Stabilization of Black Cotton Soil Using Lime and Geocomposite

Abstract

Ordinary building blocks are made of a mixture of clay, which is subjected to various processes, different according to the nature of the material, after being properly prepared the clay is formed in moulds to the desired shape, then dried and burnt. Local soil has always been the most widely used material for earthen construction. The main objective of this investigation had been focused on the improvement of the compressive strength of the black cotton soil blocks with different content of lime by reinforcing the geocomposite. The cubical (100mm × 100mm × 100mm) blocks are prepared with soil treated with 5%, 10% and 15% lime with one and two layers of geocomposite reinforcement inside the blocks, the compressive strength of the bricks is obtained by laboratory compression test apparatus the results obtained are compared with unreinforced samples. Expansive soils are causing number of damages to the structures particularly light buildings and pavements compare to other natural hazards like earthquake, floods, etc. Thus, worldwide these soils are considered to be problematic soils and pose several challenges for engineers. So, as to utilize these soils in an effective way, proper treatment to the soil is required. With the same intention, an attempt is made to modify engineering properties of black cotton soils