Journal of Remote Sensing, Environmental Science & Geotechnical Engineering ISSN: 3107-7366 (Online)

Authors:  Piyush V. Kolhe, Anant I. Dhatrak

Abstract: The black cotton soil seems to be most problematic when it comes in contact with water as it exerts high swelling pressure on foundation systems. The increase in swelling pressure can severely damage the structure if not properly controlled. The various methods available for reducing the swelling characteristics of expansive soil are time consuming as well as uneconomical. The proposed study focused on calculating the swelling pressure of expansive soil by performing series of laboratory swell pressure test on locally available black cotton soil treated with bio-enzyme (DZ-2X), lime and micro – silica. The soil samples were prepared at respective optimum water content and cured for 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days respectively. The results of soil treated with DZ-2X, lime and micro-silica was compared with untreated soil. The maximum percentage reduction in swelling pressure of expansive soil for 28 days of curing period treated with different combination such as DZ-2X, DZ-2X along with lime, DZ-2X along with micro – silica and DZ-2X along with lime and micro – silica was 37.45 %, 44.54 %, 24.77 % and 55.64 % respectively. It was found that bio-enzyme stabilized soil can effectively reduce swelling pressure of expansive soil when treated alone and along with lime and micro-silica.

Keywords:  Swelling Pressure, Expansive Soil, DZ-2X, Lime, Micro- Silica.