Enhancing the Geotechnical Properties of Black Cotton Soil using Terrazyme

Abstract

The cost, performance, durability, and time of every project are its most crucial components. Black cotton soil, due to its strong swelling and shrinkage qualities, also known as expansive clay soil and regur soil, presents considerable difficulties in building and agriculture. Building on black cotton soil has its challenges, including foundation and road settlement, among others. Due to the shortcomings of conventional soil stabilizing technologies, new ways for enhancing the engineering properties of soil are being investigated. There is a demand for the creation of novel techniques to enhance the geotechnical properties of soil due to the inefficiency and high costs associated with conventional methods. Study examines the use of terrazyme, a state-of-the-art enzymatic soil stabilizer, to improve the geotechnical properties of black cotton soil, optimum moisture content, maximum dry density, liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, and CBR test, which are used for pavement base courses, sub-base courses, and sub-grades. In this research paper, we mix the terrazyme at the rate of 200ml/2m3, 200ml/1.5m3, and 200ml/1m3 in black cotton soil to enhance the geotechnical properties of Black cotton soil and we get the best result of mix proportion of terrazyme at the rate of 200ml/1.5m3

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Black cotton soil, renowned for its unique composition and challenging geotechnical characteristics, has long posed a significant hurdle in construction and infrastructure development.

The inherent expansiveness and high plasticity of this soil type often lead to substantial foundation problems, risking the stability and longevity of structures built upon it.

In recent years, however, a ground breaking solution has emerged in the form of terrazyme – A natural biotechnological catalyst that holds the promise to transform the geotechnical characteristics of black cotton soil.

This paper delves into the transformative journey of harnessing terrazyme for the enhancement of geotechnical properties in black cotton soil.

Terrazyme, derived from microbial sources, brings a novel and eco-friendly approach to soil stabilization, presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical stabilizers.

As we navigate through the literature, we will investigate the fundamental mechanism of terrazyme action, its influence on soil structure and the consequent enhancement in critical geotechnical parameters.

II. OBJECTIVE

1. Asses the current state of research and development in the field of geotechnical engineering, specifically focusing on the utilization of Terrazyme for improving the properties of black cotton soil.
2. Investigate the optimal dosages and treatment durations of the terrazyme application, aiming to identify the most effective conditions for achieving desired improvements in geotechnical properties.
3. Terrazyme dosages to suit the specific characteristics of various subtypes within the black cotton soil category, recognizing that distinct variations may demand customized treatments to achieve optimal geotechnical improvements.

III. LITERATURE REVIEW

Priyanka Vaishnava et al. (2015) conducted a study about the different dosages of terrazyme that were mixed with virgin soil (Dehradun) for various lengths of time. In this study, the result shows a noticeable improvement in the soil’s index properties, including specific gravity, maximum dry density, optimal moisture content, and California bearing ratio (both soaked and unsoaked).[1]

Mahesh C Swami et al. (2019) conducted a laboratory test and mainly focused on the plastic limit of Black cotton soil with various dosages of terrazyme like 0.25 ml, 0.50 ml, 0.75 ml. and 1ml per 100 ml of water. These dosages give favorable results regarding the geotechnical properties of soils which is useful in pavement construction including base courses, sub- base courses, and sub-grades.[2]

Abhishek Tiwari et al. (2019) research involves a series of tests conducted on both virgin soil and terrazyme mixed soil with various kinds of dosages like 0.5/0.75/1.5 cubic meters of soil per 200 ml terrazyme. Remarkable enhancements in soil engineering characteristics, encompassing specific gravity, consistency limits, optimum moisture content, maximum dry density, unconfined compressive strength, swelling index, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) in soaked conditions, manifest upon the incorporation of terrazyme into the soil sample. Also, it underlines that in order for terrazyme to have the intended benefits, the soil utilized must have at least 10% clay content.[3]

Pala Gireesh Kumar et al. (2020) tackle these difficulties and improvement the durability of construction, the investigation examines a ground enhancement method utilizing the bio enzyme. This   research added the terrazyme concentration in soil samples. In terrazyme dosage of 0.2-0.4 ml gives an effective and economically viable solution and also it stands out for its eco-friendly nature.[4]

Sukhdeep Singh et al. (2020) The study involves blending commercially obtained black cotton soil with Terrazyme at different proportions (ranging from 250ml/2m³ to 250ml/0.5m³) and subjecting the samples to tests during curing periods of 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days to assess the improvement in strength.

The experimental outcomes reveal a substantial enhancement in the strength of black cotton soil through Terrazyme stabilization. Specifically, the unrestrained compression strength values witnessed an increase from 40.25 to 73.33 across various Terrazyme ratios after a 28-day curing period. Additionally, the unsoaked CBR values exhibited a rise from 5.45 to 8.35, indicating a 53.21% improvement at the end of the 28-day period.[5]

V. Vasiya et al. (2021) In this study, the use of biodegradable Terrazyme in reinforcing black cotton soil, renowned for its high plasticity, was investigated through experimental research. Derived from vegetation through fermentation and extraction, Terrazyme demonstrated environmentally friendly traits, with its soluble nature in water. Varying proportions of terrazyme were incorporated into the soil in the study, revealing improvements in index properties and strength parameters. The optimal dosage was determined as 2% by weight of dry soil, resulting in reduced Atterberg’s limits, free swell index, and enhanced cohesion and shearing resistance in triaxial tests.[6]

Sanna Majoor et al. (2022) studied that the incorporation of biodegradable materials in geotechnical engineering has proven effective in strengthening unstable soil.

These materials, derived from plant fermentation and extraction, contribute to a reduction in void ratio, decreased water absorption, and enhanced compaction.

Terrazyme, characterized by its natural proteins, stands out for its environmentally friendly attributes and water solubility, devoid of toxicity. Black cotton soil, susceptible to high plasticity and swelling, is prone to issues such as foundation settlement due to moisture fluctuations.

This research investigates the reinforcement of black cotton soil with Terrazyme, assessing various proportions. Experimental findings demonstrate enhancements in both index properties and strength parameters, identifying an optimal Terrazyme dosage at 2% of the dry soil weight.[7]

K. Ashok et at. (2022) studied that the optimal terrazyme dosage, determined experimentally, ensures bio degradability without harm to the environment. Bio-enzymes, by reducing void spaces, minimizing water absorption and enhancing compaction play a vital role.

Terrazyme, a non-toxic, non-flammable liquid enzyme from vegetable extracts, expedites cationic exchange. Stabilized black cotton soil, evaluated at different curing periods and enzyme quantities, demonstrated increased strength, indicating enhanced bearing capacity and deformation resistance. [8]

IV.  METHODOLOGY

Methodology mainly consists of material collection. There are various procedures that are to involve in this work to make this project a successful outcome:

Conclusion

Conclusions from the experimental study- 1) Addition of terrazyme, there is some changes in value of liquid limit. In virgin black cotton soil, the liquid limit is 55% whereas with the dosage of terrazyme @200ml/2m3 the value of liquid limit has sudden drop and it reached to 48.34%. 2) Addition of terrazyme in FSI test, firstly there is not much variation of FSI value but as the dosage of terrazyme increased from 200ml/2m3 to 200ml/1m3, there is sudden drop in FSI value which shows the good results. The FSI value has been decreased from 46.15% to 19.05% which shows that terrazyme retains the black cotton soil from swelling. 3) MDD & OMC are corelated to each other. During the addition of terrazyme, we see the increment in the value of MDD as well as decreasing the value of OMC which are favorable. We get the best result of MDD & OMC when the dosage of terrazyme is 200ml/1.5m3 where the value of MDD is 1.789g/cc and value of OMC is 14.20%. 4) Since we know that the black cotton soil is expansive soil which means that it has low bearing capacity. But addition of terrazyme in black cotton soil, also give some good result in this test. There is some increment in the value of CBR which shows that there is some improvement in the bearing capacity of soil. The value of CBR has increased from 1.18% to 4.77% in soaked condition. 5) After completion of this experimental study, we mainly get some favorable result in all the geotechnical properties which we performed when the dosage of terrazyme is 200ml/1.5m3 except the value of FSI.

References

[1] Venika Saini, and Priyanka Vaishnava, (2015) “Soil Stabilization by using Terrazyme Journal-IJAET ISSN: 22311963, vol 8, issue 4, pp 566-573”. [2] Jagtap Balaji A., Awale Rohit D., Satpute Shrikrushna M., Giri Krishna H., Mahesh C Swami, (2019) “Stabilization of Black Cotton Soil using Terrazyme Journal- JETIR ISSN-2349-5162, Volume 6, Issue 4”. [3] Abhishek Tiwari, J.K. Sharma, V. Garg, (2019) “Stabilization of Expansive Soil using Terrazyme Conference Paper- Proceedings of the Indian Geotechnical Conference pp 113-125”. [4] Pala Gireesh kumar, Nagubandi Madhunika, Yakkala Sindhura, Saladi Dwarakamai, Addanki Praneetha, Talapanti Harika Sravani and Puchakayala Sridevi, (2020) “An Experimental Investigation on Soil Stabilization using Terrazyme Journal- IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering doi, :10.1088/1757-899X/1006/1/012023”. [5] Tajamul Farooq, Er. Sukhdeep Singh (2020) “Stabilization of Black Cotton Soil by using Bio-Enzymes for Pavement Construction Journal- IJSDR ISSN: 2455-2631, Volume 5, Issue 7”. [6] V. Vasiya, C. H. Solnki (2021) “An Experimental Investigation on Black Cotton Soil using Terrazyme Journal – IJE TRANSACTIONS B: Application Vol. 34, No.08, pp 1837-1844”. [7] Sanna Manzoor, Anuj Sachar (2022) “Stabilization of Black Cotton Soil using Terrazyme and Rice Husk Ash Journal-IJIRCST ISSN:2347-5552, Volume-10, Issue-3”. [8] Mr.K.Ashok, G.C.K.Kishore, M.Akhila, P.Emmanual, T.Lokesh(2022) “Stabilization of Black Cotton Soil by using Terrazyme- IIJTRE ISSN: 2347 – 4718, Volume 9, Issue 10”. [9] IS-2720-part V 1985 Reaffirmed 1995 Indian standard method of test for soils (Determination of liquid and plastic limit) Bureau of Indian standards, New Delhi [10] IS-2720-part 40 1977 Reaffirmed 2021 Indian standard method of test for soils (Determination of Free Swell Index of soils) Bureau of Indian standards, New Delhi. [11] IS-2720-part VII 1980 Reaffirmed 1999 Indian standard method of test for soils (Determination of water content-dry density relation using light compaction) Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. [12] IS – 2720 part 16 1987 Indian standard method of test for soils (Laboratory Determination of CBR) Bureau of Indian standards, New Delhi

Copyright

Copyright © 2024 Prashant Gautam, Divesh Kumar, Tanya Sachan, Sumit Gupta, Er. Jyoti Swaroop Pandey, Er. Md Shariq. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.