Augmenting The Properties Of Black Cotton Soil In Chittur Region, Palakkad, Kerala

Abstract

Black cotton soil, which is common in Chittur Taluk, Palakkad District, Kerala is a problem soil for construction because of its poor load-carrying capacity, high shrink-swell potential, and sensitivity to cracking. It is not an engineering material unless stabilized with proper methods. The present paper aims at enhancing the engineering behavior of black cotton soil using lime, rice husk ash, and coir fiber as stabilizers. Some laboratory tests such as Specific Gravity, Sieve Analysis, Atterberg's Limits, Standard Proctor, California Bearing Ratio, and Unconfined Compressive Strength, were carried out in order to ascertain the efficacy of these stabilizers in improving the performance of the soil. It is shown through the results that stabilization has greatly improved soil strength, density, and stability. Lime was most effective in improving soil strength, plasticity reduction, and load-carrying capacity by the development of cementitious products that act as a binder to soil particles. Natural reinforcement coir fiber improved flexibility in the soil avoided crack development, and enhanced resistance to tensile stresses. These stabilizers combined had a synergistic effect that rendered the black cotton soil appropriate for use in constructions by enhancing the strength and durability of the soil. The study presents the need for stabilizing black cotton soil to reduce structure failures and the life span of structures. Stabilization not only enhances the engineering values of the soil but also the utilization of environment-friendly materials. Lime, rice husk ash, and coir fiber are low-cost materials available locally and are hence the viable options for the improvement of black cotton soil in areas where black cotton soil is dominant. The outcomes of this research are helpful in the realization of the extent to which successful soil stabilization methods can be implemented in actual construction procedures in order to achieve safe and durable infrastructure.