A Mineralogical and Microstructural analysis of bio enzyme stabilized soils

Abstract

Bio enzyme application to stabilise subgrade soil is gaining importance in current trends due to increase in vehicular operation and rapid urbanization in developing countries. The analysis of stabilized soil through XRD and SEM indicates a decrease in void space and an improvement in the structural behaviour, validating the enhanced unconfined strength of stabilized soil in comparison to conventional soil. The increase in number of vehicles demands for a better highway having proper design, safety and economical. The overall road construction can be made economical by stabilizing the locally available subgrade soil. This study uses a methodical approach to examine the physical characteristics and strength behaviour of different subgrade soils, including red soil, black cotton soil, and lithomargic soil. The effect of bio enzyme curing at various dosages on the strength behaviour of various soils has been examined. The mineralogical behaviour of conventional and optimum dosage stabilized soil is analysed through XRD and SEM analysis. The analysis of stabilized soil through XRD and SEM indicates a decrease in void space and an improvement in the structural behaviour, validating the enhanced unconfined strength of stabilized soil in comparison to conventional soil