Enhancement of bearing properties of black cotton soil by optimal blending of jute and coir fibres as a reinforcement’

Abstract

Soil stabilization is the process which involves enhancing the physical properties of the soil in order to improve its strength, durability etc. by blending or mixing with additives. The different types of method used for soil stabilization are: Soil stabilization with cement, Soil stabilization with lime, Soil stabilization using bitumen, Chemical stabilization and a new emerging technology of stabilization by Geo textiles and Geo synthetic fibres. In this study, we are making use of Jute and Coir fibre as geo synthetic material for stabilization of soil. With the introduction of Jute and Coir fibres to the soil the CBR values will improve and thickness of pavement layer also gets reduced. It also reduces the intensity of stress on subgrade. Jute and Coir fibres are such a geo synthetic material which is easily available, eco friendly and also cost-effective. With the application of soil stabilization method in construction the overall cost gets reduced when compared to the ordinary method of construction. To determine the Liquid limit using Casagrande Method, Plastic limit by rolling the sample to 3mm diameter thread, Optimum Moisture Content and Maximum Dry Density using Standard Proctor Test, Unconfined compression test and also California Bearing Ratio by conducting CBR test.