Effect of Polymeric Resins on Geotechnical Properties of Black Cotton Soil

Abstract

Stabilization of black cotton soil is a challenging task for geotechnical engineers since such soil is highly vulnerable to expansive characteristics when the moisture content is increased. Due to its expansive nature, it is also called as swelling or expansive soils. Among the clay minerals, Montmorillonite is mainly responsible for such expansive characteristics. Bore log profile has a cluster of soil specimens including black cotton soil also which is unavoidable. Soil engineers have a serious concern about such expansive soil since it is treacherous for foundation of buildings. To overcome such deficiencies it becomes essential to stabilize the soil conditions. The commonly employed methods to decrease the expansive behaviour are: Chemical stabilization, Mechanical stabilization and installation of moisture barriers. In this paper, chemical stabilization method is adopted. Soil stabilizers, namely, sodium silicate, epoxy resin and polyvinyl alcohol are chosen and are mixed with black cotton soil in varying proportions of 5%, 10% and 15% to study the changes in geotechnical properties. From the results it is evident that polymer treated soils reduce plasticity characteristics and shows better results in geotechnical properties.