Paper Number: 25

A STUDY ON EFFECT OF DOSAGE OF BIO-ENZYME ON

STRENGTH AND PLASTICITY CHARACTERISTICS OF
SOILS
By MANJUNATH .C1, PAVITRA DESHANUR2, AMARNATH M.S3

1. Student, M.E (Highway Engineering), UVCE, Bangalore University, Bangalore,E-mail:manjuc007@gmail.com

2. Student, M.E (Highway Engineering), UVCE, Bangalore University, Bangalore,E-mail:pavitra.e501@gmail.com

3. Professor, Dept.of Civil Engineering,UVCE,BangaloreUniversity,Bangalore.Email:amarnath_ms@rediffmail.com

Abstract

Road construction on soils with poor engineering properties necessitates adoption of Stabilization techniques. Bio-
enzymes are found to improve the soil properties and thus performance of roads. Effect of bio-enzymes on soils
depends on type, dosage of bio-enzyme, its curing period and amount of fines. To evaluate the effect of bio-enzyme,
two soils were treated with varying dosages of Terrazyme, a commercial Bio-enzyme and the effect of Terrazyme
dosage on plasticity characteristics and unconfined compressive strength of soils were evaluated. It was found that
with increase in Bio-enzyme dosage, the plasticity index of the soils decreases upto certain limit and then the
reduction was not substantial. Studies further revealed that the increase in Unconfined Compressive strength is
dependent on fines content.

Keywords: Stabilization, Bio-enzyme, Terrazyme, Plasticity index, Unconfined Compressive Strength

1. Introduction

1.1 General

The behavior of road surface depends on the strength of the fill material and the subgrade below it. Road
construction over soft subgrade soil is a major issue affecting cost and scheduling of highway projects in regions
where soft subgrades are common. Many techniques have been evolved to strengthen the highway soil subgrade.
Soil stabilization is a general term used for the modification of soil to enhance the strength and other engineering
properties. The principle of soil stabilized road construction involves the effective utilization of local soils and other
suitable stabilizing agents.

In the construction industry, maintaining a balance between performance and cost, while at the same time satisfying
environmental regulations, has become a challenge for building material manufacturers, design engineers, and
contractors. This challenge has led to identification and use of new construction materials and techniques.
Manufacturing of readily used construction materials, such as cement and lime, has a deteriorating effect on the
environment; the production of cement and lime is energy demanding, and production of one ton of cement emits
around one ton of CO2. Hence there is a need for alternative environmental friendly soil stabilization techniques.

Bio-enzymes have been introduced for soil stabilization, especially in highway projects. They are organic materials,
which are supplied as a concentrated liquid. It is claimed by Bio-enzyme manufacturers that their products are
effective, environmental friendly (nontoxic), cost-effective, and convenient to use. They are generally extracted by
the fermentation of vegetables and sugar canes; thus they are degradable; that is, they easily break down and
dissolve with time. However, their effect on soils does not change. They are supplied in liquid form and are easily
soluble in water, which is used for soil compaction. This saves time and cost normally consumed by the mixing of
traditional solid stabilizers with soil.

1.2 Objectives

To characterize two different soils based on their properties.

To study the effect of varying dosages of Terrazyme on strength and plasticity characteristics of identified soils.
To find out optimum Terrazyme dosage required for selected soils.

1.3 Scope of the study

In this study, two soils were considered and designated as red soil and black cotton soil based on properties. The
optimum moisture content and dry densities of these soils are determined. In order to improve the properties, each
soil is treated with different dosages of Bio-enzyme (Terrazyme) and the properties were evaluated after subjecting
the samples to 28 days curing in desiccators.

2. Literature review

2.1 General

Enzymes are biological catalysts present in all living organisms. They are obtained from plants and animals,
including microorganisms, by extraction using suitable solvent. It is suggested that enzymes are proprietary of their
supplier; unless they provide the composition, it is very difficult to determine the precise composition and
stabilization mechanism. Also some commercial enzymes, for example, Bio Cat, Permazyme, Terrazyme, and UBIX
No. 0010, should contain protein molecules which react with soil molecules to bind the soil particles together, thus
decreasing the affection of soils for moisture.

2.2 Terrazyme

Terrazyme (Tz) is a natural, non-toxic liquid, formulated using vegetable extracts. Terrazyme emphasizes on
strength, performance and higher resistance to deformation. It requires dilution in water before application.
Terrazyme enhances weather resistance and also increases load bearing capacity of soils. These features are
particularly evident in fine-grained soils such as clay in which the formulation affects the swelling and shrinking
behavior. This formulation has the ability to change the matrix of the soil so that after compaction the soil loses its
ability to reabsorb water and the mechanical benefits of compaction are not lost even after water is reapplied to the
compacted soil. Once the enzyme reacts with the soil, the change is permanent and the product is bio-degradable [5].

2.3 Effect of Bio-enzymes on soil properties

Sureka Naagesh et al (2010) conducted a number of experiments on an expansive soil treated with a bio enzyme.
Soil Specimens were treated with different dosages of bio enzyme and they concluded that soil specimens treated
with bio enzyme exhibit lesser percent swell and swell pressure compared to untreated soil specimens. soils
exhibited 29 % lesser swell potential after 30 days curing.

Lekha B M et al. (2013) studied the behavior of Black Cotton (BC) soil with and without treating with Terrasil for
different dosages and cured for 7-28 days. It was observed that UCS strength increases with increase in dosage of
stabilizer and curing period. It was observed that 2% Terrasil showed 20 % increment, but further increase of dosage
results in a marginal improvement of strength. Hence the dosage 2 was considered as the optimum chemical dosage.
CBR values also increased with the increase in percentage of stabilizer.

Isaac et al (2003) have done experimental studies in the area of Bio-enzyme soil stabilization in the laboratory for
different types of soils from Kerala. The soil was treated with different dosage of enzyme. CBR tests were
conducted on each soil samples at different curing period under soaked condition. From the study they found that
Terrazyme treatment is very effective, economical and environmental friendly technique for the stabilization of fine
grained soil.
Venkatasubramanian et al. (2011) conducted tests on three soils with varied properties and different dosages of
Bio-Enzyme. Three soils had liquid limits of 28, 30 and 46% and plasticity index of 6, 5 and 6%. Increase in
unconfined compressive strength and CBR after 4 weeks of curing was reported as 152 to 200% and 157 to 673%
respectively.

Ravi Shankar et al. (2009) studied the effect of different dosages of Bio-Enzymes on Lateritic soil of Dakshina
Kannada (district of India), having liquid limit and Plasticity Index more than 25% and 6% respectively. Tests were
conducted on lateritic soil by adding different percentages of sand as well. They concluded that there is medium
improvement in physical properties of lateritic soil. Therefore it was suggested that effect of Bio-Enzyme on soil
should be examined in laboratory before actual field application. Higher dosage produced 300% increase in CBR,
450% in unconfined compressive strength and permeability was reduced by 42% after four weeks of curing. It was
also observed that enzyme is not effective for cohesion less soil.

Hitam et al. (1998) of Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia conducted field studies on improvement on
plantation roads. Road section of 27.2 km was treated with Terrazyme and it was observed that road remained good
after two monsoon seasons, which had serious problems due to monsoon before.

2.4 Summary of literature review

Most of the researchers found that the application of bio-enzyme on the soil improves the strength to a large extent
and reduces plasticity index of soils and swelling properties. Stabilization using bio-enzyme increases the pavement
performance and also reduces cost. From the research work done by various researchers and by laboratory studies, it
can be seen that both curing period and dosage of Bio-enzymes affect the properties of stabilized soils. Also the
studies are soil specific and the effect of bio-enzymes is different for different soils which necessitate studying the
effect of bio-enzymes on the required soil. In this study an attempt is made to study the effect of varying dosages of
Terrazyme on locally available red soil and black cotton soil.

3. Experimental Investigations

3.1 General

In the present study, two types of soils are considered. One soil is typical red soil which represents sandy soil and
the other being a typical clayey soil which is represented by black cotton soil. Natural soil has the swelling and
shrinkage properties in presence of moisture. Basic properties of the natural untreated soil used in experimental
work are tested in the laboratory.

The experimental work is carried out in three stages, in the first stage basic tests like Visual identification test, Wet
Sieve analysis and Atterberg limits tests (Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit) were conducted on soils obtained for
investigation. Second stage consists of determining Maximum dry density and Optimum moisture content for red
soil and black cotton soil by light compaction method. In the third stage Atterberg limit tests and Unconfined
Compression tests (UCC) were conducted on red soil and black cotton soil treated with varying dosages of
Terrazyme.

The soil is treated with 1.0 ml/kg, 2.0 ml/kg, 3.0 ml/kg and 4.0 ml/kg by dry weight of soil of Terrazyme which is
diluted to 0.01 concentration. The stabilized samples are cured for 28 days in desiccators and then tested to evaluate
the effect of varying dosages of Terrazyme on plasticity and strength characteristics of soils.

3.2 Physical Properties of soils

Laboratory investigations carried out on the soils are as follows. The properties of soils are shown in Table I.

Wet sieve analysis (IS 2720 -Part 4)

Liquid limit and Plastic limit test (IS 2720 -Part 5)
Light compaction test (IS 2720 Part 7)
Unconfined compression test (IS 2720 Part 10)
Table I Physical properties of soils

Soil type Red soil Black cotton soil

Particle Size Distribution

Gravel, % 0.5 0

Sand, % 60.96 29.28

Silt and Clay, % 25.76 41.02

Clay 12.78 29.70

Atterberg's Limits

Liquid limit, % 32 50

Plastic Limit, % 22 27

Plasticity Index, % 10 23

Standard compaction test results

Maximum Dry Density, kN/m3 18.3 16.1

Optimum moisture content, % 14 24

Unconfined Compressive Strength, kN/m2 463 232

3.3 Properties of Terrazyme

Terrazyme is Brown in colour and has smell of molasses. The specific weight is similar or equal to that of water.
The pH level is between 4.3 to 4.6. If they are to be stored for a long time, temperature of 55 0C is to be maintained.

3.4 Curing of soil samples treated with Terrazyme

Terrazyme treated loose soils were kept in polythene bags for a period of 28 days to ensure that there was no loss in
moisture content. Compacted samples were kept in polythene bags to retain moisture during the curing period and
were placed in desiccators. Rapid drying of the compacted samples does not mimic actual road conditions and will
be eliminating the moisture needed for enzyme action to continue.
3.5 Tests on soils treated with Terrazyme

Soil specimens treated with different Terrazyme dosages and cured for 28 days were evaluated for change in
Plasticity characteristics and Unconfined compressive strength.

3.5.1 Atterberg limits

Both red soil and black cotton soils are treated with Terrazyme and cured for 28 days. Liquid limit and plastic limit
tests were conducted on 28 days cured soil samples and the results are as shown in the Table II and III for red and
black cotton soils respectively.
Table II Test results of plasticity characteristics of Red soil treated with Terrazyme

Terrazyme dosage, ml/kg of dry

Liquid limit, % Plastic limit, % Plasticity index, %
soil

0 32 22 10

1 26 18 8

2 24 19 5

3 23 18 5

4 23 19 4

Table III Test results of plasticity characteristics of Black soil treated with Terrazyme

Terrazyme dosage, ml/kg of dry

Liquid limit, % Plastic limit, % Plasticity index, %
soil

0 50 27 23

1 43 22 21

2 40 23 17

3 41 23 18

4 40 24 16
3.5.2 Unconfined compression test

Unconfined compression test is conducted on both red soil and black cotton soil by treating with varying dosages of
Terrazyme by dry weight of soil and the unconfined compressive strength of individual specimens is determined and
the average of these values is considered as the unconfined compressive strength of the soil. UCS values of soils
with varying dosages of Terrazyme are shown in the Table IV
Table IV Unconfined compressive strength values of soils treated with Terrazyme

Terrazyme dosage, ml/kg of

UCS of Red soil, kN/m2 UCS of Black soil, kN/m2
Dry soil

0 463 232

1 516 287

2 606 403

3 630 411

4 659 471

4. Discussions

4.1 Effect of Terrazyme on plasticity characteristics

From the experimental studies, it has been found that with increase in dosages of Terrazyme the liquid limit, plastic
limit and plasticity index of Red soil decreases upto dosage of 2ml/kg of dry soil and then the reduction in plasticity
index is less. Reduction in plasticity index of soils treated with Terrazyme is 50% for red soil and 26% for black
cotton soil. The variation of plasticity characteristics with Terrazyme dosage are as shown in Figures I and II for red
and black cotton soils respectively.

35
Plasticity characteristics, %

30
25
20 liquid limit
15
plastic limit
10
plasticity index
5
0
0 1 2 3 4 5
Terrazyme dosage, ml/kg of dry soil

Figure I Variation of plasticity characteristics of Red soil with dosage of Terrazyme

 60
Plasticity characteristics, %
50

40
liquid limit
30
plastic limit
20
plasticity index
10

0
0 1 2 3 4 5
Terrazyme dosage, ml/kg of dry soil

Figure II Variation of plasticity characteristics of Black cotton soil with dosage of Terrazyme

4.2 Effect of Terrazyme on unconfined compressive strength

From the experimental studies, it has been found that the with increase in dosage of Terrazyme, UCS of red and
black cotton soils increases upto a dosage of 2 ml/kg of dry soil. However further increase in dosage increases UCS
value, but not substantially. Terrazyme dosage of 2 ml/kg of dry soil increases UCS of red soil and black cotton soil
by 30% and 74% respectively. The variation in UCS values with Terrazyme dosage for red and black cotton soils
are shown in Figures III and IV

700
650
UCS, kN/m2

600
550
500
450
400
0 1 2 3 4 5
Terrazyme dosage, ml/kg of dry soil

Figure III Variation of Unconfined compressive strength of Red soil with Terrazyme dosage

500
400
UCS, kN/m2

300
200
100
0
0 1 2 3 4 5
Terrazyme dosage, ml/kg of dry soil

Figure IV Variation of Unconfined compressive strength of Black cotton soil with Terrazyme dosage
5. Conclusions

Based on IS classification, red soil is classified as Clayey sand and the black cotton soil as highly compressible
clay.
Increase in dosages of Terrazyme decreases liquid limit and plasticity index upto a Terrazyme dosage of 2 ml/kg
of dry soil, further with increase in the dosage does not alter the plasticity characteristics of soils substantially.
Terrazyme dosage of 2 ml/kg of dry soil increases UCS of red soil and black cotton soil by 30% and 74%
respectively. With further increase in Terrazyme dosage, increase in UCS is not substantial.
The effect of Terrazyme on UCS of black cotton soil is more than red soil because of increased fines content.
Optimum Terrazyme dosage for red soil and black cotton soil is 2 ml/kg of dry soil.

Acknowledgement

We express our gratitude to thank our guide Dr. M.S. AMARNATH, Professor, Faculty of Engineering-Civil,
Bangalore University, Bangalore, for suggesting this topic and for his untiring guidance, encouragement, co-
operation and constant inspiration throughout this work. We would like to thank SHIVANAND BUDYAL, ME,
Highway Engineering for his support to complete this work. Finally, we would like to express our heartfelt
gratitude to our Parents, Friends and Faculty of Engineering-Civil, who have directly or indirectly helped us in
successful completion of work.

References

1. Sureka Naagesh and Gangadhara. S (2010), Swelling Properties of Bio-enzyme Treated Expansive soil,
International Journal of Engineering Studies, Volume 2, Number 2, pp. 155159.

2. Lekha B M, Goutham S, Ravi Shankar A U (2013) Laboratory investigation of soil stabilized with nano
chemical Proceedings of Indian Geotechnical Conference December 22-24,2013, Roorkee.

3. Isaac, Biju K. P and Veeraragavan (2003), Soil Stabilization Using Bio-Enzyme for Rural Roads presented at
the IRC Seminar Integrated Development of Rural and Arterial Road Networks for Socio- Economic
Development, New Delhi 5-6 December 2003.

4. Venkatasubramanian, C. & Dhinakaran, G. (2011). "Effect of bio-enzymatic soil stabilization on unconfined

compressive strength and california bearing ratio". Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences: 6(5):295-298.

5. Ravi Shankar, A. U., Rai, H. K. & Mithanthaya, R. (2009). "Bio-Enzyme stabilized Lateritic Soil as a Highway
material". Indian Roads Congress Journal: Vol. 18 [2013], Bund. R 3894

6. Hitam, A. and Yusof, A. (1998), Soil Stabilizers for Plantation Road, National Seminar on Mechanisation in
Oil Palm Plantation, 30 June 1998, Selangor, Malaysia.

7. Bureau of Indian Standards, Indian Standard Methods of Test for soils-IS:2720 (part 10), second revision 1991
(Reaffirmed 1995).

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9. Bureau of Indian Standards,Indian Standard Methods of Test for soils-IS:2720(part 4), second revision 1985
(Reaffirmed 1995).

10. Bureau of Indian Standards,Indian Standard Methods of Test for soils-IS:2720(part 5), second revision 1985
(Reaffirmed 1995).

11. Bureau of Indian Standards,Indian Standard Methods of Test for soils-IS:2720(part 10).