CHAPTER 7

Introduction:
In this Chapter the laboratory plate load tests results and analysis have been discussed for
black cotton soil treated with stabilisers.
Effect of optimum stabilisers on the load- deformation behaviour of black cotton soil:
Plate load tests are the most promising method of determining the load-deflection of subgrade
it is conducted to evaluate the supporting power of subgrade. Data from the tests are
applicable for the design of both flexible and rigid pavement, in the present study, an attempt
has been made to study the structural characteristics of the clayey soil and clay soil stabilized
with various percentages of Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS),Road building
international (RBI-81) , coir fiber and polypropylene fiber under plate load tests to investigate
the load deflection characteristics of clayey soil and different combinations of soil stabilized
with above said stabilisers.
EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME
The experimental programme to study the strength behaviour of black cotton soil
treated with different stabilizer have been shown in Table2. The study of strength properties
have been planned for black cotton soil treated with optimum percentage of GGBS, RBI-81,
coir fiber and polypropylene fiber. Optimum percentages of stabilisers are mixed with black
cotton soil and load deformation characteristics are studied. The optimum percentage of
stabilisers used is decided on the basis of higher UCS value. The following table 1 shows the
optimum percentage of stabilizer.

Table 1 optimum percentage of stabilisers

Optimum

Material
RBI-81
Polypropylene(PPF)
RBI+PPF
Coir fiber(CF)
GGBS

content
8%
2%
3%+0.75%
0.3%
10%

Combination

Experiments Conducted

BC Alone

Static plate load test and cyclic plate load

test

BC soil +8% RBI Grade 81

Static plate load test and cyclic plate load test

BC Soil Alone+2.0% Polypropylene

Fibers(PPF)
BC Soil+3% RBI+0.75% PPF

Static plate load test and cyclic plate load

test
Static plate load test and cyclic plate
load test

BC soil +0.3%Coir Fiber

BC soil + Ground granulated blast furnace

Static plate load test and cyclic plate

load test
Static plate load test and cyclic plate
load test

slag(GGBS)

Table 2 Experimental Programme for BC Soil and Additives

Plate load test:

The various studies that are carried out during the present work on the prepared test layer
are static plate load test and cyclic plate load test. Both these Plate load tests are conducted
after the compaction of prepared layers in a model box. A galvanised iron tank of size 1.2m x
1.2m x 1m was used in the present study. The side of the model box was stiffened by
providing two diagonal struts of steel angle sections on each side. For testing model box a
self straining type loading frame of 5T capacity and a mechanical jack was used for
performing static and cyclic plate load tests. Circular steel plate was used to exert pressure on
the prepared bed, Soil was treated with stabilizers used in the investigation. Percentage of
stabilizer used is decided on the basis of higher UCS value. Tested layer is of 200mm thick is
considered. Soil is mixed with required amount of stabilizer and optimum amount of moisture
is added which is obtained from compaction tests. Such soil mixed is compacted in model
box in two layers of 100mm each.
The plate-load test is conducted to evaluate the supporting power of subgrade, data from
the tests are applicable for the design of both flexible and rigid pavements. Circular plates
were used for conducting the plate load test. The load was applied to the plates by means of

hydraulic jack. Deflection of the plate was measured by means of deflection dial gauges
placed usually at near its outer edge. To minimise the bending, a series of stacked plates was
used. The load deformation values were recorded by applying incremental loads through
hydraulic jack. Precaution was then taken to ensure that the magnitude of load applied at the
surface subgrade level. The load was then released in stages and rebound deflection values
were recorded. Deflection measurements were also made at radial distances of 25 and 35cm
from the loaded point. This procedure was repeated for ten cycles and total and rebound
deflection values were recorded. The load v/s deformation and rebound curves are plotted
after each cycle of loading and unloading. The total plastic and elastic deformation were
calculated, the elastic modulus and modulus of subgrade reaction of stabilised soil was
computed. The variation of plastic and elastic deformation, elastic modulus (E) and modulus
of subgrade reaction (K) of stabilised soil with the number of cycles and their variation
different stabilisers are found out.

Load-Deflection characteristics of black cotton soil:

Typical sets of load-deflection curves are as shown in figures below. From the table 4 it is
observed that the settlement become closer after each cycle (one cycle consists of one loading
and one unloading), which signifies the reduction in settlement after each cycle. It is also
observed that the plastic deformation reduces and the elastic deformation increases as the
number of loading cycles increases. Test results have shown that the stabilized black cotton
soil improves the strength and stiffness of black cotton soil. Table presents the plate load test
results for stabilized soil. The load deflection data obtained from plate load tests were
analysed to calculate the Modulus of subgrade reaction (K) and Modulus of Elasticity (E)
values of black cotton soil. The modulus of subgrade reaction (Kg/cm 3) was evaluated using
the relation K=

p
where K=Modulus of subgrade reaction, =deflection (0.125cm) and

p=unit load on circular plate corresponding to deflection , kg/cm2 and Modulus of elasticity
(E) was evaluated from relation, = 1.18 x p x a / E, or E = 1.18 x a x K.
Table 3 plate load test results for black cotton soil alone:
LOAD in kg

AREA in cm2

PRESSURE in

SETTLEMENT in

0
250
500
750
1000
1250
1500
1750
2000
2250
2500

706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85

kg/cm2
0.00
0.35
0.71
1.06
1.41
1.77
2.12
2.48
2.83
3.18
3.54

mm
0.00
0.28
0.84
1.28
1.75
2.28
2.73
3.36
4.13
4.13
3.90

Fig 1 load deformation curve of black cotton soil

K = Pressure / 0.125 = 1/0.125 = 8.00 kg/cm3
Modulus of subgrade reaction (K) = 8.00 kg/cm3

or

78480 kN/m3

W r t, = 1.18 x p x a / E, K = p / , E = 1.18 x a x K
Here, a = radius of plate, p = pressure = 1.18 x 15 x 8.00 = 141.60 kg/cm2
Modulus of Elasticity (E) = 141.60 kg/cm2
or
13890.96 kN/m2
From the above investigation it is found that the Modulus of subgrade reaction (K) and
Modulus of elasticity (E) for BC soil alone is 78480 kN/m3 and 13890.96 kN/m2 respectively.

Cycles

Total deflection in mm

plastic deflection in mm

elastic deflection in mm

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

0.280
0.835
1.275
1.750
2.275
2.730
3.360
4.125

0.235
0.705
1.035
1.330
1.595
1.850
2.400
2.925

0.045
0.130
0.240
0.420
0.680
0.880
0.960
1.200

4.365

3.125

1.240

10

4.580

3.260

1.320

Table 4 Cyclic plate load test of Black cotton soil

From Table 4, it is found that there is an increase in the elastic deformation with the increase
in number of cycle, but the rate of increase of elastic deformation is found to be more in
black cotton soil alone. From the present investigation, At the 10 th cycle the total deflection is
4.58mm when tested by of 30cm diameter plate. After the application of correction for
modulus of sub grade reaction it is found that, there is an increase in K with the increase in
number of cycles, but the increase of K is considered as not more significant for black
cotton soil alone. There is an increase in modulus of elasticity E with the increase in number
of cycles. Similarly rate of increase of E is found to be more significant for black cotton
soil.

Table 5 Plate load test results of black cotton soil with RBI-81
LOAD in kg

AREA in cm2

PRESSURE in kg/cm2

SETTLEMENT in mm

706.85

0.00

250

706.85

0.35

0.34

500

706.85

0.71

0.88

750

706.85

1.06

1.34

1000

706.85

1.41

1.71

1250

706.85

1.77

2.07

1500

706.85

2.12

2.50

1750

706.85

2.48

2.98

2000

706.85

2.83

3.50

2250

706.85

3.18

4.05

2500

706.85

3.54

4.60

Fig 3 Load deformation curve for RBI 81 stabilised black cotton soil
K = Pressure / 0.125 = 1.05/0.125 = 8.40 kg/cm3
Modulus of subgrade reaction (K) = 8.40 kg/cm3
W r t, = 1.18 * p * a / E ,

K=p/ ,

or

82404 kN/m3

E = 1.18 * a * K

E = 1.18 * 15 * 8.4 = 148.68 kg/cm2

Modulus of Elasticity (E) = 148.68 kg/cm2

or

14585.50 kN/m2

From the Table 7 and Fig 3 it is found that the Modulus of subgrade reaction (K) and
Modulus of Elasticity (E) is found to be 82404 kN/m3 and 14585.5 kN/m2 for Black Cotton
soil stabilised with RBI-81.

Table 6 cyclic plate load test of Black cotton soil treated with RBI Grade-81

Cycles

Total deflection in mm

Plastic deflection in mm

Elastic deflection in mm

0.340

0.330

0.010

0.875

0.790

0.085

1.340

1.165

0.175

1.710

1.41

0.300

2.065

1.685

0.380

2.500

2.00

0.500

2.980

2.405

0.575

3.500

2.840

0.660

4.045

3.270

0.775

10

4.600

3.790

0.810

From Table 6. It is found that there is an increase in the elastic deformation with the increase
in number of cycle, but the rate of increase of elastic deformation is found to be more
predominant for RBI stabilized soil when compared to black cotton soil alone. From the
present investigation, At the 10th cycle the total deflection is 4.60mm when tested by of 30cm
diameter plate. After the application of correction for modulus of sub grade reaction it is
found that, there is an increase in K with the increase in number of cycles, but the increase
of K is found to be more significant for RBI stabilized soil. There is an increase in modulus
of elasticity E with the increase in number of cycles. Similarly rate of increase of E is
found to be more significant for RBI stabilized soil.

Table 7 plate load test for black cotton soil stabilised with PPF
LOAD in kg

AREA in cm^2

0
250
500
750
1000
1250

706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85

PRESSURE in
kg/cm^2
0.00
0.35
0.71
1.06
1.41
1.77

SETTLEMENT in
mm
0
0.19
0.34
0.52
0.75
0.88

1500
1750
2000
2250
2500

706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85

2.12
2.48
2.83
3.18
3.54

1.09
1.32
1.51
1.61
1.72

Fig 4 Load deformation curve for PPF stabilised black cotton soil
K = Pressure / 0.125 = 2.6/0.125 = 20.80 kg/cm3
Modulus of subgrade reaction (K) = 20.80 kg/cm3
w k t, = 1.18 * p * a / E ,

K=p/ ,

or

196980 kN/m3

E = 1.18 * a * K

E = 1.18 * 15 * 20.8 = 355.416 kg/cm2

Modulus of Elasticity (E) = 355.416 kg/cm2

or

34866.30 kN/m2

From the above table 7 and fig4 it is found that the Modulus of subgrade reaction (K) and
Modulus of elasticity is 196980 kN/m3 and 34866.3 kN/m2 for Black cotton soil stabilised
with PPF.
Table 8 cyclic plate load test for soil treated with Polypropylene fiber
Cycles

Total deflection in mm

Plastic deflection in mm

Elastic deflection in mm

0.190

0.110

0.080

0.335

0.215

0.120

0.520

0.340

0.180

0.750

0.310

0.440

0.880

0.375

0.505

1.085

0.505

0.580

1.210

0.585

0.625

1.320

0.660

0.660

1.510

0.700

0.810

10

1.610

0.775

0.835

From table 8 It is found that there is an increase in the elastic deformation with the increase in
number of cycle. But the rate of increase of elastic deformation is found to be more
predominant for PPF stabilized soil when compared to Black cotton soil alone. From the
present investigation, At the 10th cycle the total deflection is 1.61mm when tested by 30cm
diameter plate, After the application of correction for modulus of sub grade reaction it is
found that, there is an increase in K with the increase in number of cycles. But the increase
of K is found to be more significant for PPF stabilized soil. There is an increase in modulus
of elasticity E with the increase in number of cycles, similarly rate of increase of E is
found to be more significant for PPF stabilized soil.

Table 9 Plate load test results of black cotton soil stabilised with RBI and PPF:
LOAD in kg

AREA in cm^2

0
250
500
750
1000

706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85

PRESSURE in
kg/cm^2
0.00
0.35
0.71
1.06
1.41

SETTLEMENT in
mm
0
0.29
0.65
1.01
1.30

1250
1500
1750
2000
2250
2500

706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85

1.77
2.12
2.48
2.83
3.18
3.54

1.64
2.06
2.40
2.79
3.40
3.90

Fig 7 Load deformation curve of black cotton soil stabilised with RBI & PPF
K = Pressure / 0.125 = 1.35/0.125 = 10.80 kg/cm3
Modulus of subgrade reaction (K) = 10.80 kg/cm3
W r t, = 1.18 x p x a / E,

K = p / ,

or

105948 kN/m3

E = 1.18 x a x K

E = 1.18 x 15 x 10.8 = 191.16 kg/cm2

Modulus of Elasticity (E) = 191.16 kg/cm2

or

18752.79 kN/m2

From the Table 9 and Fig 7 it is found that the Modulus of subgrade reaction and modulus of
elasticity is 105948 kN/m3 and 18752.79 kN/m2 for BC soil stabilised with RBI and PPF.

Cycles

Total Deflection in mm

Plastic Deflection in mm

Elastic Deflection in mm

0.28

0.19

0.09

0.65

0.46

0.19

1.01

0.76

0.25

1.29

0.93

0.36

1.63

1.23

0.4

2.06

1.47

0.59

2.4

1.8

0.6

2.79

2.22

0.57

2.49

0.91

3.12

0.78

3.4

9
10

3.9

Table 10 Cyclic Plate load test for black cotton soil stabilized with RBI and PPF

It is found from table 10 that there is an increase in the elastic deformation with the increase
in number of cycle. But the rate of increase of elastic deformation is found to be more
predominant for soil stabilized with RBI and PPF when compared to black cotton soil alone.
From the present investigation, the total deflection after completing 10 th cycle is 3.90 mm.
After the application of correction for modulus of sub grade reaction it is found that, there is
an increase in K with the increase in number of cycles. But the increase of K is found to be
more significant for soil stabilized with RBI and PPF. It is found that, there is an increase in
modulus of elasticity E with the increase in number of cycles, similarly rate of increase of
E is found to be more soil stabilized with RBI and PPF.

Table 11 Plate load test results of black cotton soil stabilised with coirfiber:

LOAD in kg

AREA in cm2

0
250
500
750
1000
1250
1500
1750
2000
2250
2500

706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85
706.85

PRESSURE in

SETTLEMENT in

Kg/cm2
0.00
0.35
0.71
1.06
1.41
1.77
2.12
2.48
2.83
3.18
3.54

mm
0.00
0.26
0.65
1.05
1.40
2.01
3.30
4.16
5.25
6.37
6.67

Fig 8 Load deformation curve of black cotton soil stabilised with coir fiber
K = Pressure / 0.125 = 1.35/0.125 = 10.8 kg/cm3
Modulus of subgrade reaction (K) = 10.8 kg/cm3
W r t, = 1.18 x p x a / E,
kg/cm2

or

K = p / , E = 1.18 x a x K,

Modulus of Elasticity (E) = 191.16 kg/cm2

105948.00 kN/m3
E = 1.18 x 15 x 10.8 = 191.16

or

18752.796 kN/m2

The maximum density is 1.77 g/cc for BC soil treated with 0.3 % coir fiber. In case of black
cotton soil treated with 0.2 % and 0.3 % of coir fiber, it is found that the dry density increases
with increase in optimum moisture content. Further increase in percentage of coir fiber from
0.4 % to 0.5 %, there is decrease in dry density. This is due to addition of coir fiber results
increase in tendency of moisture attraction From Table 15 and fig 8 it is found that the
Modulus of subgrade reaction and modulus of elasticity is 105948 kN/m 3 and 18752.79
kN/m2 for BC soil stabilised with coir fiber.

Table 12 cyclic plate load test of Black cotton soil treated with Coir Fiber
Cycles
Cycles
1
2 1
3

Total deflection in mm
0.260
0.350
0.650

Plastic deflection in mm
Plastic deflection in mm
0.210
0.0400.525

Elastic deflection in mm

Elastic deflection in mm
0.050
0.310 0.125

1.050
0.210
1.400
0.410
2.015
0.695
3.300

4.165
0.980

0.3503.325

5.250
1.290
6.375
1.570
6.675

4.215
0.480
5.175
0.6305.165

1.830

0.775

1.055

2.065

0.845

1.220

10

2.180

0.905

1.275

4
5

8
9

2
3

10 7

It

Total deflection in mm

0.0650.690
0.860
0.130
1.480
0.2402.550

0.145

0.455

0.750

0.630

0.840

0.280

0.810
0.940

0.360
0.540
0.535

1.035
1.200
1.510

is

found from table 16 that there is an increase in the elastic deformation with the increase in
number of cycle. But the rate of increase of elastic deformation is found to be more
predominant for soil stabilized with coirfiber when compared to black cotton soil alone. From
the present investigation, the total deflection after completing 10 th cycle is 6.675 mm. After
the application of correction for modulus of sub grade reaction it is found that, there is an
increase in K with the increase in number of cycles. But the increase of K is found to be
more significant for soil stabilized with coir fiber. It is found that, there is an increase in
modulus of elasticity E with the increase in number of cycles, similarly rate of increase of
E is found to be more soil stabilized with coirfiber.

Table 13 cyclic plate load test of Black cotton soil treated with Ground Granulated blast furnace
slag (GGBS)

Effect of GGBS
From Table 13, K-value is increased from 3.914 kg/cm 3 to 6.72 kg/cm3 and E-value is increased
from 138.768 kg/cm2 to 297.36 kg/cm2 when 10 % of GGBS is added to black cotton soil. The
maximum density is 1.809 g/cc for black cotton soil treated with 25 % GGBS. In case of black
cotton soil treated with 5.0 % to 25.0 % of GGBS, the dry density increases with gradual
decrease in optimum moisture content. This is due to increase in amount of GGBS requires
lesser optimum moisture content to obtain higher dry density. Higher amount of GGBS
decreases the repulsive pressure of soil particles, reducing the resistance to compactive effort
resulting in higher densities.

Table 13 K-Values and E-values for Black Cotton soil treated with various stabilizers

Particulars

K-Value in Kg/Cm3
for 30cm dia plate

K-Value in Kg/Cm3 for

75cm dia plate

E-Value in
Kg/cm2

Black Cotton soil alone

7.840

3.136

138.768

BC soil + Coir Fiber

9.920

3.968

175.584

BC soil + Polypropylene fiber

20.800

8.320

368.160

BC soil + RBI

8.000

3.200

141.600

BC soil + GGBS

16.800

6.720

297.360

Fig13

Variations of K, E and CBR Vs stabilisers

Discussion and Conclusions

Fibers such as Coir and Polypropylene when used in BC soil improve strength and
prevent brittle failure.

Addition of stabilizers such as cement RBI Grade-81, and GGBS to the BC soil
reduces the liquid limit and plasticity index of soil.

When cement, RBI Grade-81 and GGBS are used in the BC soil improves the
unconfined compressive strength of the specimens increases as the content of these
stabilizers increases. Adding of these stabilizers to the BC soil reduces the liquid limit
and increases plastic limit of soil.

Even though the cost of RBI Grade-81 stabilizer is more when compared to other

conventional stabilizers such as Cement, Fly ash and GGBS it gives more strength to
the pavement thereby decreasing pavement thickness.

Thickness required for pavement with stabilized soil subgrade is much lesser than un-

stabilized soil subgrade.

RBI Grade-81 is preferred for the case viz higher strength to improve the soil
characteristics and for higher life span of the pavement.

Black Cotton soil alone

The physical properties test on Black Cotton Soil has shown that Liquid Limit is
45.70 and Plastic Limit of Soil is 22.14. Hence the soil used for the investigation can

be treated as medium clayey soil.

The MDD and OMC of Black Cotton Soil are 1.670 g/cc and 20.08%.
The value of CBR is found to be 3.73%, the UCS parameter of the BC soil alone is

0.882 Kg/cm2.
From present investigations it is observed that, the K-value is 8 Kg/cm 3 and E-value is
138.768 Kg/cm2 in case of BC Soil alone.

Coir Fibers

It is observed that addition of coir fiber from 0.2 % to 0.5 % (at an increment of 0.1%)
results in the reduction of liquid limit from 45.70 to 39.96 and also the increase in
percentage of plastic limit from 22.14 to 26.89. Liquid limit decreases with increase in
percentage of coir fiber indicates minimum water content is required for soil to flow
under application of lower shearing force. In case of plastic limit, moisture necessary

for soil to remain in plastic state increases with increase in percentage of coir fiber.
The maximum density is 1.77 g/cc for BC soil treated with 0.3 % coir fiber. In case of
black cotton soil treated with 0.2 % and 0.3 % of coir fiber, it is found that the dry
density increases with increase in optimum moisture content. Further increase in
percentage of coir fiber from 0.4 % to 0.5 %, there is decrease in dry density. This is

due to addition of coir fiber results increase in tendency of moisture attraction.

The CBR value is increased from 3.73 % to 6.98 %, when 0.5 % of coir fiber is added
to black cotton soil. The increase in strength is due to the reinforcement phenomenon of
coir fiber. The CBR value increased by 1.87 times, when compared to black cotton soil

alone.
Unconfined compressive strength is 11.808 kg/cm2 for 28 days cured specimen, when
BC soil is treated with 0.5 % coir fiber. It is observed that addition of 0.5 % coir fiber
shows significant increase in the unconfined compressive strength with 28 days curing

period. Addition of coir fiber denotes an increase in reinforcement action with increase

in curing period.
The K-value is increased from 3.914 kg/cm3 to 3.968 kg/cm3 and E-value is increased
from 138.768 kg/cm2 to 175.584 kg/cm2 when 0.5 % of coir fiber is added to black
cotton soil.

Polypropylene Fibers

It is observed that addition of polypropylene fibers from 0.5% to 2% (at an increment of

0.5%) results in the increase of liquid Limit from 43.90 to 50.00 and also the increase in
percentage of plastic limit from 20.00 to 21.97. Increase in liquid limit with percentage
of polypropylene fiber indicates water content required for soil to flow under
application of lower shearing force increases with increase in percentage of

polypropylene fiber.
Maximum density is 1.848 g/cc for black cotton soil treated with 0.5 % of
polypropylene fiber. In case of black cotton soil treated with 1.0 % to 2.0 % of
polypropylene fiber, it is found that dry density decreases with increase in optimum

moisture content.
The CBR value is increased from 3.73 % to 5.13 % when 2.0 % of polypropylene fiber
is added to black cotton soil. Increase in strength is due to the reinforcement
phenomenon which is similar to coir fiber stabilization. The CBR value increased by

1.37 times when compared to black cotton soil alone.

Unconfined compressive strength is 2.323 kg/cm2 for zero day cured specimen, when
black cotton soil is treated with 2.0 % polypropylene fiber. It is observed that addition
of 2.0 % polypropylene fiber shows gradual increase in unconfined compressive
strength with zero day curing periods. This is due to the increase in reinforcement

action by addition of polypropylene fiber.

The K-value is increased from 3.914 kg/cm3 to 8.32 kg/cm3 and E-value is increased
from 138.768 kg/cm2 to 368.16 kg/cm2 when 2.0 % of polypropylene fiber is added to
black cotton soil.

RBI Grade 81

From Table 4.8, it is observed that the addition of RBI Grade-81 from 2.0 % to 8.0 %
(at an increment of 2.0%) results in the reduction of liquid limit from 44.60 to 38.90 and

plastic limit from 23.90 to 26.66. Liquid limit decreases with the increase in percentage
of RBI Grade-81. This is due to presence of cementitious particle in RBI-Grade-81
resulting in reduction of moisture movement. Also plasticity index decreases rapidly

with increase in addition of RBI Grade-81 to black cotton soil.

The maximum dry density is 1.77 g/cc for black cotton soil treated with 8.0 % RBI
Grade-81. Increase in percentage of RBI Grade-81 from 2.0 % to 8.0 %, results in

increase in dry density with gradual increase in optimum moisture content.

The CBR value increased from 3.73 % to 41.90 % when 8.0 % of RBI Grade-81 is
added to black cotton soil. This increase in strength is due to chemical reactions
between soil and RBI Grade-81. Presence of polypropylene fiber in RBI Grade-81
increases the strength by reinforcement phenomenon. The CBR value increased by

11.23 times when compared to black cotton soil alone.

When black cotton soil treated with 8.0 % of RBI Grade-81, unconfined compressive
strength is 17.22 kg/cm2 for 28 days cured specimen. Increase in unconfined
compressive strength is due to increase in percentage of RBI Grade-81 from 2.0 % to
8.0 % and increase in curing period. Presence of chemicals in RBI Grade-81 and
polypropylene fibers increases the bonding between soil and RBI Grade-81 and hence

the strength increases.

From table 4.21, K-value is 3.21 kg/cm 3 and E-value is 141.60 kg/cm2 for 8.0 % of RBI
Grade-81 added to black cotton soil.

Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS)

the addition of GGBS from 5.0 % to 25.0 % (at an increment of 5.0%) results in the
reduction of liquid limit from 42.35 to 35.30 and plastic limit from 29.16 to 23.21.
Increase in addition of GGBS results in decrease of liquid limit due to the effect of
dilution. Plastic limit also decreases due to the finer particles of GGBS get filled into

the voids of soil and resulting in lower water content to remain in plastic state.
The maximum density is 1.809 g/cc for black cotton soil treated with 25 % GGBS. In case of
black cotton soil treated with 5.0 % to 25.0 % of GGBS, the dry density increases with gradual
decrease in optimum moisture content. This is due to increase in amount of GGBS requires
lesser optimum moisture content to obtain higher dry density. Higher amount of GGBS
decreases the repulsive pressure of soil particles, reducing the resistance to compactive effort
resulting in higher densities.

The CBR value is increased from 3.73 % to 9.01% when 25 % of GGBS is added to black
cotton soil. Increase in CBR of soil is due to cementatious action by pozzolanic compounds
present in GGBS. The CBR value is increased by 2.41 times when compared to black cotton
soil alone.
Unconfined compressive strength is 9.877 kg/cm2 for 28 days cured specimen, when black

cotton soil is treated with 10 % GGBS. The 28 day curing period shows higher strength which
means that the unconfined compressive strength increases with higher curing periods. The
variation in strength is due to variation in cohesion of the soil with increasing addition of
GGBS.
From Table 4.13, K-value is increased from 3.914 kg/cm 3 to 6.72 kg/cm3 and E-value is

increased from 138.768 kg/cm2 to 297.36 kg/cm2 when 10 % of GGBS is added to black cotton
soil.
Conclusions

Fibers such as Coir and Polypropylene when used in BC soil improve strength and prevent
brittle failure.

Addition of stabilizers such as cement, RBI Grade-81, Fly ash and GGBS to the BC soil
reduces the liquid limit and plasticity index of soil.

When cement, RBI Grade-81, Fly ash and GGBS are used in the BC soil improves the
unconfined compressive strength of the specimens increases as the content of these
stabilizers increases. Adding of these stabilizers to the BC soil reduces the liquid limit
and increases plastic limit of soil.

Even though the cost of RBI Grade-81 stabilizer is more when compared to other
conventional stabilizers such as Cement, Fly ash and GGBS it gives more strength to the
pavement thereby decreasing pavement thickness.

Thickness required for pavement with stabilized soil subgrade is much lesser than un-

stabilized soil subgrade.

RBI Grade-81 is preferred for the case viz higher CBR to improve the soil
characteristics and for higher life span of the pavement.