as well as the Optimum Moisture Silt (%) 18 22
Content (OMC), experienced a decline. Additionally,
Clay (%) 38 46
the swell pressure exhibited a decreasing trend with
the rise in the percentages of FA and QD. After Unconfined Compressive
57.1 73.41
thorough analysis, the study identified the most Strength test (UCS) –kN/m2
favorable blend of FA and QD to be at a proportion of Filler
45%. The study aims to economically incorporate fly ash
Sabat et al. (2012) conducted a comprehensive study into Soil 1 and Soil 2 blends, with a ratio of 70% fly
focusing on expansive soils, wherein they performed a ash to 30% soil. By doing so, the research aims to
series of tests to evaluate different properties. These mitigate the environmental impact of fly ash disposal
tests encompassed Atterberg's limit, compaction while simultaneously reducing the reliance on landfill
space for waste management purposes

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Properties of Fly Ash placed inside.
Properties Fly Ash 7. The soil is then carefully layered within the mold
Liquid limit value in (%) 84% in three distinct layers, with each layer compacted
Plastic limit value in (%) Non plastic using a predetermined number of blows, ensuring
Specific gravity 2.09 uniform density distribution and eliminating air
MDD (kN/m3) 13.2 voids.
Optimum MoistureContent (%) 13
Gravel 00 8. Post-compaction, the extension collar is removed,
Sand (%) 15.20 and any excess soil protruding from the mold's top
surface is trimmed to ensure a smooth, even
Silt (%) 82.65
finish, minimizing potential irregularities in
Clay (%) 2.1
subsequent measurements.
Properties of Sisal Fibre
9. Subsequent specimens are subjected to the same
Property Value meticulous compaction procedure, maintaining
Average Diameter (mm) 0.8 to 1.2 consistency and accuracy across all samples.
Average Tensile Strength (N/mm2) 385 to 728
Density (g/cc) 1.58 10. Following compaction, the spacer disk and base
plate are detached, and the combined weight of the
IV. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE mold and compacted soil is meticulously
CBR Test measured, providing crucial data for subsequent
The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test, a analysis.
fundamental procedure in geotechnical engineering,
serves to assess soil strength and its capacity to bear 11. The final step involves the inversion of the mold
loads, particularly pertinent in pavement design and and soil assembly, with the base plate securely
construction endeavors reattached to the mold using coarse filter paper,
1. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test ensuring stability during subsequent testing phases
encompasses a detailed procedure for the and facilitating accurate measurement procedures.
preparation and soaking of specimens, ensuring For the soaking process:
accuracy in the assessment of soil strength. Here's 1. A predetermined amount of surcharge weight is
an expanded breakdown of the steps involved: carefully positioned on the top of the base plate.
2. Initially, the soil specimen undergoes sieving 2. The specimen undergoes immersion in a water
using a ¾ inch (19 mm) sieve. Any residue tank for an approximate duration of 4 days,
remaining on the sieve prompts an equal addition equivalent to 96 hours.
of material, comprised of particles passing through
the sieve and retained on the #4 sieve, to the 3. Both before and after the soaking period, the
specimen. height of the specimen is meticulously measured
to ascertain the swell percentage.
3. Following sieving, three sample specimens, each
comprising 6.8 kg (15 lb) of soil, are meticulously 4. Following the soaking phase, the mold, along with
prepared, ensuring consistency and the base plate, filter paper, and surcharge weights,
representativeness. are meticulously removed, and the combined mass
of the mold and soil is meticulously determined.
4. Compaction of the specimens is conducted with
varying numbers of blows, tailored to achieve V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
diverse percentages of maximum dry density, a Influence of Maximum dry density of Soil 1 with
critical factor influencing soil stability. Fly Ash
The results obtained from utilizing FA powder mixed
5. Throughout the process, optimal water content is with Soil 1 at a ratio of 70:30. The highest recorded
maintained by carefully adding appropriate maximum dry density achieved was 1.54 g/cc,
quantities of water to the specimens, ensuring accompanied by an optimal moisture content of 20%.
uniformity and reliability in test results.
Sr. No. OMC (%) MDD (g/cc)
6. The assembly of the test mold begins by attaching 1 16 1.44
it to the base plate with the extension collar, 2 18 1.49
facilitating controlled compaction and 3 20 1.54
measurement procedures. Prior to filling the mold, 4 21 1.50
a spacer disk and filter paper are strategically

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OMC-MDD Curve of Soil-1 with 70:30 FA

Influence of Maximum Dry Density of Soil 2 with Fly Ash
The FA powder with a 70:30 percentage of Soil 2 yielded the highest maximum dry density of 1.56g/cc, which
corresponds to an ideal moisture content of 21%.
Sr. No. OMC (%) MDD (g/cc)
1 19 1.50
2 20 1.52
3 21 1.56
4 21.5 1.53

Figure Variation of OMC-MDD for Soil 2 with fly ash 70:30

Influence of Maximum dry density of Soil 1 with Fly Ash and SF
As per previous experiment we noted that the FA powder with a 70:30 percentage of Soil 1 yielded the highest
maximum dry density of 1.54g/cc, which corresponds to an ideal moisture content of 20%

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Soil1+FA+%SF. OMC (%) MDD (g/cc)
0 20 1.54
10 20 1.52
20 20 1.50
30 20 1.49

Influence of Maximum dry density of Soil 2 with Fly Ash and SF

As per previous experiment we noted that the FA powder with a 70:30 percentage of Soil 2 yielded the highest
maximum dry density of 1.56g/cc, which corresponds to an ideal moisture content of 21%
Soil2+FA+%SF. OMC (%) MDD (g/cc)
0 21 1.56
10 21 1.55
20 21 1.52
30 21 1.50

MDD (g/cc) of Soil 2 with 70:30 FA with varying SF

1.57
1.56
1.56
1.55
Maximum Dry Density in g/cc

1.55
1.54
1.53
1.52
1.52
1.51
1.5
1.5
1.49
1.48
1.47
0 10 20 30
% Sisal Fibre

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In the soil testing procedure, a mold is initially filled with the soil specimen and compacted using a rammer.
Subsequently, the mold is immersed in water for a specified duration. Following this, a loading machine is
employed to exert force on a plunger, which penetrates the soil mold gradually under increasing load. Attached
to the machine are a proving ring and a dial gauge; the former measures the applied load, while the latter
indicates the depth of penetration. Corresponding load values are recorded for specific penetration depths,
forming the basis for plotting a stress-versus-penetration curve.
From this curve, stress values corresponding to 1-inch (2.54 mm) and 2-inch (5.08 mm) penetrations are
extracted. These stress values are then utilized in the relevant equation to compute the California Bearing Ratio
(CBR) value.
The apparatus required for conducting the Laboratory California Bearing Ratio Test includes a loading machine,
penetration piston, sieves, mold, spacer disk, and mixing tools.
In the subsequent section, the CBR values for Soil 1 and Soil 2, incorporating Fly Ash (FA) in a 70:30 ratio with
varying percentages of Sisal Fiber, will be delineated.
VI. CONCLUSION Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 27, 217–226.
The expansive soil sample taken for this study is of
[3] Alawaji, H. A. (2001). Settlement and bearing
fragile nature. The waste products like Sisal Fibre and
capacity of geogrid-reinforced sand over
FA that are abundantly available nearby sampling
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