Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 General

Roads make a huge contribution to economic development and growth of country. In design
and construction of roads, the role of soil is very crucial as stability of the structure itself
depends on soil properties. Good quality of subgrade soil is desirable for road construction.
Roads running in expansive soil areas are known for bad condition and unpredictable
behaviours it possesses high compressibility and low shear strength. From the economical
aspect, construction of roads on expansive soils is becoming increasingly challenging.

During the site feasibility study for road, if highly problematic soil such as expansive soil
is identified, realignment of road can be considered. If no realignment is possible, this
requires attention and proper remedial measures. Many techniques like replacement of soil,
soil stabilization, compaction, soil reinforcement, use of piles etc., can cause betterment in
soil properties to meet the civil engineering requirements and to avoid the possible distress.
Use of materials like lime, rice husk, fly ash and other industrial wastes can also improve
soil properties. This project is focused on soil stabilization technique which is one of the
several methods of ground improvement techniques.

1.2 Expansive soil

Expansive soil belongs to A-7 group of HRB soil classification. In India, expansive soil is
also called Black cotton soil for its color and suitability for cotton cultivation. The presence
of titanium oxide is responsible for black color. This soil is highly plastic and exhibit large
volume changes (swelling and shrinkage) with the change in water content. The soil inflates
under the influence of water and contracts on dehydrating. This behaviour of the soil is
familiar as shrink-swell behaviour.

Expansive soil consists of high percent of clay minerals. These minerals are chiefly
montmorillonite in structure and are formed in the presence of water. Clay minerals are
generally of hydrous aluminium phyllosilicates.
 Silicon

Alumin H2O

(a)

Basic units of H2O

clay minerals

(b)

Figure 1.1. Clay structure

1.2.1. Expansive soil is considered problematic soil

Expansive soil or BC soil is an advantage to farmers nevertheless it is a bother to engineers

and engineering structures. The main reason why expansive soil is being considered
problematic soil is the nature of expansive soil. It is a well-known fact that water is the
worst enemy of structures. Expansive soil can cause no harm when there is no water
content. The problems arise when dry clay soils make contact with water. The soil absorbs
water, becomes soft, swells, turns into compressible, loses strength and poses a tendency
to heave. Expansive soil swells and shrinks during rainy and summer seasons respectively.
Both the situations create problems to the road structure. During a rainy season, as result
of montmorillonite swelling of soil takes place. This action not only reduces the strength
of the soil but also causes uplift pressure and produce heave in the road surface. And on
shrinkage during summer, settlements due to moisture loss and cracks development are the
main problems. Another main reason responsible for considering expansive soil as
problematic soil especially in road works is its poor drainage conditions. These soils are
made of very fine clay minerals that can attract and hold water in form of a molecular
sandwich. This condition of soil forbids drainage in soil.
1.2.2. What are the measures?

The zone up to which the soil gets affected for swelling and drying is called active zone.
Before things changed, if site feasibility study results have revealed the presence of
expansive soil in the alignment, the conventional steps taken were to replace the
problematic soil with other suitable materials if it was economically viable or to change the
alignment. But in recent times there are several techniques available to improve the
properties of the soil. Some of them are calcium treatments, alternative soil stabilizers and
moisture control by subgrade irrigation. The report mainly focuses stabilization technique.

1.3 Different types of soil in India

Alluvial soil, Red soil, Black cotton soil, Laterite soil, Forest and mountain soil,
Yellow soil, Desert soil, Peat soil, Saline soil and Marshy soil.

1.3.1. Distribution of expansive soil in India

Expansive soils are typically found in regions where the land suffers drought for a long
period before getting wet. They are also found in arid and semi-arid condition.
India’s most of the mid-southern parts consist of Black cotton soil or expansive soil. It
includes states like Madhya-Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and some areas in
Tamilnadu, Jharkand and Karnataka

1.3.2. Distribution of expansive soil in Karnataka

In Karnataka expansion soil is commonly distributed in many places like Haveri,

Chikamagalore, Ranebennur, Chitradurga, Bidar and Belgavi.
.

Fig 1.2. Major soil types in India

1.4 Soil stabilization

Soil stabilization refers to alteration of physical properties of soil to facilitate improved

strength, durability, or other qualities. Soil that has been stabilized will have improved load
bearing capacity, and will also be more resistant to being damaged. Stabilization of
expansive soil/BC soil exhibits improved load bearing capacity and considerable reduction
in swelling and shrinkage of soil.Soil stabilization can be utilized on roadways, parking
areas, airports and many other situations where subsoils are not suitable for construction. It
also encourages the employment of industrial waste in the construction deeds.
Soil stabilization techniques can be primarily grouped under two heads

1) Stabilization with no additives

a. Mechanical stabilization using compaction, blasting and soil removal techniques.
b. Stabilization by drainage using pre-loading, electro osmosis and thermal gradient
techniques.
c. Ground reinforcement using soil nailing, grouting and geosynthetics.

2) Stabilization with additives

a. Cement stabilization
b. Fly ash stabilization
c. Salt stabilization
d. Bitumen stabilization
e. Lime stabilization etc.,

1.3.3. Principles of soil stabilization

1) Evaluating the soil properties of the area considered.

2) Deciding the property of soil which is required to be changed to obtain the design
value and choose the appropriate method for stabilization.
3) Designing the improved soil mix sample and testing it in the laboratory for better
properties of soil.

1.3.4. Need for soil stabilization

1) To improve shear strength of the soil mass

2) Effective use of locally available soils and other materials
3) Encourage the practice of using Industrial wastes in construction of low cost
pavement structures.
4) Different places have dissimilar properties of soil. In order to improve the properties
of soil, stabilization is necessary.

1.3.5. Choice of stabilization technique

 1) The choice of stabilization technique is governed by the following factors:
2) Nature of soil,
3) Availability of locally accessible construction materials at low cost,
4) Drainage, environmental and climatic conditions,
5) Availability of construction equipment,
6) Necessities of the pavement layers, whether sub-base, base or surface course.

1.3.6. Calcium Oxide-Chemical stabilizer

Quick lime is a common name for calcium oxide (CaO). It is a white odourless powder of
pH value 12.5.Quick lime is non hazardous, non flammable and non explosive. Addition
of quick lime brings most dramatic improvements in expansive soils. Under a high pH
environment, calcium ions present in calcium oxide reacts with the clay mineral surface to
form cementious products. It blends easily with the soil and increases the strength and
compacted density of the soil.

1.5 Need of present study

Construction on expansive soil is universal problem worldwide Civil Engineers are facing
today. For developing country like India, where the construction cost is high, it proves
uneconomical to remove and dispose the existing undesirable soil and replacing it with
superior soil. Mere designing a pavement on expansive soil demands higher thickness of
pavement layer which results in increased total construction cost. Hence, it is essential to
improve strength of the soil which in-turn will help in lessening the pavement thickness.

Lime and Cement being two commonly used binding materials has its significance in
geotechnical engineering application as stabilizing agent/ additives. Lime when compared
to cement is cheaper and considered eco friendly. Lime requires comparatively high curing
temperature and it is suitable for a tropical and sub-tropical country like India. Lime
stabilization requires adequate clay content and hence, checking for its suitability with soil
to be treated is essential.

Disposal of industrial wastes on open land causes environmental issues like pollution and
also occupy some useful land. Later on, these wastes have been used as pavement
construction material as a substitute for aggregates in base and sub base layers. It has been
observed with a high potential in reforming soil, it can be used in stabilizing the weak
subgrade material. This can reduce the treatment cost as industrial waste has minimum or
no production cost.

1.6 Objectives of the study

specific objectives of the present study is to:

 Investigate the effect of Copper slag and Calcium oxide on collected soil sample
through extensive lab tests .
 Determine the optimum Soil, Copper slag and Calcium oxide ratio through laboratory
investigations.
 Chapter 2

Literature review

[1] (Sabath, 2014)his review article reported that expansive soil is a problematic soil for
civil engineers because of its low shear strength and cyclic swell-shrink behaviour.

[2] (Prof. Guruprasad Jadhav, 2016) He has studied the stabilization method with
admixtures for improving expansive soil properties. Here the author says that
expansive soil is poor and uninvited for construction. “Its properties can be improved
to meet standard specification by modification or stabilization process.” In this
project the test results conducted on soil with different proportions of copper slag and
cement have been analyzed and positive changes in soil properties have been noticed.

[3] (Vana Bhanuprasad, 2017)has made a review on application of industrial waste

materials in highway construction. Here different types of industrial wastes, their use
as pavement material, and their suitability in road construction have been discussed.
The author says that slag was used as agro technical measures. The conclusion in the
project drives to a point that since, slag has lesser expansion compared to that of clay
soil and hence it is a good substitute for murum.

[4] (R C Gupta, 2012)the study has been made by the authors to evaluate the engineering
behaviour of clayey soil when stabilized with copper slag. Here, the highest MDD
value of 1.936 gm/cm3 is obtained for 50% copper slag and 50% clay combination.
And considerably lesser MDD value is observed for 70% clay and 30% copper slag
when compared to 70% copper slag and 30% clay content. The conclusions were
drawn in favour of 70% copper slag and 30% clay combination. The rise in MDD
may be due to higher specific gravity of copper slag.

[5] (Ankit Singh Negi, 2013)Authors say that lime acts immediately with the soil and
improves the resistance to shrinkage during moist conditions. He also states that soil
stabilization starts with in few hours of addition of lime. This indicates that there will
 be no strength enhancement soon after mixing the soil with lime. He also concludes
by saying that the addition of lime has brought reduction in plasticity index, increase
in CBR value and increase in compression resistance of the soil mass.

[6] (Kavish S. Mehta, 2014)Made efforts on studying the effect of lime on Engineering
properties of BC soil and found that BC soil alone poses very less CBR of 4% and
high swelling pressure of 9 Kg/cm2. Lime stabilization of the soil
could bring improvement in soil properties.

[7] (Mary Jessy Dcruz, 2016)has carried out a study on copper slag stabilized soil. The
main aim was to improve the soil properties. Here lime and cement were added
separately at various percentages to the copper slag stabilized soil and optimum
dosage of copper slag, lime and cement was determined based on the UCS test results.
The author states that “an optimum dosage of 6% lime or cement and 25% copper
slag was found to stabilize the soil effectively”.

[8] (A.Mohan Chand1, 2017) They carried out a study on behaviour of BC soil
reinforced with copper slag and steel slag keeping 20% of copper slag and different
percentage of steel slag varying from 5% to 20%. He says that with increasing
percentage of copper slag dry density of soil attains maximum value. The author
states that for 20% copper slag shear strength of the soil have attained a maximum
value with % increase of 122.3%, 81.3% and 86.4% at 0,7and14 days curing period
respectively. From his work, it has been noticed that the soil treated with copper slag
poses increased CBR values for both soaked and unsoaked conditions.

[9] (P.Mohanraj, 2017)they have made an experimental study with soil, copper slag and
lime waste. He says that copper slag and lime waste have improved weak soil
strength. Here soil is blended with copper slag and lime used at varying percentages
from 25-75 and samples are subjected to various strength tests like ultimate
compressive strength test, standard proctor test and direct shear test. The test results
says that at 50% copper slag and 50% lime waste and 15% moisture content the soil
specimens have attained the maximum values of MDD (g/cc), OMC% and UCS
KN/m2.
[10] (K.Sharanya, 2017) Says that the employing industrial wastes in different
Engineering projects have been a trend in India. This review report says that copper
slag can be used as replacement for fine aggregate and when mixed with clay with
soil-copper slag ratio of 70:30 can reduce the plasticity index of the soil by 40%.

[11] (Akash Mehrotra, 2014)Studied the behaviour BC soil stabilized with HDPE
plastic. Results from the research was found to be a boon for construction activities
on BC soil as the UCS value of BC was found increasing due to the addition of
HDPE Increase in MDD at lesser OMC was also observed in the study.

[12] (Ansudha V, 2015)here the efforts have been made by authors to study the suitability
of copper slag, the industrial waste as an admixture for black cotton soil. The study
was conducted on BC soil samplesat varied admixtures content of7.5%, 10%, 12.5%,
15% and 17.5% at varied copper slag and lime mixing ratios. The results obtained
from the study drove authors to the conclusion that increase in admixtures leads to
increased compressive strength up to an optimum level.

[13] (Ansudha V, 2015)Here the efforts have been made by authors to study the suitability
of copper slag, the industrial waste as an admixture for black cotton soil. The study
was conducted on BC soil samples at varied admixtures content of 7.5%, 10%,
12.5%, 15% and 17.5% at varied copper slag and lime mixing ratios. The results
obtained from the study drove authors to the conclusion that increase in admixtures
leads to increased compressive strength up to an optimum level.
Chapter 3

Materials and methodology

3.1 General

In the present work calcium oxide is used as a stabilizer and copper slag is used as
replacement for expansive soil to improve the physical properties of soil. Atterberg’s limit,
specific gravity test, Compaction test, CBR test and UCS tests are conducted on the
stabilized soil.

3.2 Materials used

This work is to study the performance of expansive soil treated with calcium oxide and
copper slag. Chemical soil stabilization depends essentially on chemical reactions between
stabilizer and soil minerals. There are huge numbers of chemicals used for the purpose of
stabilization. Some generally used chemicals are sodium chloride, sodium silicate, calcium
chloride etc,.

Expansive soil is a variety of clay with high plasticity that can hold moisture during the
waterless seasons hence they are suitable for growing crops. It exhibits low bearing
capacity by reason of several mineralogical contents present in it and these properties create
it unsuitable for construction of embankment and other engineering structure.

3.1.1. Collection of materials

Soil sample for the present study was collected from Hiriyur in Chitradurga district of
Karnataka at 1.5 m depth from the existing ground level. The soil collected was air dried
and pulverized manually. Calcium oxide and Copper Slag obtained from local chemist and
local copper vendor sourced in Bengaluru. All the laboratory tests were conducted as per
IRC Guidelines on the mixture of collected materials blended at various composition.
 Table 0.1. Basic Properties of Soil sample used in this study

Sl.No. Property Values

1 Specific Gravity 2.60
2 Swell Index (%) 124
3 Liquid Limit (%) 70.66
4 Plastic Limit (%) 30
5 Plasticity Index (%) 40.66
6 OMC (%) 22
7 MDD (%) 1.56
8 Soaked CBR (%) 1.58
9 UCS KN/m2 142.25

3.3 Copper slag

Fig 3.1. Copper slag

Copper slag is a derivative of copper extraction by smelting process. Impurities that floats
on the molten metal during smelting becomes slag. Slag that is allowed for rapid cooling
in water forms angular granules.

Copper slag is produced by three operations

a) Roasting: This eliminates sulphur present in the ore as sulphur dioxide.

b) Smelting: This involves melting of roasted product and the metal is reduced.
 c) Converting: This involves desulfurizing the melt.

In this project the granulated slag of up to 4.75mm has been used as replacement for
expansive soil. This partial replacement brings considerable increase in the strength and
results in improved drainage condition of the sample soil. Physical and chemical properties
of the copper slag obtained from the supplier is as shown in the table below:

Table 3.2. Physical properties of copper slag

Color Black
Specific gravity 3.4
Water absorption 0.3-0.4%
Fineness modulus 3.42
Bulk density 2.31g/cc
Moisture content 0.1%

Table 3.3. Chemical composition of copper slag

Composition % by mass
Fe2O3 55-60
S 0.2-1.5
Fe3O4 <10
Sio2 27-33
CaO 1-3.5
Al2O3 <3
Cu <1

3.4 Calcium oxide

Calcium oxide is a chemical compound. It is one of burned limestone products. It os a

common substance found in rocks as the mineral. Calcium oxide is relatively cheap.
Calcium oxide reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide. The properties of black soil
gets altered due to chemical reactions that take place between soil minerals and stabilizer.
The stabilized soil gives better strength parameters than the untreated soil.
 Fig 3.2. Calcium Oxide

Table.3.4. Physical properties of CaO

Color White
pH 12.78
Density 3.34 g/cm3
Melting point 2613 C

In this study soil sample is mixed with varying percentage of copper slag and calcium
oxide. The percentages of calcium oxide adopted were 0 %, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5% and 6%. Each
of the soil, copper slag and calcium oxide sample with the adopted Calcium oxide are
subjected to various tests to learn its behaviour and find the optimum percent.
3.5 Methodology

Collection of sample

Specific gravity
Classification of soil
test

Liquid limit
Determination of Engineering and
Index properties of the soil
Plastic limit
Compaction test

FSI

Determination of strength
UCS test
properties of parent soil and
treated soil

CBR test

Fig.3.3. Flow chart for Methodology

This study investigates the effects of copper slag and calcium oxide on expansive soil. The
methodology applied for this study is characterized in the above flow chart. The samples
of expansive soil is collected and tested in laboratory to study its index properties and
strength parameters.

The soil is classified according to IS classification. Maximum Dry Density and California
Bearing Ratio (CBR) values are determined by conducting compaction and CBR tests.

Copper slag is mixed with the expansive soil at the varying percentage by weight of soil of
10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. Calcium oxide is applied in different percentages i.e. 0%,
1.5%, 3%, 4.5% and6% and thoroughly mixed with the soil. Later Compaction test,
unconfined compression test for 7days, 14 days and 28 days, and CBR tests were conducted
to determine the improvements in the properties of stabilized soil. Observations were noted
and optimum percentage of chemical i.e. Calcium oxide at which maximum dry density
and greater CBR values achieved is determined and recognized with the help of graphs.

In this study the following tests are carried out

1) Particle size distribution

2) Liquid Limit
3) Plastic Limit
4) Specific Gravity
5) Free swell Index
6) Compaction test
7) CBR test
8) UCS test

3.6 Experimental Procedure

3.6.1. Grain size analysis

In soil mechanics, it is essentially useful to measure the size of the particles in a type of
soil. This is achieved when particle size distribution test is performed on the soil sample.
The size of paticle is measured in terms of grain size distribution. Simply determining grain
size distribution can provide initial rough estimates of a soil’s engineering properties. The
particles which are fine grained are studied by ‘sedimentation analysis’ and coarse grained
are considered by ‘sieve analysis’. Specific grain size present in soil can be determined by
mechanical analysis or grain size analysis.

3.6.2. Specific gravity test

Specific gravity is the ratio between the density of an object and reference object. It is the
ratio of weight of given volume of soil solids at a given temperature and equivalent volume
of distilled water at same temperature. Specific gravity is dimensionless.

Fig 3.4. Specific gravity test

3.6.3. Atterberglimits

Its only a few states in India where fine grained soil exists. When the water is added to a
dry soil, water forms a thin around the soil particle. On account of increment in addition of
water the thickness of the water film surrounding the soil particle is increased. Increasing
thickness in film allows the particles to slip past one another. Hence the amount of water
present in the system is related to the behavior of the soil.

Determination of consistency of fine grained soils is based on the water content of the soil.
Atterberg limits are the basic measure for the critical water contents of fine grained soil,
such as liquid limit and plastic limit.

On increase of water content, clayey soil undergoes distinct changes in behavior and
consistency.
3.6.3.1. Liquid limit test

Liquid limit is the water content corresponding to the arbitrary limit between liquid and
plastic state of soil consistency. It can be defined as the minimum water content at which
the soil is still in the liquid state, but has small shearing strength that it flows too close to a
groove. Soil properties vary with different values of liquid limit. Liquid limit is dependent
on percentage of silt, clay and sand passing 0.425 mm sieve. It is determined by a
mechanical device called Casagrande, developed by Casagrande.

Fig 3.5. Casagrande’s apparatus

3.6.3.2. Plastic limit test

Plastic limit is also an important test in soil classification. It is the water content
corresponding to an arbitrary limit between plastic and semi-solid states of soil consistency.
Plastic limit is a minimum water content at which soil begins to granulate when rolled to a
thread of approximately 3mm dia.
 Fig 3.6. Soil rolled to 3 mm dia

3.6.4. Free Swell Index

Each of the two identical graduated measuring jars are fed with 10 grams of oven dried soil
passing through 425 micron. One jar is filled with distilled water and the other jar is filled
with kerosene. Stir the solution using a glass rod to remove entrapped air. It is allowed to
achieve equilibrium for 24 hours and final volume of each measuring jar is noted down.

FSI =(Vd- Vk) / Vk*100

Fig 3.7. FSI apparatus

3.6.5. Compaction test

Compaction tests are carried out for both untreated and treated soils ( for varying
percentage of calcium oxide). Compaction is the technique used to reduce soil into a
smaller volume and increase in its dry unit weight. A soil attains maximum dry density at
specific water content known as Optimum Moisture Content. In this study MDD and OMC
is found out for expansive soil without any additives. Further observations are made for
different soil-copper slag-calcium oxide mixtures.

Sample preparation and testing

1) Required quantity of air dried expansive soil passing through 20mm and 4.75mm is
taken and hand mixed by adding 10% of water.
2) After recording the weight of empty proctor mould (without collar) and re-clamping
the extension collar onto the proctor mould, it is filled with soil in 3 layers. Each
layer is compacted with 25 blows using standard rammer.
3) After unclamping collar from the mould, top soil is trimmed to the height of
standard proctor mould. Weight of compacted soil with mould is recorded and a
small portion of soil sample is kept in oven to determine its water content.
4) The procedure is repeated for increased water content until the increasing weight of
soil the reaches its maximum value and a drop in the weight noticed.
5) MDD and OMC is determined from the graph plotted between water content and
dry density.

Fig 3.8. Compaction test image

3.7 CBR test

California bearing ratio (CBR) is a measure of resistance to penetration of a soil or other

pavement material, of a standard plunger under controlled condition. This method helps in
evaluating the strength of the subgrade soil for design and construction of flexible
pavements.

Sample preparation and testing

1) kg of soil sample with water content equal to OMC% is taken and rubbed between
the hands. A small portion of pulverized soil is taken for determining the moisture
content.
2) CBR mould is filled with pulverized soil in 5 layers, each layer blown 56 times
using 4.6kg rammer and it is tested with surcharge load in CBR testing machine.
3) The load values corresponding to the penetration of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0,
……12.5mm are recorded. From the graph plotted between penetration on X-axis
and load on Y-axis, the load value corresponding 2.5mm and 5mm penetration
values are noted.
4) The above procedure is repeated for soil-lime mix, and soil-lime-copper slag mix.
And optimum percentage of Soil, lime and copper slag which gives highest CBR
value are determined.

Fig 3.9. Soaked and unsoaked CBR test

3.8 UCS test

Unconfined compression strength testing machine contains a compression testing device

which is used to measure the vertical stress on the soil specimen. A load frame is fitted with
a proving ring and a dial gage to measure deformation of soil.

Sample preparation and testing

200 grams of pulverized soil sample with water content equal to optimum moisture content
is taken and the inner surface of the cylindrical mould is greased so as to remove the
specimen. The mould is filled with soil in seven layers and compacted by static compaction
for not less than minutes. The sample will be removed and initial dimensions are recorded.
Specimen is placed in the testing machine and dial gauge and proving ring are set to zero.
Bottom plate is raised to load the specimen and at various strain levels, the compressive
stress taken by the sample is recoded. The final dimensions of the specimen is recorded.

Fig 3.10. UCS test specimens

Chapter 4

Results and discussions

4.1 Laboratory Test Results:

4.1.1. Particle Size distribution

Table 4.1. Particle size distribution

Sieve size (mm) Weight of % weight Cumulative %

soil retained retained % weight Fines
(gms) retained
4.75 0 0 0 100
2.36 0 0 0 100
1.18 0 0 0 100
0.6 0 0 0 100
0.425 1.8 0.18 0.18 99.82
0.3 6.43 0.643 0.823 99.177
0.212 1.03 0.103 0.926 99.074
0.15 22.8 2.28 3.206 96.794
Hydrometer analysis
Particle size (mm) % Fines
0.0498 84.8
0.0381 80
0.0278 78.4
0.0181 72
0.013 65.6
0.0106 59.2
0.0076 54.4
0.0056 49.6
0.0039 44.8
0.0028 43.2
0.0011 41.6
 120

100

80
% Finer

60

40

20

0
0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10
Particle size (mm)

Chart 4.1. Grain size distribution curve

From graph

Clay content = 74% Silt content = 14% Fine sand = 12%

According to HRB soil classification, the sample soil falls under A-7 group

4.1.2. Atterberg’s Limits

Table 4.2. Particle size distribution

Sl.No Description Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial Trial

No No
To determine Liquid Limit (LL)
1 Number of blows (N) 51 38 28 18
2 Water Content (%) 30.2 49.8 68.2 89.5
3 Liquid Limit (LL) % (from 70.66
Graph)
To determine Plastic Limit (PL)
1 Water content % 30.2 29.8 30 -
2 Plastic limit (PL) % 30
To determine Plasticity Index (PI)
1 PI = LL -PL 40.66
From Plasticity chart (ISSCS) the soil can be classified as CH- Inorganic high plastic clay.

90

80

70
Water content %

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55

Number of blows (N)

Chart 4.2. Liquid limit test

4.1.3. Free Swell Index

Table 4.3. Free swell Index

Reading in
Description measuring jar FSI
(ml)
Volume of soil soaked in
31
distilled water (Vd)
121
Volume of soil soaked in
14
kerosene (Vk)
 4.1.4. Standard Proctor Compaction test

Table 4.4. Compaction test results on unstabilized soil

Sl. Description Percentage of water

No 10 14 18 22 26
To determine Bulk density
1 Weight of empty mould (gms) 4295
2 Weight of mould + Compacted soil (gms) 5500 5628 5825 5968 5908
3 Weight of compacted soil W gms 1630 1720 1890 1955 1895
4 Volume of mould V (cc) 1000 cc3
5 𝑊
Bulk Density 𝛾 = 𝑉
g/cc 1205 1333 1530 1673 1613
To determine water content

1 Weight of empty container W1 gms 10 10.01 10.08 10.11 9.98

2 Weight of container + wet soil W2 gms 43.28 40.63 54.63 48.25 55.68
3 Weight of container + Dry soil W3 gms 40.23 38.23 51.58 45.75 52.35
4 Weight of water = W2-W3 3.05 2.4 3.05 2.5 3.33
5 Weight of Soil = W3-W1 30.23 28.22 41.5 35.64 42.37
6 W2−W3
Water content w = W3−W1 × 100 % 10.09 8.50 7.35 7.01 7.86
To determine Dry density
𝛾
1 Dry density 𝛾d = 1+𝑊g/cc 1.10 1.22 1.43 1.56 1.50

1.8
Dry Density g/cc

1.6

1.4

1.2

1
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Water content %
 Chart 4.3. Compaction curve for Parent soil
From graph, MDD = 1.56 g/cc, OMC = 22%

Table 4.5. Compaction test results for different Soil: Cu slag: CaO ratio

Soil: Cu slag : CaO OMC MDD

100:0:0 (parent soil) 22 1.56
90:10:0.0 21.85 1.61
90:10:1.5 21.93 1.60
90:10:3.0 22 1.58
90:10:4.5 23.2 1.56
90:10:6.0 23.3 1.55
80:20:0.0 21.32 1.68
80:20:1.5 21.48 1.63
80:20:3.0 21.65 1.59
80:20:4.5 22.1 1.56
80:20:6.0 22.25 1.54
70:30:0.0 20 1.76
70:30:1.5 20.26 1.73
70:30:3.0 20.82 1.71
70:30:4.5 21.55 1.63
70:30:6.0 22.08 1.56
60:40:0.0 19.75 1.87
60:40:1.5 19.8 1.84
60:40:3.0 21.25 1.76
60:40:4.5 22.9 1.70
60:40:6.0 23.57 1.65
50:50:0.0 19.45 2.01
50:50:1.5 19.63 1.92
50:50:4.5 20.12 1.83
50:50:3.0 20.38 1.79
50:50:6.0 22.34 1.71
 2.2

2
soil alone

1.8 90% soil+10% Cu slag

MDD g/cc

1.6 80% soil+20% Cu slag

1.4 70% soil+30% Cu slag

1.2 60% soil+40% Cu slag

50% soil+50% Cu slag

1
5 10 15 20 25 30
Water Content%

Chart 4.4. Compaction curve for different soil: copper slag ratio

23.4
23.2
23
22.8
OMC %

22.6
22.4
22.2
22
21.8
21.6
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO%

Chart 4.5. Variation in OMD with the increase in Cao% for soil: Cu slag – 90:10
 1.62

1.61

1.6

1.59
MDD g/cc

1.58

1.57

1.56

1.55

1.54
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO %

Chart 4.6. Variation in MDD with the increase in Cao% for soil: Cu slag – 90:10

2.2

2
MDD g/cc

1.8
10% Cu Slag
20% Cu Slag
1.6 30% Cu Slag
40% Cu Slag
1.4 50% Cu Slag

1.2
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

CaO (%)

Chart 4.7. Effect of CaO on MDD of different soil-copper slag mixes

 25

23 10% Cu slag

20% Cu slag
OMC %

21

30% Cu slag

19
40% Cu slag

17 50% Cu slag
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

CaO (%)

Chart 4.8. Effect of CaO on OMC of different soil-copper slag mixes

4.2 Unconfined compression test

Table 4.6. UCS test results for Soil sample

Sl.no Strain UCS KN/m2

7 days 14 days 28 days
1 0.04 16.89 16.92 16.96
2 0.08 16.15 32.29 42.56
3 0.13 30.8 46.2 56.35
4 0.17 29.31 58.62 78.26
5 0.21 41.73 68.55 85.25
6 0.25 52.66 78.99 96.86
7 0.3 62.1 86.94 111.87
8 0.34 70.05 105.07 129.02
9 0.38 76.51 109.3 136.95
10 0.42 81.48 112.03 140.56
11 0.46 84.95 113.27 142.25
12 0.51 78.25 104.33 135.26

160

140

120
UCS KN/m2

100

80 7 days
14 days
60
28 days
40

20

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
Strain

Chart 4.9. USC test results for parent Soil

 Table 4.7. UCS for different Cu slag %

Soil: Cu slag UCS KN/m2

7 days 14 days 28 days
100:0 84.95 113.27 142.25
90:10 109.54 136.23 165.43
80:20 162.74 182.24 200.41
70:30 180.56 198.65 223.35
60:40 164.64 179.64 210.65
50:50 118.23 135.84 183.26

270
250
230
210
UCS KN/ m2

190
170 7 days curing
150
14 days curing
130
110 28 days curing
90
70
50
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Cu slag %

Chart 4.10. Effect of various % copper slag on UCS of soil

 Table 4.8. UCS for different Soil: Cu slag: CaO proportion

Soil: Cu slag: UCS KN/m2

CaO 28 days
7 days 14 days
90:10:0.0 109.54 136.23 165.43
90:10:1.5 324.48 352.54 436.48
90:10:3.0 384.62 406.95 483.25
90:10:4.5 423.65 465.64 520.49
90:10:6.0 405.68 440.95 493.40
80:20:0.0 162.74 182.24 200.41
80:20:1.5 362.58 425.35 462.67
80:20:3.0 410.65 440.32 523.34
80:20:4.5 452.67 492.67 584.25
80:20:6.0 437.15 450.84 532.48
70:30:0.0 180.56 198.65 223.35
70:30:1.5 390.25 430.36 475.35
70:30:3.0 432.64 465.56 551.46
70:30:4.5 476.37 516.83 608.75
70:30:6.0 433.16 463.49 546.76
60:40:0.0 164.64 179.64 210.65
60:40:1.5 360.28 438.25 466.14
60:40:3.0 406.25 452.34 496.37
60:40:4.5 448.68 480.13 504.71
60:40:6.0 407.67 420.64 480.47
50:50:0.0 118.23 135.84 183.26
50:50:1.5 335.65 420.26 415.31
50:50:3.0 376.34 428.65 434.15
50:50:4.5 432.65 432.15 485.70
50:50:6.0 398.54 395.63 460.45
 600

500

400
UCS KN/m2

300 28 days
14 days
200 7 days

100

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO %

Chart 4.11. Effect of CaO on soil: Cu slag -90:10 mix

700

600

500
UCS KN/m2

400
28 days
300 14 days

200 7 days

100

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO %

Chart 4.12. Effect of CaO on soil: Cu slag -80:20 mix

 700

600

500
UCS KN/m2

400
28 days
300 14 days

200 7 days

100

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO %

Chart 4.13. Effect ofCaO on soil: Cu slag -70:30 mix

600

500

400
UCS KN/m2

300 28 days
14 days
200
7 days

100

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO %

Chart 4.14. Effect of CaO on soil: Cu slag -60:40 mix

 600

500

400
UCS KN/m2

300 28 days
14 days
200
7 days

100

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO %

Chart 4.14. Effect of CaO on soil: Cu slag -50:50 mix

600

500

400
UCS KN/m2

90:10:0.0
300 90:10:1.5
90:10:3.0
200
90:10:4.5
100 90:10:60

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Curing Period (days)

Chart 4.15. Effect of curing period on UCS

4.3 Unsoaked CBR test
Table 4.9. CBR result for soil sample

Penetration Proving ring readings CBR value for 2.5

Load in
of Plunger mm
Major Minor Kg
(mm) Penetration
0 0 0 0 48/19.632
= × 100
70
0.5 2.3 2*5+3= 13 15
=3.49
1 4.5 4*5+5= 25 28
1.5 6.2 6*5+2= 32 36
2 6.6 6*5+6= 36 42
2.5 8.4 8*5+4= 44 48
3 9.3 9*5+3= 48 52
3.5 9.7 9*5+7= 52 56
4 10.4 10*5+4= 54 60 CBR value for 5 mm
4.5 10.8 10*5+8= 58 64 Penetration
69/19.632
5 11.8 11*5+8= 63 70 = × 100
105
5.5 13.3 13*5+3= 68 76 =3.40
6 13.3 13*5+3= 68 76
6.5 13.3 13*5+3= 68 76
 90
80
70
60
Load Kg

50
40
30
20
10
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Penetration mm

Chart 4.16. Unsoaked CBR test results for unstabilized soil

 Table 4.10. CBR Value for other mixtures

Soil: Cu slag : CaO Unsoaked condition Soaked Condition

CBR value % increase in CBR value % increase’’-
CBR value in CBR’-value
100:0:0 (parent soil) 3.49 1.58
90:10:0.0 3.50 0.29 1.59 0.63
90:10:1.5 3.42 0.86 1.62 2.52
90:10:3.0 3.85 10.23 1.76 11.11
90:10:4.5 4.26 20.00 1.82 13.64
90:10:6.0 4.35 20.19 1.93 19.23
80:20:0.0 4.45 27.38 2.09 32.3
80:20:1.5 4.74 35.69 3.11 96.92
80:20:3.0 5.16 47.96 3.37 112.98
80:20:4.5 5.51 57.91 3.67 132.32
80:20:6.0 5.69 63.09 3.56 125.36
70:30:0.0 4.66 33.55 2.43 53.75
70:30:1.5 4.84 38.68 3.24 105.12
70:30:3.0 5.36 53.62 3.65 130.92
70:30:4.5 5.80 66.25 4.18 164.83
70:30:6.0 6.08 74.23 3.90 146.56
60:40:0.0 4.92 40.85 2.64 67.36
60:40:1.5 5.05 44.56 3.36 112.56
60:40:3.0 5.52 58.1 3.84 142.89
60:40:4.5 6.32 80.98 4.31 173
60:40:6.0 6.00 71.98 3.99 152.36
50:50:0.0 5.07 45.38 2.94 86.25
50:50:1.5 5.02 43.85 3.66 131.68
50:50:4.5 5.74 64.56 4.10 159.65
50:50:3.0 6.09 74.50 4.13 161.39
50:50:6.0 5.89 68.77 4.06 156.96
 8
7
6
5
CBR (%)

4
3
2
1
0 CaO (%)
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Chart 4.17. Variation in Unsoaked CBR for soil: cu slag- 90:10 at various CaO
content

5
CBR (%)

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO (%)

Chart 4.18. Variation in Unsoaked CBR for soil: cu slag- 80:20 at various CaO
content
 8
7
CBR (%) 6
5
4
3
2
1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO (%)

Chart 4.19. Variation in Unsoaked CBR for soil: cu slag- 70:30 at various CaO
content

5
CBR (%)

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO (%)

Chart 4.20. Variation in Unsoaked CBR for soil: cu slag- 60:40 at various CaO
content
 8

5
CBR (%)

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO (%)

Chart 4.21. Variation in Unsoaked CBR for soil: cu slag- 50:50 at various CaO
content

8
7
6
5
CBR (%)

4
3
2
1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO (%)

Chart 4.22. Variation in soaked CBR for soil: cu slag- 90:10 at various CaO content
 8
7
6
5
CBR (%)

4
3
2
1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO (%)

Chart 4.23. Variation in soaked CBR for soil: cu slag- 80:20 at various CaO content

8
7
6
5
CBR (%)

4
3
2
1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO (%)

Chart 4.24. Variation in soaked CBR for soil: cu slag-70:30 at various CaO content
 8
7
6
5
CBR (%)

4
3
2
1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO (%)

Chart 4.24. Variation in soaked CBR for soil: cu slag- 60:40 at various CaO content

5
CBR (%)

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO (%)

Chart 4.25. Variation in soaked CBR for soil: cu slag- 50:10 at various CaO content
 Unsoaked CBR
90
80
70
% Increse in CBR value

60
50 10% Cu slag
40 20%Cu slag
30
30% Cu Slag
20
40% Cu Slag
10
50% Cu slag
0
-10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO%

Chart 4.26. % increase in strength with varying lime content for different mixes

Soaked CBR
200
180
160
% Increse in CBR value

140
120
100
80
50% Cu slag
60
40
20
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CaO%

Chart 4.27. % increase in strength with varying lime content for different mixes
4.4 Discussions

4.1.5. Compaction Characteristics

From the results obtained from compaction test it has been noticed that increase in
percentage of copper slag is directly proportional to Dry density of the soil and inversely
proportional to OMC of the soil. This is because of higher relative density of Copper slag
particle. MDD of 1.56g/cc and OMC of 22% have been observed from the SPT conducted
on untreated soil. On adding 10% Copper slag MDD increases to 1.61g/cc and OMC
decreases to 21.85%. Observations at copper slag replacement of 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%
were made and MDD are observed to be increased to 1.68g/cc, 1.76g/cc,1.87g/cc and 2.01
g/cc respectively and OMC reduces to 21.32%, 20%, 19.75% and 19.45%. Also, it has been
observed that the addition of calcium oxide to soil- copper slag mixture causes decrease in
MDD and increase in OMC. On adding 1.5%, 3%, 4.5% and 6% calcium oxide to soil at
10% copper slag MDD were found to be reduced to 1.61g/cc, 1.60g/cc, 1.58g/cc, and 1.56
g/cc respectively and OMC increases to 21.93%, 22%, 23.20% and 23.30%. This decrease
in MDD and increase in OMC can be due to increased voids formation between the particles
when soil-copper slag mix is lime flocculated by means of CaO.

4.1.6. Unconfined compressive strength test

The observations were made at samples of same soil, copper slag and calcium oxide ratio
considered for Compaction test. The results obtained from UCS tests shows that the
addition of copper slag and calcium oxide has great influence on parent soil. The UCS of
untreated soil is found to be 84.95 KN/m2 for 7 days and 113.27 KN/m2 for 14 days, and
142.25 KN/m2 for 28 days. On adding 0%, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5% and 6% of calcium oxide to
soil with 10% copper slag and testing after a curing period of 7 days results in UCS of
324.48 KN/m2, 101.52KN/m2, 112.10KN/m2, 128.17KN/m2 and 162.20 KN/m2
respectively. Increased value of UCS has been observed for the samples tested after a curing
period of 14 days and 28 days. The soil sample with 30% copper slag and 6% calcium oxide
cured for 28 days have shown maximum UCS of 608.75 KN/m2. The increase in UCS of
the soil with the increase in addition of copper slag and calcium oxide is due to the
formation of cementious materials on account of chemical reactions. It has been observed
that, more the curing period for soil-Cu slag-CaO blended mix, more will be the
compressive strength of the soil.

4.1.7. California bearing ratio test

The CBR test results shows that there is large increase in CBR value with increase in copper
slag and calcium oxide content. Results for samples under unsoaked condition
concerning% increase in CBR of soil sample with 10% copper slag mixed with 0%, 1.5%,
3%, 4.5% and 6% calcium oxide are found to be 0.29, 0.86, 10.23, 20.00 and 20.19
respectively. For mix with 40% copper slag and calcium oxide content of 0%, 1.5%, 3%,
4.5% and 6% the observed % increase in CBR is 40.85, 44.56, 58.10, 80.98 and 70.98
respectively. While on the other hand, for unsoaked condition % increase in CBR of soil
sample with 10% copper slag mixed with 0%, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5% and 6% calcium oxide are
found to be 0.63, 2.52, 11.11, 13.64 and 19.23 respectively. For mix with 40% copper slag
and calcium oxide content of 0%, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5% and 6% the observed % increase in CBR
is 67.36, 112.56, 142.89, 173 and 152.3 respectively. increase in addition of copper slag
have shown % increase in CBR value but on addition of calcium oxide after exceeding
some limit, it has been observed that the % increase in CBR have been reduced. A same
trend follows the other samples too.

4.1.8. Optimum lime and copper slag content based on CBR test results

For soaked sample it has been found that addition of lime content up to 4.5% exhibit drastic
increase in CBR values. But beyond this limit due to decomposition of lime and increased
void ratio there is fall in % increase of CBR values. A maximum increase of 152.3% is
achieved for a ratio of 60:40:4.5 of soil: copper slag: calcium oxide respectively.
 Conclusions

The results of strength tests like compaction, UCS and CBR shows that the partial
replacement of expansive soil by copper slag and addition of calcium oxide can influence
change in properties of the soil. Soil-Copper slag mixes of different proportion have shown
better soil properties when compared to untreated soil. But addition of copper slag can
cause only minor improvements without a chemical activator such as Calcium oxide / quick
lime.

Achieving satisfactory results during field compaction requires MDD and OMC for field
control. From the compaction test results it was observed that addition of copper slag to the
soil exhibit gradual increase in the value of MDD and gradual decrease of OMC. On the
other-hand the results were reverse on addition of calcium oxide to the soil-copper slag mix
i.e. MDD decreases and OMC increases with the increasing Calcium oxide content.

Copper slag replaced soil up to a certain soil-copper slag mix proportion, was found to
achieve betterment in compressive strength when compared to that of untreated soil.
Addition of calcium oxide to the copper-slag replaced soil causes rapid increase in
compressive strength of the mix. The strength of the mix increases with the curing period
as lime stabilized mixes begin to gain strength as the mix comes in contact with water, but
the percentage of gaining strength after certain period will be gradual with the curing
period.

Adding copper slag and lime at higher proportions will not have any influence on strength
properties of the soil. Since the Pavement Design of roads prevails on CBR value of the
existing soil, for the present work optimum dosage of soil-copper slag-Calcium oxide
mixture was decided based on CBR test results. Better improvement in soil properties was
observed for a mixture of 4.5% calcium oxide blended with soil and copper slag at a
proportion of 60:40 respectively. As per prevailing environmental conditions and
necessities the proportion can be altered.
Scope for further studies
Improving soil properties by using locally available materials and industrial wastes is a
topic of higher significance these days. In the present study effort has been made to study
the effect of copper slag and calcium oxide on expansive soil. There are many other such
alternatives available with the same intention of improving the soil properties.

1. In this study UCS tests was performed for 7 days curing, 14 days curing and 28
days curing. Further sample can be subjected to higher soak period and tested to
ascertain strength properties.
2. Different industrial waste materials and agricultural waste materials can be
incorporated to improve the soil.
3. Similar studies can be made for other types of soil.
4. Similar studies can be made for other chemical additives.
5. Similar studies can be made for different percentage of calcium oxide.
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