STUDIES ON USE OF NANO-MATERIALS AND CEMENT FOR

IMPROVEMENT OF SOIL IN RURAL ROADS CONSTRUCTION

Khusboo Arora1and P.K. Jain2
1
Ph.D Scholar, 2Chief Scientist & Professor
Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research,
CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi 110025,(India)
ABSTRACT
The use of hard stone has been practiced in construction of sub-base and base course even if it is
to be brought from uneconomical leads. Due to massive road construction activities, the sources
of stone are depleting fast. In this context, use of soil stabilized sub-base or base may be
economical considering significant economics that can be effected by adopting soil stabilization,
in line with other countries abroad, rural road construction in India may also adopt soil
stabilization technique, at least in the areas, where stone aggregate is not available near
construction sites and leads for carrying hard stone is uneconomical. Cement is a very popular
stabilizer all over the world particularly for coarse grained soils. A mixture of other propertary
additives is also being used for stabilization of various types of soils. In this study, cement
stabilization is used to modify soil properties along with small quantity of organo-silane
nanomaterials. This additive eliminates capillary rise and water ingress from top, and reduces
water permeability. In this study stabilization has been done using 3% cement and 0.75% dose of
organo-silane nanomaterials. Results of improvement in engineering properties of soil for use in
sub-base and base course construction are discussed in the paper.
INTRODUCTION
General
Due to depletion of the sources of stone, cost of the road construction material increases.
Therefore, it is necessary to use alternative material for construction which would reduce the
overall cost of pavement construction. Stabilization of the sub grade soil can lead to reduce the
thickness of the pavement layers and it works out to be economical. Cement is a very popular
stabilizer all over the world particularly for coarse grained soils. Soil stabilization is the
permanent alteration of any property of the soil to improve its engineering performance. From
the economical point of view, stabilized gravel road can be constructed in the areas where traffic
volume is low. For the stabilization of soil, modification can be done by adding additives such as
lime, cement, fly ash etc, to increase the strength, durability and performance of the soil so that it
can be used for the construction of sub-base or base in rural road construction. Now-a-days a
number of other proprietary additives are also being used for stabilization of various types of
soils, which often accomplished by physical or chemical stabilization. In chemical stabilization
process, soil stabilization depends mainly on chemical reactions between stabilizer and soil
minerals to achieve the desired effect. In this study, cement stabilization is used to modify soil
properties along with small quantity of organo-silane based Nanomaterials. This additive
eliminates capillary rise and water ingress from top, and reduces water permeability. Additive
assists in improvement of durability. In this study stabilization has been done using 3% cement

and 0.75% dose of Organo-silanenanomaterials. In the present study, the behavior of sandy clay
type soil with and without stabilization was investigated.
Objectives of the study
The main objective of the study is to carryout laboratory investigations on the use of organosilane based nanomaterials to increase the durability of the soil sub grades and implement the
technology on rural road construction.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Soil Stabilization
The bearing capacity of the soil is increased, its performance and strength is improved after
stabilization. Water permeability, erosion control and other properties are also improved. Ahmed
(2014) did experiments on soil stabilization using fly ash, it is an industrial by-product of coke
combustion. The analysis involves physical and chemical properties of the soil. It has been
shown that index properties of the clay have been improved. Increase in the bearing capacity of
the soil was observed with varying fly ash ratios.
Akiije, (2015) used lateralite as a chemical stabilizer that locally produced in Nigeria and was
used on three laterite soil samples to improve the subgrade, subbase and base material in
highway pavement based on recommendation of AASHTO system. Lateralite with varying
dosage of 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14% were individually mixed with soil samples in laboratory. The
OMC and MDD increased with increase in the dosage of lateralitre. The CBR values increased in
range of 143%, 127% and 212% obtained for three soil samples for 14% dosage of lateralite. It is
significant in study that natural clayey soil sample rated poor for highway material has improved
better and it is rated good after stabilized the three sail samples with lateralite.
A laboratory work was carried out by Prasad et al, (2011) to study the strength characteristics of
gravely soil stabilized with cement from tests on cube with cement content varying from 0 to
14% by weight after 7,14 and 28 days of curing. The results of study indicated the potential of
cement stabilized gravelly soil in preparation of low grade concrete for foundation beds of
buildings, construction of gravity retaining structures and construction of pavements.
Satyanarayana et al, (2013) has done the performance study on flexible pavement depending
upon the functions of the component layers especially sub-base layer. They found that after the
addition of the crusher dust, the plasticity characteristics were reduced and CBR values
increased. Addition of 25% of crusher dust makes the soil mix low plastic and 35% of the
crusher mix makes non plastic, and high CBR values are observed. And hence from the results
obtained it is identified that addition of 25-35% of crusher dust make the gravel soils meet the
specifications of MORTH as subbase material.
Md. Rokonuzzaman et al, (2012) says that Study on the Geotechnical Properties of Cement
based Composite Fine-grained Soil expresses that the impact of cement on the execution of soil.
The expansion of concrete was found to enhance the building properties of accessible soil in
settled structures particularly quality, workability, and compaction and compressibility attributes.
Lekha B. M. U. Ravi Shankar, (2013) carried out studies on fatigue and engineering properties of
chemically stabilized soil for pavements, they found that when a compound named Zycosoil, is

added to water and blended with soil changes its designing properties. These chemicals are fluid
added substances, which follow up on the dirt to decrease the voids between soil particles and
minimize adsorbed water in the dirt for most extreme compaction.
MATERIALS
Soil: Soil sample (One type) for soil stabilization was collected from the local region, Delhi. The
present report provides the strength and durability characteristics of above mentioned soil with
and without stabilizer.
Cement: Ordinary Portland Cement(OPC) of Grade 43 was used for stabilization of the selected
soil.
Organo-silane based Nanomaterials
Compound A: It is water soluble, easy to apply, nanotechnology based Organo-silane
compound. It is a UV & heat stable reactive soil modifier to stabilize and waterproof soil
subgrade. It is a green technology enabling minimal use of aggregates. It reacts with water loving
silanol groups of sand, silt, clay, and aggregates to convert it to highly stable water repellent
alkyl siloxane bonds and forms a breathable in-situ membrane. It resolves the critical sub-surface
issues. The untreated soil surface silicate structure and treated soil creating a molecular level
hydrophobic membrane is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Untreated soil surface silicate structure

and Treated soil surface silicate structure
Compound B:It is acrylic co-polymer dispersion for the soil particles and imparting resistance
to soil erosion and dust control. It is blended with compound A and showered on compacted
soils. It enhances the quality of soil layer, controls soil disintegration, quick drying of soil
layers/earth road after downpours and thus it helps in reducing maintenance cost.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

In this study stabilization has been done using 3% cement and 0.75% dose of Organo-silane
nanomaterials. Various laboratory tests were performed for investigating the Engineering
properties of soil as per Indian Standard is as below:
Properties of Soil with and without Addition of organo-silane nanomaterials
Free Swell Index: Free swell index of the soil helps to find out the potential of the soil to swell
which is needed for further detailed investigation of swelling characteristics of soil under
different field conditions. Free swell index test carried out on natural soil and soil treated with
organo-silane nanomaterials stabilizer with dosages of 0.5 Kg/m3, 0.75 Kg/m3and 1.0 Kg/m3.
The test is carried out as per the procedure of IS: 2720 (Part 40). The results are shown in the
Table1.
Table 1: Free swelling index of untreated and treated soil
Property

Natural Soil
20

Soil+0.5 kg/m3
Com. A
9

Soil+0.75 kg/m3
Com. A
3

Soil+1.0 kg/m3
Com. A
1

Free Swell Index

(FSI) %

From the above table it has been observed that 55% decrease in the index value after the soil
stabilized with dosage of 0.5 kg/m3, 85% and 95% decrease respectively with the dose of 0.75
kg/m3 and 1.0 kg/m3. Index properties are well improved with increase in dosage of stabilizer.
Modified Proctor tests: Modified compactor test was carried out as per IS: 2720 (Part 8). With
the dosage of organo-silane nanomaterials stabilizer 0.5 kg/m3, 0.75 kg/m3 and 1.0 kg/m3.
Compaction curve of the soil has been shown in Figure 2. The maximum dry density and
optimum moisture content were observed to be 2.0 gm/cc and OMC was 9.8% at dosage of 0.75
kg/m3. The test results are shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Test results of proctor test for treated soil
Soil
Density (gm/cc)
OMC (%)

Natural Soil

Soil+0.5 kg/m3
Com. A

Soil+0.75 kg/m3
Com. A

Soil+1.0 kg/m3
Com. A

1.920

1.96

2.00

1.984

12

10.6

9.8

~ 10.8

2.02
2
Dry Density gm/cc

1.98
1.96
1.94
1.92
1.9
1.88
1.86
1.84
5.0
Soil+0.5 kg/m3

7.0

9.0
11.0
13.0
water Content, %
Soil +0.75 kg/m3 TS
Soil+1.0 kg/m3 TS

15.0
Plan Soil

Figure 2- MDD Vs OMC for untreated and treated soil

California Bearing Ratio Test: The CBR test is carried out as per IS: 2720 (Part-16) on
different combinations of soil such as, soil stabilized with cement only, with compound A only
and with cement, compound A & B. The CBR samples were prepared at their corresponding
maximum dry density and OMC. For each test three similar samples were prepared. Those CBR
sample which are prepared with cement, compound A & B are kept under the halogen light at
40C inside the building (or under the sun light) for four days. After completion of four days, the
top and bottom layer of the samples is sprayed with the diluted solution of compound A and B
with the rate of 2lt/m2 and again put under the halogen light for two days. After that, the CBR
samples were immersed into the water for 4 Days soaking for testing. The result of the same are
presented in Table 3 and the variation in CBR values of treated soil is shown in Figure 3.
Table 3: CBR test results
Sample

CBR (%)

Natural Soil

Soil+0.75 kg/m3
Com. A

Soil+3% Cement

Soil+3% Cement
+ 0.75 kg/m3
Com. A + 0.75
kg/m3 Com. B

37

67

125

140
Natural Soil

120

CBR (%)

100
Soil+ 0.75 kg/m3
Comp(A)

80
60

Soil+ 3% Cement
40
20
Soil +3% Cement + 0.75
kg/m3 Comp(A)+ 0.75
kg/m3 Comp(B)

0
4 Days Soke CBR

Figure 3: Variation in CBR results

From the table it has been observed that, after the stabilization with the combination of cement,
compound A & B about 1700% increase in CBR value is achieved.
Unconfined Compressive Strength: The unconfined compressive strength test (UCS) was
carried out on the specimen of dimension 50mm x 100mm as per (IS: 4332- Part 5), 1970. The
samples were prepared with the combination of soil, cement, compound A and compound B.
UCS sample which are prepared with cement, compound A and B are kept under the halogen
light at 40C inside the building ( or under the sun light) for four days. After completion of four
days, the top and bottom layer of the samples is sprayed with the diluted solution of compound A
and B with the rate of 2lt/m2 and again put under the halogen light for two days. The results are
given in Table 4 and variation in results is shown in Figure 4.
Table 4: UCS test results

Sample

UCS
(MPa)

7days Desiccator curing

7 Days +7 days water Curing
14 Days Desiccator Curing
28 Days Desiccator Curing

Natural
Soil

Soil+
3%cement

Soil+3%
Cement+0.75
kg/m3(A)

0.27
0.0
0.27
0.27

0.93
0.0
0.9
1.02

2.01
0.15
1.55
2.31

Soil+
3% Cement+
0.75kg/m3(A)
+0.75kg/m3
(B)
2.32
0.16
1.83
2.43

Soil+
0.75 kg/m3
(A)+
0.75kg/m3
(B)
2.86
0.0
1.96
2.9

UCS (Mpa)

3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
7days Desiccator curing

7 Days +7 days water Curing 14 Days Desiccator Curing

28 Days Desiccator Curing

Natural soil

Soil + 3% Cement

Soil + 3% Cement + 0.75kg/m3 Comp(A)

Soil + 3% Cement + 0.75kg/m3 Comp(A)+0.75kg/3 Comp(B)

Control + 0.75kg/m3 Comp(A)+0.75kg/3 Comp(B)

Figure 4: Variation in UCS for untreated and treated soil

Durability of soil stabilized with Organo-silane based Nano-materials
In order to check the durability of the stabilized mix the following method is recommended.
Wetting and drying Test: This test is done as per IS: 4332 (Part-4) 1968. It is generally wetting
and drying, & freezing and thawing tests for compacted soil-cement mixtures, which determines
the weight losses, moisture changes and volume changed (swell and shrinkage) produced by
repeated wetting and drying of hardened stabilized soil specimens.
In the wetting and drying cycle test, the specimens are subjected to 12 cycles of wetting and
drying, consisting of immersion in water for 5 hour followed by drying at 160F (71C) for 42
hours. After each cycle the specimens are brushed in a standardized manner with a wire scratch
brush (18-20 strokes the side and 4 at each end). The loss in weight of the brush specimens, after
each cycle are determined. In parallel test the volume and moisture change of the specimen after
each cycle are determined.
The cylindrical sample of dimension 50mm x 100mm, made from the stabilized soil with the
given stabilizer were casted in the laboratory as per ( IS: 4332- Part 4), 1970. Each set consist of
four soil sample. Preparation of the sample similar as the UCS sample prepared at their
maximum dry density and OMC water followed by the dry procedure as CBR & UCS. Each set
of stabilized samples were subjected to alternate wetting and drying cycle as described in section
4, the results of the same are presented in Table 5.
Table 5: Wetting and drying test results for stabilized soil
Sample
No. of Cycle pass
Plain Soil
Soil + 3% cement
4
3
Soil+3% Cement+0.75 kg/m
12
(A) + 0.75kg/m3 (B)
Soil+
2
0.75 kg/m3 (A)+ 0.75kg/m3 (B)

Weight loss
<2%
-

CONCLUSIONS
In the present study, it is observed that the behavior of soil changes with the addition of organosilane nanomaterials. The amount of stabilizer required for appreciable stabilization depends on
the characteristics of soil. The following conclusions can be drawn from the results, such as:

It is observed that organo-silane stabilizers works well with the combination of cement and
makes the soil stiff, so that in low traffic area stabilized gravel road can be constructed.

FSI value of soil treated with the dose of 0.75 kg/m3 reduces to 85% considerably compared
to natural soil. This is because the film of adsorbed water is greatly reduced for treated soil
and the surface area reduces, resulting in decreased swelling capacity.

It is observed that CBR values increases 1700 times with the combination of cement,
compound A & B.

It is observed that UCS strength increases with increase in dosage of stabilizer and curing
period. It is also observed that, UCS strength of samples without cement shows good
increment, but it fails under durability test.

In durability tests, the saples with cement and stabilizers passed all the wet and dry cycles,
whereas other soil samples could not withstand the WD cycles.

This signifies that such stabilization technologies optimizes the potential improvements to
strength of pavement foundation thereby increasing the load carrying capacity of pavement.
From economy point of view benefit associated with the utilization of organo-silane
nanomaterials with cement is attractive and supports the sustainable development in road
construction.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Authors are thankful to Director, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi-110025, for
permission to publish this paper.
REFERENCES

P.V.V Satyanarayana, P. Raghu, R Ashok kumar, N pradeep, Performance of crusher dust in

high plastic gravel soils as road construction material, IOSR journal of mechanic and civil
engineering, volume 10 issue 3, Nov-Dec 2013.
ASCV Prasad, CVV Satyanarayana reddy, The potential of cement stabilized gravelly soils
as construction material, Proceeding of Indian geotechnical conference, Kochi, Dec 2011
Dr. Asaf Ghais Abadi Ahmed, International conference on civil biological and
environmental engineering,CBEE-2014, Istambul, May 2014.
Grytan Sarkar, Md. Rafiqul Islam, Muhammed Alamgir, Md. Rokonuzzaman (October
2012), Study on the Geotechnical Properties of Cement based Composite Fine-grained Soil
International Journal of Advanced Structures and Geotechnical Engineering, ISSN 23195347, Vol. 01, No. 02

Lekha B. M. U. Ravi Shankar Goutham Sarang, Fatigue and Engineering Properties of

Chemically Stabilized Soil for Pavements, Indian Geotech Jl (JanuaryMarch 2013)
43(1):96104 DOI 10.1007/s40098-012-0031-5.
Akiije, Chemical stabilization of selected Laterite soils using Lateralite for highway
pavement, International journal of engineering and technology, volume 5 NO.5, May 2015.
Patel N.A., Mishra C. B., Gautam S. B., Influence Of Chemical Additive In Modification Of
Subgrade Soil For Pavements, International Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology
Research (IJSETR), Volume 4, Issue 9, September 2015
Patel N.A., Mishra C. B., Parmar D.K., Gautam S. B., Subgrade Soil Stabilization using
Chemical Additives, International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET),
Volume: 02 Issue: 04 , July-2015.
Lekha B. M. U. Ravi Shankar Goutham Sarang, Laboratory Investigation Of Soil Stabilized
With Nano Chemical, Proceedings of Indian Geotechnical Conference, Roorkee, December
22-24,2013.
IS: 2720 (Part II) 1973, Determination of Water Content.
IS: 2720 (Part IV) 1985, Determination of Grain Size Analysis.
IS: 2720 (Part V) 1985, Determination of Liquid and Plastic Limit.
IS: 2720 (Part VIII) 1987, Determination of Water Content Dry Density Relation Using
Light Compaction.
IS: 2720 (Part XVI) 1997, Laboratory Determination of CBR.
IS: 1498 1987, Classification and Identification of Soils for General Engineering Purposes.