Soil Stabilization Using Plastics and Bottle Strips

ISSN(Online): 2319-8753
ISSN (Print): 2347-6710
International Journal of Innovative Research in Science,

Engineering and Technology
(An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization)
Website: www.ijirset.com
Vol. 6, Issue 8, August 2017
Soil Stabilization Using Plastics and Bottle

Strips
N. Vijay Kumar, S S. Asadi, A.V.S. Prasad
Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, K L University, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
Associate Dean Academics & Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, K L University, Vaddeswaram, Guntur,
Andhra Pradesh, India
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, K L University, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
ABSTRACT: Construction of buildings and other civil engineering structures on expansive soil is risky due to its high
compressibility, low shear strength and high permeability. The foundation is very important for any structure and it has
to be strong enough to support the entire structure. For foundation to be strong the soil around it plays a very important
role. Expansive soils like black cotton soil always create problems in foundation. The problems are swelling, shrinkage
and unequal settlement. Plastic wastes have become one of the major problems of the world. Use of plastic bags, bottles
and other plastic products is exponentially increasing year by year. Due to which we are facing various environmental
problems. A review paper is presented here to focus on soil stabilization by using waste plastic products. The tests such
as liquid limit, plastic limit, standard proctor compaction test, California bearing ratio (CBR) test and unconfined
compressive strength (UCS) have been conducted to check the improvement in the properties of black cotton soil. This
paper reviews the work of various researchers on stabilization of soil and use of plastic and bottle strips materials in
improving its strength.
KEYWORDS: BC SOIL, Plastic strips Particle size Distribution, Hydrometer Analysis, Triaxial test, admixtures,
shear strength, California bearing ratio, Compressibility.
I. INTRODUCTION
1.1. General:
Every man made structure resting on the ground needs safe and stable soil. To attain this safety and stability
requirements the engineering properties of the soil beneath the structure or on the structure must be identified.
However, obtaining these engineering properties of soils requires relatively more time and money. On the other hand
investigating the index properties of a soil is much easier than other engineering properties; in terms of time, money
and efforts. Moreover, most of the engineering properties of soils depend upon their index properties. Therefore, by
obtaining the index property of soil that involves simpler and quicker method of testing, the engineering properties can
be predicted satisfactory. Soil compaction, California bearing ratio and direct shear test are the most commonly used
techniques in engineering projects such as highways, sub-grades, railways, pavements and foundations. The main of
these tests are to improve engineering properties of soils such as increase in dry density, reduction in compressibility
leading to reduction in settlement, reduction in permeability, increase in shear strength and its load bearing capacity.
Atterberg’s limits and specific gravity tests are also considered to find out the moisture content of the soil.
Copyright to IJIRSET DOI:10.15680/IJIRSET.2017.0608221 16478

ISSN (Print): 2347-6710

II. MATERIALS
2.1. SOIL
The soil type in study is black cotton soil. BC soil is clayey soil seen grayish and black in color. It Contains
montmorillonite clay mineral which contains very high expensive characteristics .BC soil possesses low shrinkage limit
and high optimum moisture content. BC soil is such a soil which has tendency to swell or shrink when it comes in
contact to water. This property of swelling or shrinking leads to gigantic loose to the structure. BC soil is connected
directly to engineering structure.
Fig.1 Lateritic soil sample
2.1. Plastic Material

A word plastic is a material of consists huge range of synthetic organic. It’s a very huge issue to whole world as it
degrades very slowly to earth. Plastic pollution is gathering of plastic a productthat is dangerous to human habitats,
animal, plants, etc. Manufactured of plastic is increasing due to low range, easy to produced, imperviousness to water,
etc. Since 60-65 years its production isincreasing to first stage in pollution. Utilization of plastic waste bottle in
geotechnicalconstruction may reduce the problems faced for its disposal as their properties are mostly related to natural
material. In this chapter we had mention about how we are using plastic waste bottles. By the use of this bottle
stabilization of soil of obtained. We had cut bottles of plain surface whose dimension is almost length 20mm and width
4mm.
Raw Plastic Bottle Strips
Plastic is a non-renewable source and bio-degradable. The disposal of waste plastic bottles causes environmental
pollution, it’s a sustainable waste. Plastic can be recycled or reused i.e. reprocessing these plastic wastes makes the
useful products. Such wastes of plastics can be used as additives for stabilized soil.
2.2. Random fiber reinforcement:
This arrangement has discrete fibers distributed randomly in the soil mass. The mixing is done until the soil
and the reinforcement form a more or less homogeneous mixture. Materials used in this type of reinforcements are
generally derived from paper, nylon, metals or other materials having varied physical properties. Randomly distributed
fibers have some advantages over the systematically distributed fibers.
Somehow this way of reinforcement is similar to addition of admixtures such as cement, lime etc. Besides
being easy to add and mix, this method also offers strength isotropy, decreases chance of potential weak planes which
occur in the other case and provides ductility to the soil.
III. METHODOLOGY
The compaction tests were done to assess the amount of compaction and the water content required. The water
content at which the maximum dry density is attained is obtained from the relationships provided by the tests. The
California Bearing Ratio test is conducted for the soil by adding plastic strips with varying percentage of 0.2 i.e.0.2%,
0.4%, 0.6% etc. and determines the strength of soil until the strength reaches the highest level and stop at the interval
when strength decreasing from the highest. Plot the graph and calculate the bearing value for 2.5mm penetration and
5mm penetration and value of 2.5mm penetration and 5mm penetration is recorded. Then finally plot a graph of

ISSN (Print): 2347-6710

Percentage of Plastic content and CBR value and obtained the maximum CBR value corresponds to percentage of
plastic content.
3.1 Tri-Axial Test:
Today Tri-axial test is the most commonly used Strength Test in research laboratory. In this test the solid
specimen,Cylindrical in shape, is subjected to direct stresses acting in 3 mutually perpendicular directions. This test
gives shear Strength parameters of soil.
3.2 Direct Shear Test:

This is the simple and commonly used test on soil. This test is used to determine the shear parameters of soil
by using shear box apparatus.
IV. EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS
4.1 Scope of work:

The experimental work consists of the following steps:
1. Specific gravity of soil
2. Determination of soil index properties (Atterberg’s Limits)
a. Liquid limit by Casagrande’sapparatus
b. plastic limit
3. Particle size distribution by sieve analysis
4. Determination of the maximum dry density (MDD) and the corresponding optimum moisture content (OMC)
of the soil by Proctor compaction test
5. Preparation of reinforced soil samples.
6. Determination of the shear strength by:
i) UU Triaxial test
7. California Bearing Ratio
A. Geotechnical Properties of untreated Laterite soil

Property Value/Description
Specific Gravity 2.68

Liquid Limit 25.55%
Plastic Limit 13%
Plasticity Index 12.55%
Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) CL
Maximum Dry Density (MDD) 1.7g/cc
Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) 34.7%
Natural Moisture Content 17.36%
B. Atterberg’s Limits
Liquid Limit = 25.55%
Plastic Limit = 13%
Plasticity index= 12.55%
Plasticity of Laterite soil was found--. So according to unified soil classification system (USCS) soil is
classified as inorganic soils.

ISSN (Print): 2347-6710

Fig.1. Shows Liquid Limit curve for Black Cotton Soil
Hydrometer analysis:
The particle size distribution curve for fine particles i.e., for particles <75μ is obtained through hydrometer analysis.
Hydrometer analysis is based on the principle of sedimentation of soil grains in water. When a soil specimen is
dispersed water, the particles settle at different velocities, depending upon shape, size, and weight, and the viscosity of
the water.
Fig .2.Shows Sieve Analysis
B. Compaction Test (Standard Proctor Test):

Given below figure shows the relation between water content and dry density. The optimum
moisture content of black cotton soil has been found, Wo= 37.4% and max.dry density has been found (rd) max
=1.76
Fig.3. shows Compaction Test
Triaxial Test:
This is the test used to determine the shear strength of the soil. In this experiment the soil specimen of
diameter 38mm and height 76mm is placed inside a triaxial cell and constant cell pressure is applied on the specimen
through constant pressure system. This test is conducted for undrained unconsolidated conditions.

ISSN (Print): 2347-6710

Sample No Major principal stress Cell pressure Deviator stress

σ1=σ3+σd(Kg/cm2) σ3(Kg/cm2) σd(Kg/cm2)
1 0.76 0.5 0.26
2 1.67 1.0 0.67
3 2.65 1.5 1.15
Fig.4. shows Triaxial Test

The above graph, cohesion C=0; Angle of internal friction ∅ = 20
Compression test on the BC soil and with Geogrids.
Figs shows variation of compressive strength of BC soil with Geogrids reinforcement for various materials .The graph
is plotted against CS BC soil with Geogrids.
1.Based on CBR Test on soil( with strips of length 5cm), with strips reinforcement of 0 .00 %, 0.25%, 0.50%,
0.75%, and 1%, the increase in CBR Test values was found to be 3.34, 2.68, 6.20, 5.73, and 2.86 respectively
explained above.
2.Based on CBR Test on soil( with strips of length 7.5cm), with strips reinforcement of 0 .00 %, 0.25%,
0.50%, 0.75%, and 1%, the increase in CBR Test values was found to be 3.34, 2.86, 5.24, 4.31, and 2.85 respectively
explained above.
Test strip length 5cm and penetration 5mm Test strip length 5cm and penetration 7mm

ISSN (Print): 2347-6710

CBR value Length of Strips (cm)
3.34 0
5.23 2.5
6.20 5
5.24 7.5
Comparison on length of strips and CBR value
From the above graph we observed that according to the size of the strips also increases the CBR
Value with different lengths like 2.5cm, 5.00cm and 7.5cm in this 2.5cm to 5.00cm CBR value 5.23 to 6.20
respectively increases and 5.00cm to 7.50cm length CBR values decreases 6.20 to 5.24 respectively.
● So from the results shear strength of the soil increases up to 5.00cm length of strips and after decreases vice –
versa.
● CBR value for 5.00cm is 6.20 it is optimum length of strips used for sub grade design.
Experimental study, the following conclusions are drawn.
Test Results
1. Based on CBR Test on soil( with strips of length 2.5cm), with strips reinforcement of 0 .00 %, 0.25%, 0.50%,
explained above.
2. Based on CBR Test on soil( with strips of length 5cm), with strips reinforcement of 0 .00 %, 0.25%, 0.50%,
explained above.
3. Based on CBR Test on soil( with strips of length 7.5cm), with strips reinforcement of 0 .00 %, 0.25%, 0.50%,
explained above.
4. On comparing the results from CBR test conducted on lateritic soil with adding different percentage of plastic
strips, it is found that the values of CBR Test CBR Values are increases up to certain percentage and decreases
vice versa.
5. From above results using 5cm length of plastic strips with percentage of 0.50% is to be recommended for sub

ISSN (Print): 2347-6710

grade design and embankment construction.

6. Overall it can be concluded that plastic strips reinforced soil can be considered to be good for sub grade and
embankment design.
V. CONCLUSION
Use of plastic products such as polythene bags, bottles, containers and packing strips etc. is increasing day by
day. The disposal of the plastic wastes without causing any ecological hazards has become a real challenge to the
present society. Thus using plastic bottles as a stabilizer is an economical and gainful utilization since there is scarcity
of good quality soil for embankments and fills. Thus this project is to meets the challenge of society to reduce the
quantities of plastic waste, the plastic stripes were made out of this plastic wastage and are used in making the payment
and it is found that there is an increase in the strength of the soil. California Bearing Ratio test was carried out to find
the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content. The CBR was conducted for soil mixed with plastic strips.
The CBR test is conducted for the red soil and black cotton soil, adding the 0.7% of plastic stripes to red soil and 0.5%
for the black cotton soil it is found that the strength of the soil is increased resulting the bearing ratio of 2.9 for red soil
and 3.3 for the black cotton soil. As it economic in nature and hazard free it is the one of the best solution for re-
utilization of the plastic wastage. Producing useful materials from non-useful waste materials that lead to the
foundation of sustainable society.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The successful completion of any task would incomplete without mentioning the people who made is possible.
So it is with the gratitude that I acknowledge the help, which crowned my efforts with success.
I am Dhara. Naveen Kumar student of final year belonging to Department of Civil Engineering have
undertaken and completed aproject on SOIL STABILIZATION USING PLASTICS AND BOTTLE STRIPS.
I take the opportunity to thank Dr. S. P. Venu Madhava Rao, principal of St. MARTIN’S ENGINEERING
COLLEGE, DHULAPALLY for providing great environment facilities for successful completion of project.
I remain indebted and highly grateful to Prof. N. L. Narasimha Rao, Head of Department of Civil Engineering
for his keen interest and support in carrying out the project.
My special thanks to Ast. Prof N. Vijay Kumar and all department staff and friends for their cheerful support
during execution of project.
REFERENCES
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2. Kumar, M. A., Prasad, D. S. V. and Prasadaraju, G. V. R. (2009). Utilization of industrial waste in flexible pavement construction. Electronic
Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, Vol. 13
3. IS: 1888(1982), Method of Load Test on Soils. Indian Standards Institutions, New Delhi.
4. Bateni, F. (2009). Stabilization Mechanisms of oil- palm fruit bunch fiber reinforced silt sand.
Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, University of Auckland.
5. Purushothama Raj, P. (2005). Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering. Pearson Education.
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7. Dr. A.I. Dhatrak, S.D. Konmare (2015): "performance of randomly oriented plastic waste in flexible pavement" IJPRET march 2015/vol. 3/no.
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8. A.K. Choudhary, J.N. Jha and K.S. Gill (2010):"A study on CBR behavior of waste plastic strip reinforced soil" EJER January 2010 /vol. 15/no.
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9. Raj Kumar Nagle (2014): "comparative study of CBR of soil, reinforced with natural waste plastic material" IJESR June 2014/ vol-4 /issue-
6/304-308.
10. AchmadFauzi, ZuraidahDjauhari, and UsamaJuniansyahFauzi (2016):"Soil engineering properties improvement by utilization of cut waste
plastic and crushed waste glass as additive" IJET February 2016/vol. 8/no.1.
11.Amin EsmaeilRamaji (2012):"A review on the soil stabilization using low-cost methods" JASR may 2012/ 8(4):2193-2196
12. Rishi Singh Chhabra, SupriyaMarik (2014):" A review literature on the use of waste plastics and waste rubber tyres in pavement" IJCEM April
2014/ vol. 1/issue 1.

ISSN (Print): 2347-6710

BIOGRAPHY
N.Vijaya Kumar Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, K L University,

Vaddeswaram,Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. He is now working as Assistant Professor in Civil
Engineering Department, St.martins Engineering College Dhulapally, and Hyderabad.
Associate Dean Academics & Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, K L University, Vaddeswaram,
Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, K L University, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh,

India.

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ISSN(Online): 2319-8753

ISSN (Print): 2347-6710

International Journal of Innovative Research in Science,

Vol. 6, Issue 8, August 2017