ALCHEMIST TOUCHNOLOGY LIMITED

STANDARD LABORATORY TESTS FOR SOIL-STABILIZER MIXTURES

STABILIZED WITH RBI GRADE 81 STABILIZER

TESTING MANUAL

LAST MODIFIED: 01 January, 2012

Copyright Reserved
Alchemist Touchnology Limited
DISCLAIMER

The non-conformity to the testing regime as laid out in this document for materials
stabilized with RBI Grade 81 stabilizer shall render the test results incomplete for analysis
and shall therefore not be used in the determination of the efficacy of the product.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1

2. Description of engineering properties to be tested and list of test methods. .................... 2

2.1 Particle-size distribution (grading). ............................................................................. 2

2.2 Plasticity (Atterberg Limits) ......................................................................................... 2
2.3 Free Swell Index (FSI)................................................................................................ 2
2.4 Moisture density relationship i.e. compaction curve (M.D.D. and O.M.C) .................. 3
2.5 Load Bearing Strength (CBR)..................................................................................... 3
2.6 Unconfined Compressive Strength (U.C.S.). .............................................................. 3
2.7 Durability .................................................................................................................... 4

3. Amendments to Standard Test Methods .......................................................................... 4

3.1 Preparation of a moulded specimen. .......................................................................... 4

3.2 Curing of moulded (CBR) and extruded specimens (UCS & Durability) ..................... 5
3.3 Testing of compacted specimens ............................................................................... 6
3.4 Determination of stabilizer content. ............................................................................ 7

5 Field Tests - Quality Control ............................................................................................. 8

5.1 Before compaction ..................................................................................................... 8
5.2 After final compaction ................................................................................................. 8

Appendix: Test Methods for Durability

2.7.1 Test Method for Determining the Durability of a compacted Soil-Stabilizer Mixture
with RBI Grade 81 Stabilizer under Freeze and Thaw Conditions
(deformation)……………………………………………………………………………….11
2.7.2 Test Method for the Determination of the Abrasion Resistance of a Compacted Soil-
Stabilizer Mixture with RBI Grade 81 Stabilizer (loss of soil stabilizer)………………11

Annexure A: (Informative) Flow Charts for Testing Procedures………………………….….12

Annexure B: Recommended Grading Envelope for Gravel Wearing Course Bases. …....17
Annexure C: Classification Methods……………………………………………………………19
List of Graphs:
Graph 1: UCS versus Days Cured……………………………………………………………….6
Graph 2: UCS/CBR versus % Stabiliser Content………………………………………………7

List of Tables:
Table 1: Treated Material: Number of compacted specimens for tests ……………………..5
Table 2: Drilled-core Specimens……………………………………………………….……..….9
1. Introduction
The main aim of these laboratory tests is to establish, firstly, the type and engineering
properties of the natural material (Soil) which is to be treated with RBI Grade 81, for the
necessary improvement thereof in order to meet the specified requirements for its intended
usage and secondly to achieve, by treating the natural material (Soil) with RBI Grade 81,
an acceptable strength gain or degree of hardness which will give an adequate
acceptance in bearing strength (CBR), unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and
durability. This will in turn prove the overall efficacy of the product.
Annexure A is for information purposes only and contains flow charts of procedures for
testing the natural (untreated) soil, treated soil and field tests (in-situ densities) to assist
and guide the users.
2. Description of Engineering Properties to Be Tested and List of Test
Methods.

2.1 Particles-Size Distribution (Grading)

A lack of coarse or fine particles in the composition of a soil will produce an unbalanced
grading or distorted grading curve resulting in poor mechanical stability due to insufficient
packing of the particles resulting in a high percentage of voids and thus unsatisfactory
compaction. An improvement in the soils grading and the reduction of oversize material
(<53mm) will enhance the stabilization effect by allowing more uniform strength
development, higher density and a high mechanical stability. See Annex B for the
recommended grading envelope for Gravel Wearing Course Bases.
The Test Procedure is followed as per IS Code IS: 2720 (Part 4) – 1985: Grain Size
Analysis

2.2 Plasticity (Atterberg Limits)

Plasticity gives an indication of the soils clay reactivity (active clay content) and affinity to
water (moisture content), which effects the variability in strength development or gain and
the possible need for increasing the stabilizer content in order to neutralize the effect
thereof. The Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit test are conducted in order to obtain the value of
PI (Plasticity Index).
The Test Procedure is followed as per IS Code IS: 2720 (Part 5) – 1985: Determination of
Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit. The Same Test procedure is repeated with soil sample
mixed with RBI Grade 81 in different percentage (e.g. 2%, 3%, 4% etc). The percentage of
RBI grade 81 is decided by the Lab engineer based on soil classification and experience.

2.3 Free Swell Index (FSI)

FSI Determination is the swelling Potential of the soil. It indicates the cracking behavior of
plastic soils. The stabilizer content reduces FSI and hence reduction of crack generation in
Pavement.
The Test Procedure is followed as per IS Code IS: 2720 (Part XL) – 1977: Determination
of Free Swell Index of Soils. The Same Test procedure is repeated with soil sample mixed
with RBI Grade 81 in different percentage (e.g. 2%, 3%, 4% etc). The percentage of RBI
grade 81 is decided by the Lab engineer based on soil classification and experience.
2.4 Moisture density relationship i.e. compaction curve (M.D.D. and
O.M.C)
The determination of the relationship between moisture content and dry density of soils
(compaction curve) is used in the determination of the compactability of the soil. Also
known as the Modified Procter Compaction Test. The values of optimum moisture content
(O.M.C.) and modified maximum dry density (M.D.D.) are determined from the compaction
curve. Thus soils used in fill of embankments, foundations and roadbeds or bases, are
compacted to a dense state in order to obtain satisfactory engineering properties such as
shear strength, compressibility or permeability.
The Test Procedure is followed as per IS Code IS: 2720 (Part 8) – 1983: Determination of
water content –Dry Density relation using heavy compaction. The Same Test procedure is
repeated with soil sample mixed with RBI Grade 81 in different percentage (e.g. 2%, 3%,
4% etc). The percentage of RBI grade 81 is decided by the Lab engineer based on soil
classification and experience.

2.5 Load Bearing Strength (CBR)

The CBR determination is a penetration test which measures mainly the resistance of the
soil to deformation by shearing. Its principle uses are:
i) The design of flexible road pavements with respect to subgrade and often
subbase strength and
ii) The prediction of settlements and bearing capacities under embankments and
building foundations. The CBR test is more flexible than many other penetration
tests and can be made on nearly all soils ranging from clay to fine gravel.
The Test Procedure is followed as per IS Code IS: 2720 (Part 16) – 1985: Laboratory
Determination of CBR. The Same Test procedure is repeated with soil sample mixed with
RBI Grade 81 in different percentage (e.g. 2%, 3%, 4% etc). The percentage of RBI grade
81 is decided by the Lab engineer based on soil classification and experience. The
preparation of mould specimen with RBI grade 81 and curing is explained in 3.2

2.6 Unconfined Compressive Strength (U.C.S.).

The UCS determination is a compression test which measures the resistance to increasing
loads until failure, which is the load in kPa required to crush a cylindrical soil specimen to
total failure. Thus road pavement layers especially subbase and base course layers must
withstand the strain and stresses of repetitive loading ie have a high resistance to
displacement, before deforming by shearing.
The Test Procedure is followed as per IS Code IS: 2720 (Part 10) – 1991: Determination of
Unconfined Compressive Strength and IS: 4332 (Part V): Determination of Unconfined
Compressive Strength of Stabilized Soil. The Same Test procedure is repeated with soil
sample mixed with RBI Grade 81 in different percentage (e.g. 2%, 3%, 4% etc). The
percentage of RBI grade 81 is decided by the Lab engineer based on soil classification
and experience.

2.7 Durability
To determine the resistance of compacted stabilized soils to repeated adverse weather
conditions. Therefore one must determine the minimum amount of stabilizer required in a
soil-stabilizer mixture to achieve a degree of hardness (strength gain) to resist field
weathering.
2.7.1 Test method for determining the durability of compacted soil-stabilizer mixtures
with RBI Grade 81 stabilizer under freeze and thaw conditions (deformation).
2.7.2 Test method for the determination of the abrasion resistance of a compacted
soil- stabilizer mixture with RBI Grade 81 stabilizer (loss of soil-stabilizer).

3. Amendments to Standard Test Methods

The following additional provisions and amendments shall apply to the test methods listed
in 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 when stabilizing with RBI Grade 81 stabilizer and shall be
strictly adhered to. The purpose of these provisions and amendments is to stimulate field
conditions and most importantly to allow sufficient strength gain (degree of hardness) to
take place to adequately resist field weathering and the effects of traffic loading.

3.1 Preparation of a moulded specimen.

(1) Firstly, the calculated stabilizer (RBI Grade 81) content is mixed thoroughly with the
dry untreated soil until a uniform colour is achieved i.e. homogenous mixture.
(2) Thereafter the calculated percentage water is added to the soil-stabilizer mixture and
mixed in thoroughly until the moisture is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
(3) The mixture is then allowed to stand for not more than 30 minutes at room
temperature for moisture equilibration to take place either in a sealed plastic bag or
in a basin covered with a damp hessian sack or bag.
(4) Immediately thereafter the soil-stabilizer mixture is compacted into a mould as
described in the standard test methods as listed.
Note: All moulded specimens are prepared individually so that no soil-stabilizer
mixture is allowed to stand for more than 30 minutes before proceeding with the
 compaction effort.
(5) For the preparation of the next specimen proceed from steps (1) to (5).
(6) For test methods listed in paragraphs 2.5; 2.6 and 2.7 place the moulded and
extruded specimens after compaction in a suitable curing room.

3.2 Curing of moulded (CBR) and extruded specimens (UCS &

Durability)
After completion of the compactive effort the specimens shall be damp-cured in a suitable
curing room at 95 to 100% relative humidity if available or under moist hessian sacks, jute
bags or wood-shavings at a temperature of 220 C to 250 C until a sufficient strength gain
has been achieved (degree of hardness) to withstand the tests as listed and described in
2.5, 2.6 and 2.7
3.2.1 Determination of the curing period in order to achieve sufficient strength gain
(hardness).
(1) Once the maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (O.M.C.) of the
treated material at different stabilizer contents has been established, for example at
2%,4% and 6%, compact further specimens at the different stabilizer contents using
the calculated optimum moisture content and maximum dry density determined from
the compaction curve of each individual stabilizer content. See Table 1 as an example.

Table 1: Treated Material

Number of compacted specimens for tests
Stabiliser M.D.D O.M.C Compacted Specimens
3
Content (%) (kg/m ) (%) CBR UCS Durability *
2 2240 5.7 1 3 6
4 2232 6.0 1 3 6
6 2229 6.2 1 3 6
*3 for abrasion resistance tests and 3 for freeze and thaw tests.
(2) After compaction the specimens are cured as described in paragraph 3.2 but for a
period of between 7 and 28 days in order to determine the actual hardening time or
strength gain that gives the equivalent cement strength at 7 days as the stabilizer RBI
Grade 81 takes longer to reach the same strength as that of ordinary cement, see
Graph 1 as an example.
Note: It is normal for stabilizing agents other than cement to take more than 7 days to
produce strengths equivalent to that of cement. Thus to obtain significant results it would
therefore be necessary for each case first to determine the curing time that gives
 equivalent strengths and then adjust the curing time.
Graph 1-UCS vs Days Cured

Days cured

Therefore, deducing from Graph 1 sufficient strength gain equivalent to that of cement at 7
days was achieved after 12 days curing for the stabilizer RBI Grade 81.
For Practical purpose RBI grade 81 specimen is kept minimum 7 days for curing before
conducting any test.

3.3 Testing of compacted specimens

After the specimens have been cured for the actual determined hardening time as
determined in Step (2) of 3.2 the specimens are handled as follows for the different tests.
(i) CBR determination (moulded specimens).
The specimens are removed from the curing room and submerged in water for four
days soaking period before proceeding with the penetration test as described in the
Standard Test Methods.
(ii) UCS determination (extruded specimens)
The compacted UCS specimens are immediately crushed to failure after the curing
period has been reached, which gave sufficient strength gain equivalent to that of
cement in 7 days or crushed at 28 days plus.
(iii) Durability tests (extruded specimens)
Proceed as described in test method 2.7.1 for durability under freeze and thaw
conditions and test method 2.7.2 for abrasion resistance.
3.4 Determination of stabilizer content.
The following method is used to establish the required stabilizer content to produce a soil-
stabilizer mixture that meets or conforms to the specific requirements as regards load-
bearing strength, compressive strength and durability as specified by the client.
A graph is plotted of stabilizer content versus strength test results which can be either the
CBR test results or UCS test results or both. A stabilizer content is then determined from
the graph that meets the requirements as specified by the client, see Graph 2 of an
example of typical fine silty gravel.
Graph2
UCS/CBR versus % Stabilizer Content

Test Results
Stabilizer content (%) UCS (MPa) CBR (%)
0 0.1 3
2 1.3 22
4 2.7 44
6 3.8 64

According to the client specification a CBR value of 40% is required and a UCS of
between 2 - 3 MPa. From the graph it can be shown that at a stabilizer content of 4% the
required specification is met with.
5. Field Tests - Quality Control
The following field tests shall be determined on the stabilized soil to ascertain if (i) the
required strengths and durability is attainable and (ii) the requirements have been met
with or achieved as specified.

5.1 Before compaction

Once the stabilizer and water has been thoroughly mixed in the field application and
before compaction is commenced with, representative samples of sufficient quantity of the
soil-stabilizer-water mixture is taken and transferred immediately into sealed containers
which are taken to the laboratory without delay so that the samples can be compacted as
soon as possible. Thereafter the compacted specimens are cured as described in 3.2
"Curing of moulded (CBR) and extruded specimens (UCS and durability)", where after the
following tests are carried out:
5.1.1 CBR determination (moulded specimen x 1)
Once the specimen is removed from the curing room it is submerged in water for
the four days soaking period before proceeding with the penetration test as
described in the Standard Test Methods.
5.1.2 UCS determination (extruded specimen x 3)
The compacted UCS specimens are immediately crushed to failure after the curing
period has elapsed.
5.1.3 Durability tests (extruded specimens x 6)
Procedure as described in test method 2.7.1 for durability under freeze-thaw
conditions and 2.7.2 for abrasion resistance.

5.2 After final compaction

5.2.1 Field density (compaction tests)
Once final compaction has taken place and within 24 hours thereafter, field
densities should be determined on the compacted layer by means of an appropriate
nuclear density apparatus (NDA) or gauge.
5.2.2 Drilled-core specimens (see notes before proceeding).
Once the compacted constructed stabilized layer has achieved sufficient strength
gain or a degree of hardness through sufficient curing the drilling of core-specimens
may be proceeded with. The time allowed for sufficient curing shall be determined
by the Officer in Charge.
A minimum core diameter of 100mm is recommended, drilled to the full depth of the layer
tested. The following tests shall be determined on the prepared drilled-core specimens,
see Table 4:
(i) Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS)
(ii) Durability tests for abrasive resistance and freeze-thaw resistance
Table 2
Drilled-core Specimens
UCS 3
Abrasion 2-3

Freeze-Thaw 2-3

Total 7-9

Notes:
(1) The method and mechanisms of drilling of core-specimens was designed for
concrete and asphaltic layers.
(2) Thus drilling of core-specimens of material stabilized with RBI Grade 81 is not
always possible as it is not a cementitious binder as cement and also depends on
its resistance to the harsh mechanisms of the drilling operation. This resistance
depends on the following factors:
(i) The composition of the stabilized material as to the coarse to fine material
ratio.
(ii) The physical properties of the coarse aggregate particles as to texture
(smooth or irregular), durability (hard or soft) and shape (round or angular),
(iii) The amount of fine material matrix in order to interlock the coarse aggregate
particles and
(iv) The effectiveness of the compactive effort (amount of voids).
Thus if the drilling of core-specimens is unsuccessful then alternative non-
destructive test methods must be implemented in the determination of performance
criteria i.e. plate bearing test for instance.
(3) What do we want to achieve? We want to construct a strong, durable flexible layer
capable of withstanding the deflective loads without cracking etc and thus
enhancing the life-span of the road.
 APPENDIX

TEST METHODS FOR DURABILITY

Method 2.7.1
Test method for determining the durability of a compacted soil-stabilizer mixture with RBI
Grade 81 stabilizer under freeze-thaw conditions (deformation).
(1) After sufficient curing of the compacted soil-stabilizer specimens have taken place
to allow for sufficient strength gain, remove the specimens from the curing room
and place in water at a temperature of 200 C for a period of 24 hours.
(2) After the period of 24 hours has elapsed remove the specimens from the water and
freeze at a temperature of -50 C to -100 C for a period of 2 days.
(3) After freezing for 2 days bring the specimens back to room temperature.
(4) Determine and record the unconfined compressive strength of the specimens by
crushing to failure.
Method 2.7.2
Test method for the determination of the abrasion resistance of a compacted soil stabilizer
mixture with RBI Grade 81 Stabilizer (loss of soil stabilizer).
(1) After sufficient curing of the compacted soil-stabilizer specimens have taken place
remove the specimens from the curing room and dry the specimens until constant
mass has been reached in a drying-oven at a temperature of 400 C.
(2) Determine and record the mass of the specimen by weighing to the nearest 1 gram.
(3) Brush the specimen with a wire brush or a hard nylon brush by applying firm strokes
to the full height and width of the specimen and covering all areas of the specimen.
(4) Determine and record the mass of the specimen after brushing by weighing to the
nearest 1 gram.
(5) Repeat steps (2) to (4).
(6) Thereafter record the amount of material loss after each brushing, that is the first and
second brushing, as a percentage of the specimens original mass as recorded in
step (2).
 ANNEX A

FLOW CHARTS FOR TESTING PROCEDURES

 Annex A1: Flow chart for the testing procedure of natural soil (untreated) before
stabilization.

Soil sample received from site (field application)

± 85 – 105 kg

Tests to be determined

Particle -size distribution Maximum Dry Density (MDD)

Optimum Moisture Content (OMC)
LABORATORY TESTING

Plasticity CBR UCS

(Atterberg Limits)

Evaluation of test results

Soil Classification

Technical Report
Annex A1: Flow chart for the testing procedure of treated soil with RBI Grade 81
stabiliser

Soil sample as sampled on site (field application)

+ stabilizer sample

Maximum Dry Density (MDD)

Optimum moisture content (OMC)
at 3 different stabiliser contents

Compaction of specimens
LABORATORY TESTING

Curing of specimens Determination of

curing period

Tests to be
determined on

Moulded specimens Extruded specimens

CBR
UCS Durability

Evaluation of test results

Establish stabiliser content Technical

Report

Field Application
ANNEX A3 (a): FLOW CHART FOR FIELD TESTS FOR QUALITY CONTROL
PURPOSES
FIELD APPLICATION
Before compaction

Sampling of Soil-stabilizer - water

mixture on site

Laboratory compaction of specimens

Curing period: Sufficient hardness

achieved

Tests to be
determined on

Moulded Extruded
specimen specimen
LABORATORY TESTING

CBR
UCS Durability

Evaluation of test results

Technical Report
ANNEX A3 (b): FLOW CHART FOR FIELD TESTS FOR QUALITY CONTROL
PURPOSES

After final compaction

Field
test
FIELD APPLICATION

Curing period: After sufficient hardness

achieved

Field tests

Field densities within

24 hrs Alternative Drilling of core
performance test specimens if
methods i.e. plate possible – see
bearing test 5.2.2 Notes:

Tests to be
determined:
Laboratory

Durability UCS
LABORATORY TESTING

Abrasion Freeze Thaw

Resistance Tests

Evaluation of test results

Technical Report
 ANNEX B

RECOMMENDED GRADING ENVELOPE

FOR GRAVEL WEARING COURSE BASES

The following table, Table 2, is a recommended grading specification for material used as
gravel wearing course bases on low volume roads stabilized with RBI Grade 81.
Table 2
Recommended Grading Envelope
Gravel Wearing Course Bases

Sieve Size % Passing sieves by mass

inches mm Lower Limit Upper Limit

2 53 - 100
1.5 37.5 90 100
1 26.5 80 100
.75 19.0 72 90
.5 13.2 62 80
No.4 4.75 40 58
No.10 2.00 30 45
No.40 0.425 17 30
No.200 0.075 8 15

The above recommended grading will achieve a high mechanical stability due to the
prefered continuously smooth curve from the maximum particle size to the smallest
particle size, consisting of a mixture of coarse and fine aggregate, silt and clay particles
with no excess or lack in certain particles. This will have a marked effect on the
compactibility and bearing strength of the material and therein further enhancing the
stabilization effort.
 ANNEXURE C

CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
The Unified Soil Classification System
MAIN GROUPS GROUP TYPICAL NAMES
SYMBOLS
GW Well graded gravels, gravel-sand

fraction is larger than No 4

(Little or no
mixtures, little or no fines

More than half of coarse

gravels
sieve size (4.75mm_)
More than half of material is larger than No.200 sieve

Clean

fines)
GP Poorly graded gravels, gravel-
sand mixtures, little or not fines

Gravels

GM Silty gravels, poorly graded gravel

Coarse-grained soils

– sand – silt mixtures

amount of fines)
size 0,075mm

GC Clayey gravels, poorly graded

(Appreciable
(0.075mm)

Gravels with
gravel – sand – clay mixtures
fines

SW Well graded sands, gravely sands,

More than half of coarse fraction is

(Little or no
smaller than No 4 sieve size (4.75mm)

little or not fines

sands
Clean

fines)

SP Poorly graded sands, gravely

sands, little or no fines

SM Silty sands, poorly graded sand-

Sands with fines

amount of fines)

silt mixtures
(Appreciable

SC Clayey sands, poorly graded sand-

clay mixtures
Sands

ML Inorganic silts and very fine sands,

More than half of material is smaller

less

rock flour, silty or clayey fine

than No. 200 sieve size (0.075mm)

sands with slight plasticity

Silts and clay
limit

CL Inorganic clays of low to medium

plasticity, gravely clays, sandy
than 50

clays, silty clays, lean clays

Liquid

OL Organic silts and organic silt-clays

of low plasticity
Fine-grained soils

MH Inorganic silts, micaceous or

limit
greater than 50
Silts and clays

diatomaceous fine sandy or silty

soils, elastic silts
CH Inorganic clays of high plasticity,
fat clays
Liquid

OH Organic clays of medium to high

plasticity
Highly organic soils Pt Peat and other highly organic soils
 PLASTICITY RANGE

INTERMEDIATE

EXTREMELY
VERY
HIGH

HIGH

HIGH
LOW

(H)

(V)

(E)
(L)

(I)
70
Plasticity index (%)

Toughness and dry strength

increase CE
60 Permeability and rate of
volume change decrease CV
50 Comparing soils at equal
liquid limit
Toughness and dry strength CH
40 decrease MI
Permeability and rate of CH
30 volume change increase MV
CL
20
SF MH
10 MI

0 ML
Liquid limit (%)

(The letter O is added to any material containing a significant proportion of organic matter
e.g. MIO)
 Classification of Soils and Soil-Aggregate Mixtures

General Classification Granular Materials Silt-Clay Materials

(35% or less passing No. 200) (More than 35% passing No. 200)
Group classification A-1 A-2 A-7
A- 3 A-4 A-5 A-6
A-1-a A-1-b A-2-4 A-2-5 A-2-6 A-2-7 A-7-5
A-7-6
Sieve analysis, % passing:
No. 10 (2.00mm) 50 max … … … … … … … … … …
No 40 (425µm) 30 max 50 max 51 max … … … … … … … …
15 max 25 max 10 max 35 max 35 max 35 max 35 max 36 min 36 min 36 min 36 min
No. 200 (75 µm)
Characteristics of fraction passing
No. 40 (425µm)
Liquid limit
Plasticity index
…
6 max … 40 max 41 min 40 max 41 min 40 max 41 min 40 max 41 min
N.P. 10 max 10 max 11 min 11 min 10 max 10 max 11 min 11 min *
Usual types of significant Stone Fragments Fine Silty or Clayey Gravel and Sand Silty Soils Clayey Soils
constituent materials Gravel and Sand Sand
General rating as subgrade Excellent to Good Fair to Poor

* Plasticity index of A-7-5 subgroup is equal to or less than << minus 30. Plasticity index of A-7-6 subgroup is greater than >> minus 30
GROUP INDEX
The Group Index of soils is a value calculated by means of an empirical formula derived by
AASHO from observations of the behaviour of soil and soil materials in embankments,
(3)
sub-grades and sub-bases. The formula gives values ranging from 0 to 20 and is so
weighted that the maximum influence of each of the three variables is in the ratio of 8 for
percentage passing the 75 µm sieve, 4 for liquid limit, and 8 for plasticity index. This
weighting and the adopted critical ranges are based on the study of average relative
evaluations placed on materials by several highway organisations.
Under average conditions of good drainage and thorough compaction, the supporting
value of a material may be assumed as an inverse ratio to its group index, that is, a group
index of 0 indicates a “good” material and group index of 20 indicates a “very poor”
material.
Calculation of Group Index (GI):
GI - 0.2 a + 0.005 ac + 0.01 bd
Where a - That portion of percentage passing 75 µm sieve greater than 35% and not
exceeding 75%, expressed as a positive whole number (0 to 40).
b- That portion of percentage passing 75 µm sieve greater than 15% and not
exceeding 55%, expressed as a positive whole number (0 to 40)
c- That portion of the numerical liquid limit greater than 40 and not exceeding
60, expressed as a positive whole number (0 to 20)
d- That portion of the numerical plasticity index greater than 10, and not
exceeding 30, expressed as a positive whole number (0 to 20).
Examples
1. Assume that a soil has 65% passing 75 µm sieve, a liquid limit of 32 and a plasticity
index of 13. The calculation of its group index is as follows:
a = 65 – 35 = 30
b = 55 – 15 = 40 (55 is substituted for 65 as critical range is 15 to 55)
c = zero, since liquid limit is below 40
d = 13 – 10 = 3
Group Index = 0.2 x 30 + 0 + 0.01 x 40 x 3 = 7.2
Recording to nearest whole number, GI = 7

2. Assume that soil has 54% passing 75 µm sieve, a liquid limit of 62 and a plasticity
index of 33. The calculation for group index is as follows:
a = 54 – 35 + 19
b = 54 – 15 = 39
c = 60 – 40 = 20 (60 is substituted for 62 as critical range is 40 to 60)
d = 30 – 10 = 20 (30 is substituted for 33 as critical range is 20 to 30)
Group Index = 0.2 x 19 + 0.005 x 19 x 20 + 0.01 x 39 x 20 = 13.5
Recording to nearest whole number, GI = 14