www.irc.nic.in Volume 76-4 January - March 2016 Rs.

20/-

Composite Corrosion
Protection System in
Rehabilitation of Steel
Structures in Corrosive
Environment
Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016
Regd. No.: 17549/57 with the Registrar of the Newspapers Volume: 76 Issue: 4 Month: January -March 2016 ISSN 0258-0500 Rs. 20/-
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Founded: December 1934

Publisher & Editor

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Email : secygen.irc@gov.in

Published at
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Contents.....
Phone: 91 11 26185303,
Sectt.: 11 261701548
Fax: 91 11 26183669 231 Paper No.646
Composite Corrosion Protection System In Rehabilitation of Steel
Cover and Typesetting
Structures In Corrosive Environment - A Case Study
Darpan Video India
- by Ishita Manjrekar, Raghuvir Salkar, Sourabh Manjrekar and
Printed at Abhishek Salkar
I G Printers Pvt. Ltd.
104, DSIDC Complex, 239 Paper No.647
Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-I, Effect Of Modulus Of Subgrade Reaction On Thickness of Rigid
New Delhi-110020 Pavement - A Case Study
- by S.Singh, G.D.Ransinchung R.N, S.N. Sachdeva, P. Kumar and
No part of this publication may be M.Parida
reproduced by any means without
prior written permission from the
Secretary General, IRC.
249 Paper No.648
Performance Evaluation of Geocell Reinforced Granular Subbase (GSB)
The responsibilty of the contents Layers through Field Trials
and the opinions expressed in - by Sireesh Saride, Vijay K Rayabharapu, Gautam Dalmia and
Indian Highways is exclusively of Madhav M. R
the author/s concenred. IRC and
the Editor disclaim responsibility
and liability for any statements or 259 Paper No.649
opinion, originality of contents and Strength and Durability Characteristics of Concrete Made with Gravel
of any copyright violations by the Soil and Quarry Dust
authors. The opinions expressed in -by A.C.S.V. Prasad and C.N.V. Satyanarayana Reddy
the papers and contents published
in the Journal of the IRC do not
necessarily represent the views of 269 Paper No.650
the Editor or IRC. Review of design procedure of reinforced earth wall based on american
practices
Volume : 76 Issue : 4 -by B.N.Sinha
January to March 2016.

Total Pages : 62

Cover : B Rehi
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230 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016


Composite Corrosion Protection System In
Rehabilitation Of Steel Structures In Corrosive
Environment - A Case Study
by- Ishita Manjrekar, Raghuvir Salkar, Sourabh Manjrekar & Abhishek Salkar
INTRODUCTION
Corrosion of steel has been
established as the predominant
factor causing widespread
premature deterioration of marine
construction worldwide leading to
the failure of the structures.
The use of steel in bridges
goes back over 100 years.
Modern bridges currently have a
design life requirement of 120
years[2], and the performance of
the protective system is a critical
factor. Furthermore, reductions in
the number of repainting cycles
have become significant in the
evaluation of whole life costs.
As a result, the repair costs
nowadays constitute a major part
of the current spending on existing
infrastructure. Quality control,
maintenance and planning for the
restoration of these structures
need non-destructive inspections
and monitoring techniques that
detect the corrosion at an early
stage. Corrosion loss consumes
considerable portion of the budget
of the country by way of either
restoration measures or
reconstruction. There have been
a large number of investigations
on the problems of corrosion of
steel. Properly monitoring the
structures for corrosion
Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016
Paper No.646
performance and taking suitable treatments, and in most instances
measures at the appropriate time the life expectancy of the repair is
could effect a lot of saving. limited. In such conditions, the
corrosion protection methodology
Moreover, the repair
is not addressed properly. This
operation themselves are quite
paper explains in detail about the
complex and require special
usage of sacrificial anodes, which
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postpones the corrosion to a
ABSTRACT
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maximum and a case study on the
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I ndia loses USD 33 billion every
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year due to corrosion of
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infrastructure, industrial equipment
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marine structures rehabilitated
using the sacrificial anodes at
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and other vital installations,
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 highly corrosive environmental
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according to last estimates from
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 zone Goa, India.
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Corrosion Management Committee
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of Confederation of Indian
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 CORROSION MECHA-
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Industry[1]. This paper addresses
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 NISM
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corrosion management and
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prevention using Galvanic Systems,
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 All metals except gold and
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through a case study of a structural
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steel bridge in Goa, a coastal and
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platinum are thermodynamically
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corrosive zone of West India. The
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unstable under normal
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bridge was found to be in advanced
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 atmospheric conditions and will
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stage of corrosion damage merely
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one year after its construction, and
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eventually revert to their oxides
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 (or other compounds). Therefore
was treated with a composite
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treatment of galvanic corrosion
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the information of importance to
protection using custom designed
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sacrificial anodes, and systematic the engineer who would use the
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protective coating system of acyclic,
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 metal is not whether the metal will
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polyisocyanatereticulant based
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 corrode but how fast the
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polyurethane. The performance
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 corrosion will occur.
against atmospheric corrosion of
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
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this system was observed through
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Fe → Fe ++ + 2e-
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
of periodic visual observations and
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physical measurements since early
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 2Fe ++ + 4OH-→Fe(OH)2
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2012; electrochemical readings
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2Fe(OH)2 +1/2 O2→2 FeOOH
were taken at the end of 30 months
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 + H2O
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of treatment. It is seen that the
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composite system exhibits
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Fe + OH- + H2O→HFeO2- + H2
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satisfactory protective behaviour,
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The most likely cathodic half cell
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and may be considered for reactions are
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treatment of similar structures in
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2 H2O + O2 + 4e-→ 4(OH-)
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corrosive environments.
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 2 H+ + 2e-→ H2
231
 The corrosion of steel is an
electrochemical process that
involves the transfer of charge
(electrons) from one species to
another. For steel, the anodic half
cell reaction involves the oxidation Ishita Manjrekar Raghuvir Salkar Sourabh Manjrekar Abhishek Salkar
or dissolution of iron:
chloride ions are attracted to that corrosion-related damage is
Which of these anodic and
area of the steel then the usually not a factor. The length of
cathodic reactions will actually
surrounding cathodic areas so the this initiation phase can be
occur in any specific case depends
local concentration of chloride extended by selection of
on the availability of oxygen and
ions increases. corrosion-resistant materials,
on the pH of the environment in
upgrading the quality of the
the vicinity of the steel. The initial precipitated
materials, and by construction
hydroxide has a low state of
Corrosion is commonly detailing.
oxidation and tends to react
caused by either the presence of
further with oxygen to form higher Corrosion Propagation Phase
sufficient concentrations of
oxides.
chloride ions or an otherwise Once corrosion initiates, it
acidic environment. The most Cost of Corrosion takes time before the process
common cause of initiation of creates damage that is visually
The observed bridge
corrosion of steel is the presence obvious. Measurement of
corrosion damage can be broken
of chloride ions. The source of corrosion potential can identify
down into three distinct phases:
chlorides may be contaminants, corrosion before the rust is
the corrosion initiation phase, the
marine environments, industrial actually visually noticed. During
corrosion propagation phase, and
brine or deicing salts. The actual this initial corrosion propagation
the replacement phase.
detailed mechanism of breakdown phase is when maintenance repairs
is not known because of the Corrosion Initiation Phase typically occur.
difficulties in examining the
Early in a bridge’s life Replace / Failure Phase
process on an atomic scale.
However, the net result is that
chloride induced active corrosion,
once started proceeds auto
catalytically, that is, in a self feeding
manner. The chloride and ferrous
ions react to form a soluble
complex that diffuses away from
the anodic site. When the complex
reaches a region of high pH it
breaks down, precipitating an
insoluble iron hydroxide and
liberating the chloride to remove
more iron from the steel member.
Moreover, because of the region
of local breakdown on the passive
film becomes anodic, more Fig1: Typical Bridge Condition as a function of time[2]

232 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016

 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
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At the far right of Figure 1, 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
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Galvanic anodes are galvanic
the condition of the bridge has However, while the
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 devices designed to neutralize or
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degraded to poor, and the good intent of this
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 slow down new corrosion cells,
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restoration costs may become specification is
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 which would otherwise develop in
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prohibitive, and instead the appreciated at job sites
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 the structure, there by extending
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structure must be replaced even it is often noticed, that
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 the services life. These discrete
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if it is not functionally obsolete. the actual application of
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 units are designed to be attached
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This phase also is one where there coating takes place a
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 structure. Based upon many of the
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is an increasing risk of failure. few hours or sometimes
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 same principles used for
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days after the blasting is
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 protecting pipelines and ships
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TYPICAL METHODS USED 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
done.
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 from corrosion, these anodes are
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TO PROTECT STEEL
“sacrificial” in nature. The anodes
STRUCTURES AND WHY
noticed, that the actual application take advantage of the natural
THEY FAIL
of coating takes place a few hours galvanic differences which exist
Structural Steel infrastructure or sometimes days after the between different metals.
has been typically protected with blasting is done. And in the case
The heart of the devices is a
coatings. Over the last 10 years of newly blasted steel, the
metallic anode composed of a
coating technologies have exposed surface is so raw and
proprietary zinc based alloy,
significantly matured and are reactive that a layer of rust or
which is cast around a pair of steel
contributing significantly to corrosion product is seen to form
tie wires. This unit is encased
increasing the service life of on the surface within a few hours
within a cementitious shell. The
structural steel bridges. [3,4] of blasting. This phenomenon is device is shaped like a disc.
But as with all coatings, the known is “flash rusting” of steel.
As the anode corrodes, it
most important pre-requisite for Flash rusting is most common in
releases a supply of electrons.
a coating to provide protection to humid, marine environments. And
This electrical current travels
steel is proper surface preparation the best coatings applied on a well
through the tie wires, into the
of the steel surface before the treated surface on which a layer
surrounding steel to reduce new
application of the steel. Typically of flash rust has formed,
corrosion activity on the steel. The
sand blasting or grit blasting is compromises the life of the coating
output from the anode will vary
carried out to rid the steel of and therefore the service life of the
according to a number of
existing corrosion as per standard bridge. [5,6]
variables including resistivity of the
specification. Various methods Consequently it is important steel, moisture content,
and grades of cleanliness are to stabilize the freshly blasted steel temperature, and quantity of steel.
presented in ISO 8501-1: 2001, with a rust inhibitor of a surface In the same way that climatic
(BS 7079, Part A1 1989). This passivator immediately after variations will affect the degree of
standard essentially refers to the blasting is complete. Numerous corrosion in an unprotected
surface appearance of the steel case studies around the world structure, the environment into
after abrasive blast cleaning, and point to the importance of this step which the anode is installed will
gives descriptions with pictorial as critical in designing a surface have a large influence on its
references of the grades of protection methodology for current output. In humid and/or
cleanliness. structural steel. warm climates the anodes tend to
However, while the good USE OF GALVANIC corrode more aggressively than in
intent of this specification is ANODES TO INCREASE cool and/or dry regions. There,
appreciated at job sites it is often SERVICE LIFE fluctuations in the current output

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 233

 Figure 2
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of the anode will vary with 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 including steel. This makes zinc
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changes in the corrosion activity The bridge has a steel
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 anodes particularly suitable for
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of the steel. superstructure, and a
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 application where the anodes are
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composite deck of
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 embedded into concrete
The more severe the situation, 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
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steel beams and
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 structures.
the more aggressive the corrosion 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
reinforced concrete
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
will be if anodes are not installed.12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 CASE STUDY –
slab.
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By installing galvanic anodes on 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 CORROSION IN NEW
the bridge, the anodes provide STRUCTURAL STEEL
galvanic protection, thereby a) Zinc has high corrosion BRIDGE IN MARINE
reducing the tendency for the steel efficiency i.e., higher percentages ENVIRONMENT,
in the adjacent area to corrode. of electrons are discharged from USGAON, GOA, INDIA
the zinc as it corrodes. These
Galvanic anodes used for electrons are available to protect DESCRIPTION OF STRUC-
galvanic protection are typically the steel. TURE AND PROBLEM OF
constructed using aluminum, P R E M A T U R E
magnesium or zinc. There are b) As zinc corrodes, it has a CORROSION
several reasons for the usage of relatively low rate of expansion
compared to other metals, Bridge in the case study is a
zinc alloys namely.

Figure 3 Figure 4(a)

234 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016

four lane bridge over river Mhadei
in Goa (India), and has 4 spans
with a total length of 180 meters,
and maximum span of 62.4
meters. The bridge has a steel
superstructure, and a composite
deck of steel beams and
reinforced concrete slab. Piers are
of reinforced concrete, and rest
on bored cast-in-situ RC piles. All
structural steel that was used in Figure 4(b)
bridge construction was sand
blasted to Sa2 standard, and then
its surface treated with one coat
of zinc rich epoxy primer of 50
micron DFT and two coats of coal
tar epoxy paint of total 100 micron
DFT. Figure 2 shows a
photograph of the bridge from the
downstream side of the river. The
bridge was opened to traffic on
25th February, 2009, after it
successfully passed prescribed
load test. Figure 3 shows load test Figure 4(c)
in progress.
It was agreed that the bridge
would be visually inspected every
six months for a period of 3 years
from the date of its opening.
During the second inspection
carried out in February, 2010,
signs of corrosion were noted in
the bridge trusses. Figure
4a,b,c,d,e,f shows some of the
corroded areas. This was alarming
since the bridge structure was just Figure 4(a)
one year old and was well treated
with suitable paints. 1. Sand Blasting was carried from the job site to ensure proper
surface treatment.
DESCRIPTION OF out to remove all the deposits of
PROTECTION SYSTEM existing corrosion product from 2. Within an hour of blasting
the surface of the bridge. Sand and the freshly blasted steel surface
The protection system machines of proper specification
was treated with rust passivating
recommended included the and grading were brought from
and stabilizing chemicals so as to
following steps: Mumbai, about 600 Km away prevent the build up of flash rust.

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 235

 The coating is spray or brush
applied to the surface. The
chemical reacts with corrosion
products to convert them to a
stable passivating nanofilm on the
surface of the steel and return the
steel back to its original grayish
white colour and special surface
acting chemicals help in promoting
the adhesion of consequent
Figure 4(e) coatings to the steel surface.
3. Next the sacrificial
anodes were installed on the entire
structure at the rate of 1 anode
per 2 square meters of area.
Electrical connectivity between the
structure and the anodes was
established.
4. As a special measure, to
further enhance the service life of
Figure 4(f) the structure, a composite
corrosion protection system of
galvanic anodes followed by a
multilayered long chain, high build,
epoxy primer was applied.
5. The final two coats of the
composite anode plus protective
coating system were done using a
two component, acyclic,
polyisocyanatereticulant based
polyurethane coating for its
Figure 5 notable UV resistance, ability to
adhere to the substrate and high
efficiency of corrosion protection.
Figures 5 and 6 show
photographs of the bridge after it
received the above treatment.
The structure’s performance
was then periodically monitored
every six months through visual
observations of the treated
surfaces, and also physically
Figure 6

236 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016


through dimensional measure-
ments of various members using
micrometer screw gage. Also,
corrosion state of the bridge was
evaluated at the end of 30 months
of treatment, using an
electrochemical method viz. Half
cell potential of the structure.
HALF-CELL ELECTRICAL
POTENTIAL METHOD
Half-cell potential measure-
ments involve measuring the
potential of the steel structure
relative to a reference half cell
placed on the surface of the steel.
The half-cell is usually a copper/
copper sulphate or silver/silver
chloride cell. The risk of corrosion
of the steel in the immediate region
of the test may be related
empirically to the measured
potential difference. The case
study presented in this paper, the
half cell used to measure
corrosion potential used was
copper/copper sulphate.
The cell consists of a rigid tube
or container composed of
dielectric material that is non-
reactive with copper or copper
sulphate, a porous wooden or
plastic plug that remains wet by
capillary action, and a copper rod
that is immersed within the tube in
a saturated solution of copper
sulphate. The solution is prepared
using reagent grade copper
sulphate dissolved to saturation in
distilled or de-ionized water. The
rigid tube should have an inside
diameter of not less than 25 mm;
the diameter of the porous tube
should not be less than 13 mm;
Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016
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The chemical reacts with
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corrosion products to
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convert them to a stable
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The battery operated
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passivating nanofilm on
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voltmeter with ± 3% end of scale
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the surface of the steel
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accuracy at the voltage ranges in
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and return the steel back
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use. The divisions on the scale
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to its original grayish
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used should be such that a
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white colour and special
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potential of 0.02 V or less can be
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surface acting chemicals
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read without interpolation.
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help in promoting the
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The electrical lead wire should
adhesion of consequent
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coatings to the steel
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resistance for the length used does
surface.
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more than 0.0001 V. This has
the diameter of the immersed
been accomplished by using no
copper rod should not be less than
more than a total of 150 m and
6mm and its length should be at
the wire should be suitably coated
least 50 mm. Present criteria
with direct burial type of insulation.
based on half cell reaction of
Cu→ Cu++ + 2e- indicate that the The structure is connected to
potential of the saturated copper- the positive terminal of the
copper sulphate half cell as voltmeter. One end of the wire is
referenced to the hydrogen connected to the half-cell and the
electrode is -0.316 V at 22.2oC. other end to the negative terminal
of the voltmeter. Under some
An electrical junction device
circumstances the steel surface has
is used to provide a low electrical
to be pre-wetted with a wetting
resistance liquid bridge between
agent. The electrical half cell
the surface of the steel and the half-
potentials are recorded to the
cell. It consists of a sponge or
nearest 0.01 volts.
several sponges pre-wetted with
a low electrical resistance contact The reference guidelines for
solution. The sponge can be predicting probability of corrosion
folded around and attached to the or in other words the performance
tip of the half-cell so that it of the corrosion protection system
provides electrical continuity are as below:
Table 1 : Correlation Corrosion Potential of Steel in Soil and Corrosion [7]
Measured Potential Difference Probability of Corrosion
More negative than -350 mV High probability of corrosion
Between -200 mV and -350 mV Uncertainty of corrosion
More positive than -200 mV No probability of corrosion
237
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VISUAL OBSERVATIONS, 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
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No cathodic disbondment of
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PHYSICAL MEASUREME- However, as a trend the
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coating was observed at any of
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NTS, ELECTROCHEMICAL half cell potential
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the 339 locations. This suggests
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READINGS readings indicate that
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that the composite coating scheme
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the current treatment
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As mentioned earlier in the 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
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scheme renders
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protect the structure effectively.
paper, treatment was carried out 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
effective protection to
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in March, 2012, and first 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
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the structure.
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inspection was carried out 6 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
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this paper may be considered for
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months later in September, 2012. treatment of similar structures in
Subsequent inspections were of corrosion. [7,8] The coating corrosive atmosphere.
carried out every 6 months. was also visually checked for
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
During each of these inspections, cathodic disbondment at all 339
visual observations were made to locations and no disbondment of The authors would like to
note signs of corrosion, if any, and coating was observed at any express their thanks for Mr. G.
physical measurements of location. Mishra of KuvelkarSalkar
thickness of various members Associates, Goa, for his help in
CONCLUSIONS
were carried out using a monitoring of this bridge.
verniercalliper. None of the visual Visual observations and
REFERENCES
inspections including the last one physical measurements of
1. Corrosion Management
carried out in September, 2014 thickness of various bridge Committee of Confederation of Indian
revealed any signs of corrosion in members taken every 6 months Industry – Press Release
2. Corrosion Control Plan for
the bridge. Practically, there was over the last 30 months, suggest Bridges – A NACE International White
no change in thickness of truss that the treatment has worked well Paper, November 2012
3. Foley, R.T., “Complex Ions
members over the 30 month in providing corrosion resistance and Corrosion,” Journal of the
period from March, 2012 to to the bridge. Electrochemical Society, V, 122, No. 11,
1975, pp 1993 – 1549
September, 2014; thickness was 4. S.K. Lee, “Current State of
Half cell potential readings Bridge Deterioration in the U.S. – Part
measured at 243 number of
taken using half cell potentiometer 1,” Materials Performance 51, 1 (2012).
locations evenly spread over 3 5. E.S. Kline, “Steel Bridges:
were found to be closely Corrosion Protection for 100 Years,”
trusses of the bridge. Voltage Journal of Protective Coatings and
corresponding to the physical
readings using Half Cell Linings (May 2008)
condition of the bridge for over 6. W.D. Corbett, “The Future of
Potentiometer were taken at 113 Bridge Coating: A National Qualification
75% of the readings. The
points on each of the three bridge System for Structural Steel
fluctuations and discrepancies can Coatings,”Journal of Protective Coatings
trusses, which is a total of 339 and Linings (January 2004),
be attributed to various factors
readings. 7. Romanoff, M., “Underground
such as the temperature, the type Corrosion”, National Bureau of Standards
In the current research work, of reference electrodes, the pre- Circular 579, 1957, Reprinted by NACE,
1989
eighty one percent of the half cell wetting time. However, as a trend 8. F. J. Ansuini, J. R. Dimond.,
potentials measured were more the half cell potential readings “Factors affecting the Accuracy of
Reference Electrodes”, Materials
positive than -0.35 V or -350 mV, indicate that the current treatment Performance Vol 33, No. 11, 1994, pp
14-17, 1994
which is the numerical boundary scheme renders effective
of a greater than 90% probability protection to the structure. ***

238 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016

 Paper No.647
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EFFECT OF MODULUS OF SUBGRADE
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REACTION ON THICKNESS OF RIGID
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PAVEMENT - A CASE STUDY
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by
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S.Singh*, G.D.Ransinchung R.N**, S.N. Sachdeva***, P. Kumar#, And M.Parida#
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ABSTRACT
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T he thickness of rigid pavement slab depends upon various factors like subgrade strength, type and thickness of subbase,
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type of shoulders and slab characteristics etc. This paper describes the effect of the same on pavement slab thickness
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of Agra Ring Road toll plaza by designing as per IRC:58-2015. Even though the subgrade CBR was varied (2% to 10%) and
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three types of subbase (namely Dry Lean Concrete, Granular Subbase and Cement Treated Subbase) with varying thickness
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were considered, the slab thickness remained same. The thickness of slab differed only, when shoulder conditions were
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altered. A dissimilar trend has been observed when stress calculation methodology of IRC: 58-2015 was compared with that
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of PCA and IRC: 58-2002. Stresses from laboratory study (casting of slab) and finite element modelling were compared with
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flexural stresses obtained from regression equations (applicable to 4.5m x 3.5m slabs only); in which overestimation of
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stresses were observed for latter. Different values of stresses were observed even for same design when calculated through
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graph and regression equations. From the present analysis, it is learnt that the regression equations given in IRC:58-2015
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may be modified by incorporating parameters which can relate the slab dimensions.
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1. INTRODUCTION with conditions of subgrade and minimum project cost. The latest
subbase of lower strength, the version of IRC: 58 give user the
The Yamuna Expressway
hauling charges for quality liberty to select the subbase
connecting the international tourist
materials contributes to the initial material (DLC, Granular and
destinations of Delhi and Agra is
construction cost. Cement Treated Subbase) and
a perfect example for rigid
subgrade strength. However, it
pavement construction and thus The thickness of the pavement
does recommend that the CBR
supporting its ample scope in the depends upon the quality of the
value of the subgrade should not
time to come. Recently, the materials used. As the quality of
be less than 8% but without a
transport ministry has announced the subbase material degrades,
justification. But before taking the
to construct rigid pavements in greater would be the thickness
recommended provision, a trial
more amounts as compared to required in order to tolerate and
should be conducted for lower
flexible pavements, due to their transmit the stresses1.
CBR values to ascertain whether
longer life, lesser maintenance
Although designing the the strength and economical
cost and with almost comparable
pavement with poor quality requirements are achieved or not.
cost of construction, especially for
subgrade and subbase material
heavy traffic roads. But the main 2. BACKGROUND
results either in high slab thickness
hindrance that is faced is its high
or increase in the grade of the The earliest approaches for
initial cost which is mainly
concrete, this does not affect the the design of cement concrete
contributed by the material for
design as long as the desirable pavements were based on
subgrade, subbase and cement
properties are within specified Westergaad’s analysis. With
etc. If the proposed site is met
limits and provides with a advancement of time, the design
* Research Scholar, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, surendr.singh38@gmail.com,
** Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, gdranjan@gmail.com
*** Professor, National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra, snsachdeva@yahoo.co.in
# Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, pkaerfce@iitr.ac.in, mprdafce@iit.ac.in

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 239

 S.Singh G.D.Ransinchung R.N
methodology has entirely
changed. Some of the methods
which are used for design of rigid
pavements are Portland Cement
Association 2, AASHTO,
AUSTROAD, IRC: 58-20023,
IRC:58-2011 4 and IRC:58-
20155.
Several factors are
responsible for design of rigid
pavement and effective modulus
of subgrade reaction (k”-value) is
one of key factor for its safe
design. Meshram K. et al. used
EverFE (3D finite element analysis
tool) for simulating the response
of Plain Jointed Concrete
Pavement systems under
variations in design parameter6. It
was observed that for increments
in K”-value from 6 kg/cm2/cm to
10 kg/cm2/cm, the edge stress
decreased from 14.63 kg/cm2 to
13.77 kg/cm 2, for a constant
thickness of 30 cm slab. Similarly,
FHWA report, compared
different methods of design of
Axle Category Proportion of the
axle-category (%)
Front (steering)
Rear single
Rear Tandem
Rear Tridem
Table 1 Category Wise Axle Load Repetitions
240
S.N. Sachdeva P. Kumar M.Parida
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subgrade strength (CBR value
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Several factors are
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varying from 2% to 10%) for both
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responsible for design
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conditions of shoulder (Tied and
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of rigid pavement and
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untied). Afterwards, the stress
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effective modulus of
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calculation methodology of the
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subgrade reaction (k”-
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code is compared with that of
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value) is one of key
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PCA and IRC:58-2002. Finite
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factor for its safe
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Element Modelling using
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design.
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ABAQUS software for a slab,
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which has been cast in IIT
rigid pavement namely, AASHTO
Roorkee laboratory was done
(1986), Zero-maintenance,
and compared with the stress
California DOT, PCA etc, by
values which were used to design
varying design inputs7. Analysis
the same slab. Analysis of the
with all the methods showed
regression equations of IRC:58-
similar results i.e. with increase in
2015 was done and then
k”-value, required thickness of
compared with the graphs given
slab decreased.
in the same guidelines.
3. METHODOLOGY
3.1. Design Parameters
Initially the design of rigid
3.1.1. Subgrade and Subbase
pavement was carried out in
accordance with IRC:58-2015 Agra ring road toll plaza is
for the given site conditions. The situated in Agra district of Uttar
design was carried out for Pradesh. The locally available soil
different subbase type (GSB, has CBR value of 5%, which can
CTS &DLC) with varying be used as subgrade by stabilising
thicknesses and for different it with additives, so that CBR of
Category-wise axle Category-wise axle
repetitions for repetitions for
Bottom-up top-down
cracking analysis cracking analysis
33.06 5612756 1892042
14.26 2420989 816108
7.55 1281800 432091
45.13 7661939 2582815
Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016
soil is increased to 8%. Granular vehicles per day in both the follows. The CBR value of
material is locally available in directions. The design life is taken compacted subgrade is taken as
abundance as the site is near to as 30 years. Axle load survey was 8% with a GSB layer of 150mm
the bank of River Yamuna. Hence carried out (as per IRC guidelines) thickness as subbase. Earthen
granular subbase of thickness150 and category wise axle load shoulders are provided on both
mm, 225 mm and 300 mm were repetitions were calculated and sides of the pavement. The
adopted to check the economy of shown in Table 1. effective modulus of subgrade
the project. reaction of subgrade and granular
3.2. Design of Rigid
subbase (k’’) collectively comes
3.1.2. Traffic pavement Slab
out to be 58.14 MPa/m. Unit
The total length of toll plaza is The conditions adopted while weight of concrete is taken as 24
625 m with 6543 commercial designing pavement are as kN/m3 with M40 as designed

Slab CFD for BUC case CFD for TDC case Total CFD Remarks
Thick- Due to Due to Total Due to Due to Due to Total (BUC+TDC)
ness(m ) Rear Tandem CFD Rear Tandem Rear CFD
Single Axles Single Axles Tridem
Axles Axles Axles
0.28 11.769 0.239 12.007 0.031 0.011 0 0.042 12.049 NOT OK
0.29 3.926 0.053 3.979 0.017 0.005 0 0.021 4.00 NOT OK
0.30 1.438 0.008 1.446 0.009 0.002 0 0.010 1.457 NOT OK
0.31 0.516 0.001 0.516 0.003 0 0 0.003 0.520 OK
Table 2 CFD values for BUC and TDC for 150 mm GSB
Slab CFD for BUC case CFD for TDC case Total CFD Remarks
Thick- Due to Due to Total Due to Due to Due to Total (BUC+TDC)
ness(m ) Rear Tandem CFD Rear Tandem Rear CFD
Single Axles Single Axles Tridem
Axles Axles Axles
0.28 12.233 0.224 12.458 0.025 0.008 0 0.033 12.490 NOT OK
0.29 4.085 0.048 4.133 0.013 0.003 0 0.016 4.149 NOT OK
0.30 1.499 0.007 1.506 0.006 0.001 0 0.007 1.513 NOT OK
0.31 0.541 0 0.542 0.002 0 0 0.002 0.544 OK
Table 3 CFD values for BUC and TDC for 225 mm GSB subbase
Slab CFD for BUC case CFD for TDC case Total CFD Remarks
Thick- Due to Due to Total Due to Due to Due to Total (BUC+TDC)
ness(m ) Rear Tandem CFD Rear Tandem Rear CFD
Single Axles Single Axles Tridem
Axles Axles Axles
0.28 8.473 0.147 8.620 0.020 0.005 0 0.026 8.646 NOT OK
0.29 3.309 0.037 3.346 0.010 0.002 0 0.012 3.358 NOT OK
0.30 1.403 0.006 1.410 0.004 0.001 0 0.005 1.415 NOT OK
0.31 0.566 0.001 0.567 0.001 0 0 0.001 0.568 OK
Table 4 CFD values for BUC and TDC for 300 mm GSB subbase

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 241

grade of concrete. Maximum From Table 3 it is observed
of slab can bring down the total
temperature differential for the that, CFD is less than one for slab
cost of the project. Keeping this
region is taken according to the of thickness 0.31 m so is in mind, the subbase type is
guidelines and for intermediate considered to be safe. Table 4 changed from granular subbase to
slab thicknesses interpolation is shows CFD values for BUC and cement treated subbase (CTS)
done. The cumulative fatigue TDC for GSB thickness of 300 and Dry Lean Subbase (DLC).
damage (CFD) values for Bottom mm and k’’- value of 80.92 MPa/The thickness of subbase is also
Up Cracking (BUC) and Top m. Here also it is observed that
varied from 100 mm to 200 mm
Down Cracking (TDC) of 150 the pavement is safe for 0.31m and 100 mm to 150 mm for CTS
mm thick GSB are shown in slab thickness. This shows thatand DLC respectively. Fig 1
Table2. there is no efficacy in increasing
shows total CFD values
the subbase thickness or k”-value.
(BUC+TDC) for different trial
It can be seen in Table 2 that,
thickness of slab with various
at 0.31 m of slab thickness, the A designer tries to focus on
subbases material and
sum of CFD (i.e.; BUC+TDC) is increasing the subbase thickness
thicknesses. It is observed that for
less than one and this slab in order to reduce the slab
all the variation in subbase type
thickness is considered to be safe. thickness, thereby reducing the
and its thicknesses, CFD falls
Table 3 provides with CFD values amount of cement to be used
below one when the slab thickness
for BUC and TDC of GSB with since it contributes to high initial
is 0.31 m. This shows that there
225 mm thickness and k’’ value construction cost. Even a one
is negligible or no effect in
of 68.73 MPa/m. centimetre reduction in thickness
increasing k”-value (58.14 MPa/
m to 284.67 MPa/m), on the
design thickness of pavement slab,
which contradicts the general
notion that a strong subbase
requires a low pavement thickness
than a weak one. These results
also contradict to the results of
FHWA for different methods
which are extensively used
worldwide.
Fig 1 CFD values for different trial thickness for all the subbases with To investigate this issue
different thickness further, an iterative process of
CBR DLC(10) DLC(15) GSB(15) GSB(22.5) GSB(30) CTS(10) CTS(15) CTS(20)
2% 31 31 NA NA NA NA NA NA
3% 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31
4% 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31
5% 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31
7% 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31
8% 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31
10% 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31
Table 5 Safe thicknesses for various design iterations
* NA- k”-value not given for these combinations
** All dimensions are in cm

242 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016

pavement design is carried out for
different k”-value (from 39 MPa/
m to 300 MPa/m) with earthen
shoulders for all the available
options of subgrade strength
(CBR value from 2% to 10%),
subbase type (GSB, CTS, DLC)
and thickness of subbase (DLC
100 &150mm, GSB 150, 225 &
300 mm and CTS 100, 150 &
200 mm) as per IRC:58-2015.
The results of the same are
showed in Table 5.
It can be seen in Table 5 that
no matter the combination of
subgrade, subbase and its
thickness, the required design
thickness remains the same. With
increase in k”-value from 39 MPa/
m (for GSB 150 mm) to 300
MPa/m (for DLC 150 mm), the
required thickness is unaffected
which contradicts to the results
obtained by FHWA, other
researchers and the general
perception as mentioned above.
4. Comparison between IRC
The conditions of shoulders and PCA
were varied for the pavement
design in order to observe the safe
the present guidelines, stress
thicknesses obtained. The same
values for single axle (SA) (100
design steps were followed for
kN) and tandem axle (TA) (190
tied cement concrete shoulders.
The results are showed in Table
6.
It can be seen from Table 6
that, replacing the shoulder
condition decreases the slab
thickness by 4 to 5 cm for
different combinations but still,
the required thickness for a
particular subbase and different
CBR values remains almost
same. This is attributed to the
change in regression equations
which are used for calculating the
stresses for different conditions
of axles, shoulders, cracking and
k”- values. It is quite interesting
to note that, with CTS of 100
mm as subbase, the required
thickness increase with increase
in CBR from 3% to 4% which is
completely different from our
general perception that stronger
subgrade results in reduction in
design thickness of the pavement
layers placed over the subgrade8.
To check the adequacy of
kN) (Table 7) are compared with
the equivalent stress table provided
in PCA (Table 8). This comparison
has been done since most of our
guidelines resembles with that of
PCA. Regression equations given
in IRC:58-2015 for BUC and
earthen shoulders were used to
calculate the stress values.
Temperature differential at
intermediate slab thickness are
found out by using interpolation
and for precision, the values are
rounded up to 4 decimal places.
In Table 7, it is observed that,
with increase in the k”- values, for
lower slab thicknesses (< 9.5
inch), stress values increases for
single axle but at 300 pci
(81.6MPa/m), there is abrupt
decrease in stress value after wards
it again increases with increase in
k”-values, till the upper limit of
respective regression equation
(150 MPa/m) and after that stress
values again decreases. For higher
slab thicknesses (>=9.5 inch),
increase in k”-values, stresses tend
to increases for all the regression
equations. In case of tandem axle,
for lower slab thicknesses (< 9.5
inch), stress values decreases with

CBR DLC(10) DLC(15) GSB(15) GSB(22.5) GSB(30) CTS(10) CTS(15) CTS(20)

2% 31 31 NA NA NA NA NA NA
3% 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31
4% 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31
5% 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31
7% 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31
8% 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31
10% 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31
Table 6 Safe thickness for different combinations for Tied shoulders
* NA- k”-value not given for these combinations
** All dimensions are in cm

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 243

 Table 7 Stress values for different combinations of slab thickness and k”-value (SA/TA) for earthen shoulders

Note – 1 inch = 2.54 cm, 1 pci = 0.272 MPa/m, Stress in MPa

Table 8 Equivalent Stress for single/tandem axles by PCA for Earthen Shoulders

244 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016

increase in k”-value. For higher visualization and analysis
S = – 0.149 – 2.60 +
slab thickness (>=9.5 inch), application - ABAQUS. Fig. 2
increase in k”-values from 50 pci shows the comparison in the stress
to 200 pci, stress values 3.13 + 0.0297 ΔT (1) values obtained by the model and
decreases and after that it abruptly regression equations of IRC:58-
≤150
b) k > 80 MPa/m, k≤
increase at 300 (81.6 MPa/m) and 2015.
MPa/m
again decreases at 500 (136
From Fig 2 it is observed that
MPa/m) and then increases at 700 S = – 0.119 – 2.99 +
for all the axle loads except for
(190.4 MPa/m). This is attributed
225 kN, stress values at edge are
to the change in regression
overestimated (77.652%,
equation used for calculation of 2.78 + 0.0456 ΔT (2)
65.368%, 53.706, 41.0832%,
stresses. There are 3 equations
c) k > 150 MPa/m 28.103% and 1.636% for 20 kN,
(eq. 1, 2 & 3) for a particular
34 kN, 50 kN,70 kN,100 kN
category (BUC, single axle & S = – 0.238 + 7.02 +
and 200 kN respectively).
without tied shoulders) based
upon k”-value. The stress values 5.2. Comparison between
tend to increase for k” value less 2.41 + 0.0585 ΔT (3) IRC: 58-2015 and IRC:58-
than 80 MPa, but the user must 2002
rely on another equation for k”
From Fig 3 (From IRC:58-
value above 80MPa, where the 4.1.2. Expression for
2002), it can be seen that with the
stresses tend to reduce abruptly. maximum tensile stress at the
increase in k”-value and thickness
After that, using the same equation top of the slab (for top-down
of slab, stress due to load tends
the stress values again increases, cracking case)
to decrease. But in table 7, we see
up to the upper limit of k”-value
S = – 0.219 + 1.686 + that, at zero temperature
and then abruptly decreases.
differential (for 4 inch to 5.5 inch),
Similar analysis has been 168.48B + 0.1089 ÄT increase in k”-value, stress values
carried out for TDC and is for single axle load tend to increase
observed that stress values (4) which contradicts to the concept
decreases with increase in k”- 5. Casting of Test Slab given by IRC:58-2002.
values. This is attributed by use
of only one regression equation In order to simulate the field 5.2.1. Stress at edge due to
temperature (from IRC:58-
(eq. 4). In PCA analysis (Table conditions and to study the effect
2002)
8), we can see that stress value of these equations, a slab of size
decreases with increase in k”- 4.5x3.5x 0.3 m was cast above Ste = (5)
value and slab thickness. the prepared subgrade and DLC
subbase (k”-value 300 MPa/m), Using the above equation (5),
4.1. Expressions for in the laboratory. Plate load test stress values at edge due to
maximum tensile stress at the was performed on edges and temperature were calculated for
bottom of the slab (for bottom- deflection of the slab was a slab of 30 cm thickness with
up cracking case) (IRC:58- measured using dial gauges. increase in k”-values and are
2015) shown in Fig 4. It can be seen that
5.1. Finite Element with the increase in k”-value,
4.1.1. Single axle – Pavement Modelling
stresses tend to increase. The
without concrete shoulders
Finite Element modelling of combined value of stresses
a) k ≤ 80 MPa/m the slab was conducted using 3D (S le +S te ), may increase or

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 245

 decrease depending upon the input
parameters. In IRC:58-2015,
combined stresses at the edge due
to temperature and load are
computed either by using
regression equations or graphs.
And from Table 7, it is observed
that with increase in k value,
stresses tend to increase except
at boundary conditions of
regression equations.
5.2.2. Effect of Slab
Fig. 2 Comparison between the stress values obtained for prototype using
FEM and IRC:58
Dimensions
In all the regression equations
given in IRC:58-2015 , the input
parameters are same i.e. ã, h, k”,
l, P and “T where the effect of slab
dimensions are not taken into
account, which may be concluded
that the slab dimensions were kept
to be constant, i.e. 4.5m x 3.5m .
Y.T.Chou observed that,
when the size of a slab increases,
stresses tend to increase for any
loading position9. Similar results
were found using the IRC: 58-
Fig 3 Stress due to single axle with increasing k”-value and thickness 2002 stress (at edge due to
(IRC:58-2002) temperature) equation and are
shown in Fig 5. Stress values are
calculated for 0.3 m thick square
concrete slab with k”-value of 300
MPa/m and temperature
differential of 15.8 °C.
Generally for Indian
conditions it is not always feasible
to construct the slab of size 4.5m
x 3.5 m because of land issues.
Small and large sized panels are
being preferred for construction
depending upon available
conditions (intermediate lane
Fig. 4 Stress at edge due to temperature v/s k”-value roads). Designing the pavement
with present guidelines will

246 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016

overestimate the stress values for
small size panels and
underestimate for larger size
panels. A good example of this
can be seen in the design of thin
and ultrathin white topping where
the size of concrete panels are
even smaller than 1.5 m x 1.5m.
5.2.3. Comparison between
regression equation and
graphical representation
The IRC:58-2015 provides
Fig 5 Stress at edge due to temperature Vs Slab Dimensions
with two approaches to calculate
the stress values under different
conditions of loading, temperature
and shoulder conditions, viz;
regression equations and utilising
graphs provided. But the stress
values calculated using two
methods for the same design
seems to vary. Fig 6 shows stress
values at single axle load of 80 kN
for different slab thickness and k”-
values, at “T=0°C for earthen
shoulders. Fig 7 shows the same
using regression equations given
in IRC:58-2015. It can be seen
that the stress values at different Fig 6 Single Axle Load of 80 kN, ΔT=0°C, without concrete shoulders
(IRC:58-2015)
points are varying by huge margins
and this can vary the same design.
6 CONCLUSIONS
a. Various types of subbases
with different thicknesses are
provided in IRC: 58. However,
the requisite conditions to select
the type and thickness of the
subbase are not mentioned in the
same. Stronger subbase and
subbase with higher thickness do
not always result in low pavement
thickness as found in the study.
b. It was observed that the Fig 7 Single Axle Load of 80 kN, ΔT=0°C, without concrete shoulders
required slab thickness seldom

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 247

change with k”-values and the
design thickness remains same for
all conditions of subgrade and
type and thickness of subbase.
Variation in shoulder condition
decreases the slab thickness by 4
to 5 cm for different combinations
but, the required thickness for a
particular subbase and different
CBR values remains almost same.
In some conditions the thickness
can increase with increase in
subgrade CBR. This is attributed
to the change in regression
equations which are used for
calculating the stresses for different
conditions of axles, shoulders,
cracking and k”- values.
c. The regression equations
for CFD analysis are based upon
Finite Element Analysis of the slab
of size 3.5m x 4.5m (width x
length). This fact about the slab
size is kept vague and is not
clearly specified in the code.
There is no provision for designing
the thickness of the pavement
when the slab size is different from
the aforementioned size.
d. In PCA guidelines,
equivalent stress tends to
decrease with increase in k”-value
and slab thickness, whereas
analysis by IRC: 58-2015 shows
a complete different trend. In case
of single axle and for low
thickness of slab (less than 0.2413
m), stress value abruptly
decreases from increasing trend at
limits of regression equation (i.e.,
80 MPa/m and 150MPa/m)
making them act as points of
contra flexure. For slab thickness
greater than 0.2413m, with
248
increase in k” value, stress value
increases. In case of tandem axle
and for low thickness of slab, with
increase of k” values stresses tend
to decrease. Whereas for high
slab thickness, stress value
abruptly increases from decreasing
trend at the previously identified
points of contra flexure.
e. In IRC:58-2002, the
combined value of stresses
(S le +S te ), may increase or
decrease depending upon the input
parameters. In IRC: 58-2015,
combined stresses at the edge due
to temperature and load are
calculated by using the same
equation and it is observed that
increase in k value, stresses always
increases except at boundary
conditions of regression equations.
f. By neglecting the effect of
temperature differential (“T=0°C),
with increase in k”-values,
REFERENCES
stresses tends to increase which
1.
contradicts the concept of IRC: “Evaluation of steel slag and crushed
58-2002, wherein increase in k- limestone mixtures as subbase material in
flexible pavement”, Ain Shams
values, the stresses due to load Engineering Journal,
2.
always decreases.
g. Two approaches are
provided by IRC: 58:2015 to
calculate the stress values under
different conditions of loading,
temperature and shoulder
conditions, viz; regression
equations and using graphs.
Calculation of stresses by using
regression equations gives
different values of stresses than the
graphs even for same design.
h. When field conditions are
simulated by casting a slab and
conducting FEM analysis, the
Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016
actual stress values at edge due
to the application of different single
axle loads are very less as
compared to what regression
equations are giving. This clearly
shows that pavements are being
designed by adopting a very high
factor of safety which can increase
the cost of the project drastically.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
A technical paper of this
nature cannot be written without
the efforts putford by S. Jain
(Senior General Manager,
H.G.Infra Engineering Ltd.,
Jaipur) by furnishing useful
information of site and axle load
survey. We would like to
appreciate the efforts of Sarah
Mariam Abraham (Research
Scholar, Indian Institute of
Technology Roorkee) for
emending the paper throughout.
Behiry. A.E.A.E (2012),
PCA (1984), “Thickness
Design for Concrete Highways and Street
Pavements”, Portland Cement
Association, USA.
3. IRC: 58-2015, “Guidelines for
the Design of Plain Jointed Rigid
Pavement for Highways”, Indian Roads
Congress, New Delhi.
4. Meshram K., Goliya H.S. and
Poddar A. (2013), “Stress Analysis and
Determination of Effective k-value for
Rigid Pavement”, International Journal of
Engineering Science and Technology
(IJEST), Volume 05 (3) , 468-474.
5. FHWA report (1989), “Rigid
pavement analysis and design”,
publication No. FHWA-RD-88-068.
6. Kuity A. and Roy (2013),
“Utilization of geogrid mesh for
improving the soft subgrade layer with
waste material mix compositions”,
2ndConference of Transportation
Research Group of India, Procedia - Social
and Behavioural Sciences 104,255 – 263.
***
 Paper No.648
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PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF
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GEOCELL REINFORCED GRANULAR
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SUBBASE (GSB) LAYERS THROUGH
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FIELD TRIALS
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By-
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Sireesh Saride*, Vijay K Rayabharapu**, Gautam Dalmia***, Madhav M. R****
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ABSTRACT
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I n this study, the results obtained from two test sections built near Dandeli reserve foreston Karnataka State Highway 46
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at chainage 75+100 km and 75+110 kmviz. unreinforced and geocell reinforced granular subbase (GSB) layersrespectively
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are presented. The unreinforced section was constructed with a conventional GSB material which is considered as a control
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section to compare the test data. In the case of reinforced section, GSB material was in-filled and compacted withinan
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expanded geocell mattress. The performance of geocell reinforcement in granular subbase layer has been evaluated
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through pilot test sections instrumented with total earth pressure cells and settlement gauges under static and cyclic loading.
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The pressure distribution due to stiff and resilient geocell mattress has been measured underneath the applied load and also
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at a distant point from the application of load. Results indicate that there is about 90% reduction in applied pressure
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transmitted to the subgrade due to resilient behavior of the geocell reinforcement against only 34% reduction in the case of
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unreinforced GSB layer. Resilient modulus and deformation modulus of the reinforced and unreinforced sections are
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presented. An attempt has been made to predict the contact pressure distribution of geocell mattress on the weak subgrade
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using limit bearing capacity concept.Overall, geocell reinforced GSB layer provided a resilient support to the traffic loading
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and distributed the applied pressure more evenly over a large area of subgrade. It is noted that the influence of geocell
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reinforcement was observed at higher pressure, which is higher than the bearing capacity of the underlying subgrade.
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1. INTRODUCTION AND geocell was introduced unreinforced sections under

BACKGROUND
Understanding on geosyn-
thetic reinforcement in pavements
was started about five decades
ago. Base course lateral
restraint,increased bearing
capacity and tensioned membrane
effect were identified as major
reinforcement mechanisms for a
geosynthetic reinforcement in
paved roads (Perkins and
Ismeik1). To further improve the
lateral confinement to the
pavement layers, three
dimensional mattresses namely
(Webster 2). Research on the
geocell reinforcement under static
loading conditions was extensively
conducted by Dash et
al. 3reported that the geocell
reinforcement proves effective in
increase of the bearing capacity
of footings because of the lateral
confinement of the cell.
Pokharel et al.4 reported that
the geocell reinforced bases under
cyclic loads reduced cumulative
permanent deformations and
sustained for more loading cycles
when compared to the
controlled laboratory conditions.
The performance improvement of
a geosynthetic reinforced
pavement system is generally
indicated through indicators like
reduction in permanent
deformations (rutting) and traffic
benefit ratio (TBR).The TBR is
defined as a ratio of the number
of cycles necessary to reach a
given rut depth for a reinforced to
an unreinforced test section with
the same section thickness and
subgrade properties. Sireesh et
al. 5 reported that geocell

*
Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad,ODF Campus, Yeddumailaram 502 205India, sireesh@iith.ac.in
**
Doctoral Student, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, India, vkraya@gmail.com
***
Manager - Business Development, Strata Geosystems (India) Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India, gautam.dalmia@strataindia.com
****
Visiting Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, India, madhavmr@gmail.com

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 249

reinforcement in sand subgrades
can reduce plastic settlements,
referred as rutting, by 8 fold and
obtained a traffic benefit ratio
(TBR) of 45 versus the
unreinforced bed at 5% plate
settlement.
The field performance studies
on geocell reinforced pavements
are very few. Field tests on full-
scale road sections have been and cyclic load response
conducted by Perkins and
Ismeik1 and compared the results
from nine test track sections
including indoor and outdoor using
a two-axle, dual wheel truck to
load the pavement which resulted
in a significant improvement with
the geosynthetic reinforcement.
Latha et al. 6 performed field
studies reinforcing with variety of
geosynthetics including geocellsin
unpaved roads and identified that
the load-carrying capacityhas geocell reinforced over
increased anda reduction in rut unreinforced pavement test
depth.
Literaturestudy reveals thatthe
geocell reinforcement can
increase the modulus and strength
of the infill material. However,
based on the limited information
available on the field testing on
geocells, the cyclic behavior of
aggregate in-filled geocell
reinforcement in real field
conditionis not yet understood
completely. Hence, in this study,
an attempt has been made to
understand the static and cyclic
load response of the geocell
reinforced GSB layers in the field
by conducting several plate load
tests under static and cyclic mode
to monitor the performance of the
250
Sireesh Saride Vijay K Rayabharapu Gautam Dalmia Madhav M. R
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Hence, in this study, an
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attempt has been made
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Highway No 46 (KA SH 46)
to understand the static
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of the geocell reinforced
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GSB layers in the field
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by conducting several
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plate load tests under
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static and cyclic mode
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on a rolling terrain. The pavement
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to monitor the
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performance of the
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experienced severe damage like
geocell reinforced over
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unreinforced pavement
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weight trailer traffic and weather
test sections.
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department (PWD)engineers
have identified the most effected
locations to build the test
sections.Two test sections viz.
sections.
unreinforced and geocell
2. OBJECTIVE OF THE reinforcedGSB layers were built
STUDY on SH 46 at chainage 75+100 km
and 75+110 km respectively. The
The objective of the present
unreinforced section was
study is to conduct several plate
constructed witha conventional
load tests under static and cyclic
GSB material alone. This
mode to monitor the performance
sectionwas used as a control
of the geocell reinforced GSB
section to compare the test data
layer over unreinforced sections
from reinforced sections. In the
built over a length of 10m each.
case of reinforced section, geocell
The efficacy of the geocell
was first stretched on the
reinforcement is determined
prepared subgrade and in-filled
through extensive field
with the GSB material. In both
instrumentation such as total earth
unreinforced and reinforced
pressure cells and settlement
sections the GSB material of
gauges.
Grade IIIconfirming to Ministry of
3. CONSTRUCTION OF Road Transport and Highways
TEST SECTIONS (MoRTH)specifications was
Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016
used. The test sections were
compacted to an average density
of 2.3 g/cc using an 11.7 ton
vibratory roller. A typical
schematic of the test sections
(plan and sectional views) is
shown in the Fig.1.
3.1 Construction and Testing
Sequence Steps:
1. The existing pavement
was scarified and removed up to
the subgrade level.
2. A soling layer shown in
sectional view of Fig. 1with
boulder sized stones was noticed
and removed to possible extent to
reach the subgrade level.
Fig.1 Plan and sectional views of the reinforced/unreinforced test sections
Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016
3. Then the subgrade was 8. In the case of geocell
leveled and compacted using an reinforced section, after installing
11.7 ton roller. the TPCs (#3, #4) on the
subgrade, a geocell mattress was
4. A plate load test (PLT)
stretched on the subgrade and
confirming to IS 1888 7was
filled with GSB material.
conducted on the subgrade with
a 300mm diameter circular plate. 9. Again, cyclic PLT was
conducted, just above the TPC #
5. Total earth pressure cells
4 as shown in Fig. 1, 2.
(TPC#1&2) were placedon the
subgrade at predefined locations. 10. Data from the settlement
gages, TPCs were collected at
6. Then, a 150mm thick
each increment of load on the
GSB layer was placed, leveled
plate.
and compacted with the roller.
The pressure-settlement
7. Cyclic PLT was
readings were plotted to further
conducted at a location marked
analyze the data.
right above the TPC # 2.
251
 Fig. 2 Construction of geocell reinforced GSBsections

The geocells used in this study Twosensitive displacement dial 4. RESULTS AND
are made of high density gauges were used to measure the DISCUSSION
polyethylene (HDPE) material plate settlements. The
4.1 Pressure-Settlement
having a weld at regular intervals instrumentation data were
Analysis
of 356 mm and the depth of 150 collected at all stages of the
mm. The density of the geocell construction of test sections, roller The data from PLTs were
materials is about 0.95 g/cm3 with compaction etc. and during each analyzed and load-displacement
a minimum cell seam strength of load increment of the plate load patterns were obtained for all the
2100N. test. tests on subgrade, unreinforced
3.3. Instrumentation and Data
Collection
The basic objective of
instrumenting the test sections is
to verify the contact pressure
distribution of geocell reinforced
GSB layers against unreinforced.
At each section two total earth
pressure cells (TPCs)were
installed.These TPCs were
spaced at a distanceof 2m from
center to center (approx.7 times
the diameter of the plate i.e. 7D)
and at a distance of 0.6m from the
edge of the pavement as shown
in the schematic presented in the
Figure 1. These locations are
identified based on the estimation
of probable location of wheel base
of most of the trailer traffic
expected on the road. Fig. 3 Static and Cyclic bearing pressure-settlement profiles

252 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016


and geocell reinforced sections.
Figure 3presentsthe static load-
displacement pattern of natural
subgrade and cyclic load-
displacement pattern of
unreinforced and geocell
reinforced GSB layers.It is
imperative that the stiffness of the
geocell reinforced bed is higher
than the unreinforced and
subgrade sections. The subgrade
section has shown an ultimate
bearing capacity of about
800kPa.This value is slightly
higher for a silty clay type of
subgrade soil. Higher bearing
capacity of the subgrade may be
attributed to the highly compacted
top layers due to existing
pavement structure and traffic
loading and left out portion of
partial soling layer in the subgrade.
Fig. 4 Variation of bearing pressure with elastic settlement
Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016
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pressure has been linearly
It can be seen that the
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initial elastic modulus of
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geocell is higher than
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As presented in Figure3, the
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the unreinforced bed
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owing to its higher unreinforced sections did not
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confinement to the GSB sustain for more than three cycles
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materials which offered of load against the geocell
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higher elastic stiffness. reinforced section which was
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subjected to six cycles without a
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sign of failure even at 10% of the
loading plate settlement. In the
Unreinforced section has not case of unreinforced bed, the first
shown a prominent failure, load increment was applied up to
however, the slope of the curve 200 kPa and unloaded. The
changes at about 17mm of plate resultant strain was completely
settlement. Using double tangent recovered during unloading as
approach, the ultimate bearing of seen from Fig. 3. The second and
unreinforced bed is calculated to third cycles were applied at about
approximately 800kPa. It is 400 kPa and 1050 kPa
evident that the geocell reinforced respectively and the
bed has not shown any clear corresponding strains were mostly
marks of failure but the bearing plastic.
The geocell reinforced GSB
section withstood more number
of loading cycles representing
higher resilient behavior of the
reinforced bed.Further, the initial
elastic modulus calculated for
each scenario has been presented
in Table 1. It can be seen that the
initial elastic modulus of geocell is
higher than the unreinforced bed
owing to its higher confinement to
the GSB materials which offered
higher elastic stiffness. The elastic
subgrade modulus for subgrade,
unreinforced and reinforced beds
are calculated by considering
elastic rebound (settlement) of
each cycle. It is apparent from the
Fig.3 that the elastic component
of the settlement of unreinforced
section is negligible in all the
loading cycles. However, it can be
253
seen that the elastic settlement of mattress. Thereafter, the elastic
noticed that the deformation
the geocell reinforced section has settlement of the geocell modulus decreases with increase
increased with increase in load reinforced bed has increased. in load cycles for both
cycles. Initial three load cycles of unreinforced and reinforced beds.
To quantify the efficacy of the
the reinforced section has shown After the third load cycle at which
geocell reinforcement further,
insignificant increase in the elastic the bearing pressure is 700kPa,
deformation modulus values were
settlement. Further increase in the increase in deformation
calculated for each load cycleand
load has improved the elastic modulus decreased for geocell
presented in Fig.5.German
settlements. This effect is clearly reinforced GSB layer. This
Institution of Standardization DIN:
shown in Fig.4 which depicts the observation also confirms that the
18 1348 defines the deformation
bearing pressure-elastic influence of the geocell is more
modulus as per the following
settlement profile of unreinforced exercised when the pressures are
equation (1):
and geocell reinforced beds. higher on the plate. Overall, it is
Δσ
E Def = 0 . 75 × D × (4.1) inferred from these results that the
It is evident that the initial Δs
geocell reinforcement improves
slope of the unreinforced and Where D is the diameter of
the load carrying capacity of the
geocell reinforced curves are the plate, Δσ and Δs are the
pavement layers by increasing the
approximately parallel until three incremental stress and settlement
stiffness of the bed, reducing the
load cycles indicating that the under a load cycle.
permanent deformations and by
effect of geocell realized when
Figure5 also presents the improving the deformation
there was a sufficient confining
deformation modulus calculated modulus of the system. It can also
stress developed in the geocell
from both the methods. It is be said that the effectiveness of
geocell reinforcement is
experienced with higher initial
compaction stresses on the infill
material (in this case GSB).
Table 1 shows the elastic
properties of the test sections.
The initial elastic modulus, Es,
shear modulus, G, and modulus of
subgrade reaction, k s are
increased for the case of geocell
reinforced GSB layer from
subgrade and unreinforced GSB
layer. Besides, the geocell
reinforcement has shown a higher
resilient behavior than the
unreinforced bed. However, at
very high vertical stresses, the
apparent resilient modulus,
defined as the ratio of vertical
stress to the elastic settlement, of
No. of Loading Cycles geocell reinforced foundation bed
has reduced due to higher elastic
Fig. 5 Variation of deformation modulus with number of load cycles

254 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016

strain. Table 1 shows the resilient
modulus, defined as the ratio of
vertical stress to the elastic
settlement, of reinforced and
unreinforced beds at a vertical
stress of 400 kPa.
4.2. Pressure Distribution
beneath the Unreinforced/
Reinforced GSB Layers
Total earth pressure cells
(TPCs) of 3500 kPa capacity
were installed beneath the
unreinforced and geocell
reinforced GSB layers as shown
Table 1 Properties of subgrade, GSB and Geocell reinforced GSB
materials
*Es,
MPa
Subgrade 9.7
Unreinforced bed 24
Reinforced bed 32
Note: * calculations made based on µ = 0.25; Mr = Resilient
modulus
in Fig. 1. The plate load tests were
conducted approximately
concentrically on the TPC nos. 2
& 4. The objective of this
arrangement is to directly measure
how much pressure is being
transmitted to the bottom layers
of the geocell (in this case,
subgrade layer). The other two
TPCs were place at about 7 times
the radius of the plate diameter
(300mm) which comes to about
2m. These TPCs were embedded
at a depth of 150mm from the
surface. The TPCs were
*G, ks, Mr
MPa kN/m3 MPa
3.9 44236 — area. In contrary, the TPCs placed
9.4 106798 29
12.7 143821 69
monitored for each increment of
the load on the plate and the results
are presented in Figs.6a and 6b.
Figure6a shows the pressure
distribution beneath the
unreinforced bed from TPCs 1
and 2, TPC 2 being closer to the
applied load and TPC 1 being at
7D from center line of loading.
It is clearly seen that the TPC2
has experienced about 66% of the
applied pressure on the plate. The
pressures recorded at TPC1 is
almost negligible in the pressure
range applied elucidating that the
GSB layer is more discrete in
nature and distributed the
pressure directly to the subgrade
without spreading over a larger
under the geocell reinforced GSB
layer has experienced much lesser
pressure even at very high applied
pressures on the plate as shown
in Fig. 6b. The applied pressure

a. Unreinforced bed b. Reinforced bed

Fig. 6 Pressure distribution below the Unreinforced/Reinforced GSB layers

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 255

 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
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transmitted to the subgrade present case, where the width of
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accounts to about 16% of the total This plot clearly
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the geocell is about 12 times the
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applied pressure on the plate. shows how well the
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diameter of the plate (wide geocell
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bearing pressure has
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case), it is expected that the
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The reinforced bed has 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
been distributed within
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contact stress decreases
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distributed the applied pressure to 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
the geocell mattress.
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exponentially from a higher value
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a larger area, where the TPC3 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
at the edge of the plate and it tends
placed at a distance of 7D has
to a lowest value atedge of the
experienced about 12% of the stress distribution under geocell
geocell mattress. Agoverning
pressure transmitted under the mattress over a distance of 7D
equation can be derived to
area of loading (at TPC4).It is from the edge of the loading. The
estimate the profile of stress
interesting to note that the influence schematic of the geocell
distribution beneath the geocell
of geocell mattress is better drawn reinforced granular layer over a
mattress.
for higher load applications. weak foundation soil underlying
circular loadingcan be seen in Fig. Let the diameter of the circular
4.3. Prediction of Contact
7. On the basis of the dimensions loading plate be 2B and the
Stress Distribution under
of the geocell with respect to the diameter (width) of the geocell
GeocellMattress
area of the loading plate, different layer be 2Bg. Let the contact
The contact pressure data types of pressure distributions can stress at the edge of the plate be
below the loading area (TPC 4) be consideredassuming a liner or quc, an ultimate bearing capacity of
and at a distance of 7D (TPC 3) exponential variation of pressure unreinforced bed.The contact
presented in Fig. 6b shows only between these points. For the stress decreases exponentially
the pressure transmitted at those
locations. However, it is important
to estimate the complete contact
stress profile of the geocell
mattress over weak subgrades to
determine the performance of
geocell reinforcement in terms of
structural support and load
carrying capacity. An attempt has
been made to predict the contact

Fig. 7 Schematic of symmetric

section of test bed and contact
pressure profile Fig. 8 Pressure distribution profile below the geocell mattress

256 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016

from quc at the edge of the plate 3 and 4. An exponential variation 5. In addition, it is predicted,
to a very small value at the edge was assumed and a decay from limit bearing capacity
of the geocell. parameter (â) was assumed to be concept, that geocell mattress has
between 1 and 3 for the range of distributed the applied pressure
The governing equation of the
pressure on the plate. This plot uniformly to a wider area from the
load distribution curve or contact
clearly shows how well the point of application.
pressure beneath the geocell can
bearing pressure has been
be expressed for a static loading 6. Overall, geocells can be
distributed within the geocell
as: used to reinforce the GSB layer
⎛ x−B ⎞ mattress.
−β⎜ ⎟
⎜ Bg − B ⎟
to obtain higher structural support
⎠ (4.2)
q ( r ) = q uc e ⎝
5.0. Conclusions: in terms of higher bearing capacity
Where, q(r) is the bearing and reduced rutting under
The performance of geocell
pressure on the geocell reinforced repeated loading.
reinforcement in granular subbase
bed. The equation 4.2 reduces to
layer has been evaluated through REFERENCES
q(r) = q uc in the case of
pilot test sections constructed 1. Perkins, S.W. and Ismeik, M.
unreinforced bed. In exponential 1997. A Synthesis and Evaluation of
along Karnataka state highway Geosynthetic-reinforced Base Course
variation of contact pressure, with
No. 46 at Dandeli. The following Layers in Flexible Pavements: Part I
the variation of decay parameter, Experimental Work. Geosynthetics
conclusions are drawn from the International, Vol. 4, No. 6, pp. 549-604.
â the pressure distribution pattern
study. 2. Webster, S.L. 1993. Geogrid
changes remarkably and hence reinforced base courses for flexible
the area covered under the curve 1. Geocell reinforced GSB pavements for light aircraft, test section
construction, behavior under traffic,
varies which leads to a variation layer has shown higher stiffness laboratory tests, and design criteria.
Technical report GL-93-6, U.S. Army
in the bearing pressure on the plate (without a sign of failure) to the Corps of Engineers, Waterways
or tire pressure. The contact applied repeated loads. Experiment Station, Vicksburg,
Mississippi, USA, 86p.
pressure becomes asymptotic to 3. Dash, S. K., Sireesh S., and
2. The effect of geocell
the X-axis at the edge of the Sitharam, T. G. (2003). “Model studies
reinforced GSB layer can be on circular footing supported on geocell
geocell but doesn’t become reinforced sand underlain by soft clay.”
noticed when the subgrade soil is Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 21 (4),
exactly zero for exponential
weak. 197-219.
variation of contact pressure. This 4. Pokharel, S.K. (2010).
observation is in accordance with 3. The resilient behavior of “Experimental Study on Geocell-
Reinforced Bases under Static and
the pressure data obtained from geocell reinforced GSB layer has Dynamic Loading”. Ph.D. Thesis,
University of Kansas, USA
the field (TPC 3). Appropriate been higher in terms of elastic 5. Sireesh, S., Vijay Kumar
pressure distribution diagram has settlements and resilient modulus Rayabharapu, SurajVedpathak and Anand
J Puppala., (2013), “Repeated Load Tests
to be assumed depending on the than unreinforced GSB layer. on Geocell Reinforced Sand Subgrades,”
width of the geocell. A befitting Geosynthetics Intentional, Industrial
4. The data from total earth Fabrics Association International, Long
value of decay parameter, â has Beach, CA, Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 537-549.
pressure cells depicts that the
to be chosen for wide geocells to 6. Latha, G. M., Nair, A. M.
geocell mattress in GSB layer can &Hemalatha, M. S. (2010). Performance
predict its approximate behavior. of geosynthetics in unpaved roads.
minimize the pressure on the soft International Journal of Geotechnical
Figure8 presents the pressure subgrades by about 90% by Engineering, 4, No. 2, 151–164.
7. IS 1888 (1982) Indian Standard
distribution profile beneath the redistributing the tire pressure well on the ‘Method of Load Test on Soils’,
geocell mattress. The pressure with in the geocell layer. In Second Revision, New Delhi.
8. DIN 18 134 (2001)
distribution profile has been contrary, in unreinforced case, it Determining the deformation and strength
estimated based on the known is only about 34% of applied characteristics of soil by the plate loading
test. German Standards.
contact pressures from the TPCs pressure.
***

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 257

258 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016
 Paper No.649
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345
STRENGTH AND DURABILITY
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345
CHARACTERISTICS OF
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345
by
CONCRETE MADE WITH GRAVEL
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345
A.C.S.V. Prasad *
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345
and
SOIL AND QUARRY DUST
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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
C.N.V. Satyanarayana Reddy**
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345
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123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
Abstract
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 1. Introduction
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 materials, quarry dust found
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 The infrastructure projects use extensive usage in concrete over
U se of alternate materials as
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
coarse and fine aggregates in
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
concrete making would help to
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conventional concrete prepared the last decade.
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 by mixing crushed stone
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
reduce the high dependency of
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2. Literature Review
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concrete manufacturer on granite
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
aggregate, sand and cement. The
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
aggregate and sand supply that are
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 depletion of the stone aggregate The use of quarry dust to
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123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
leading to ecological imbalance.
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
and river sand resources are replace river sand in concrete
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 making conventional concrete making has been recommended
The paper presents strength and
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
durability characteristics of concrete
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 expensive. To overcome this by various researchers based on
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
made using poorly graded gravel
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
(laterite) as coarse aggregate and
issue, alteration on the concrete their studies (Murdock et al.
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
quarry dust of local stone crushing
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
constituents is one of the ways to 1991, Nagaraj et al. 1996,
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
plant as fine aggregate. The Gravel reduce granite utilization. To Ilangovan et al. 2007). Veera
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
concrete mixes of M20, M25 and
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 overcome the demand for stone Reddy and Satyanarayana
M30 grades are designed as per IS
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 aggregate and river sand in Reddy (2007) reported that rock
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
10262-2009.
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 concrete making and also to flour (Crusher Dust) can be used
Apart from evaluating the
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 reduce its production cost, as alternate to fine aggregate
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
compressive and split tensile
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
strengths, durability of gravel
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 researchers and practitioners in (sand) and Ceramic Scrap can be
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
concrete of different grades are
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
the construction industries have used to replace coarse aggregate
studied by exposure to hydrochloric
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
acid and sodium sulfate solutions. tried to use some alternative up to 20% in M25 grade
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
Results indicated that the target
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
materials namely Ceramic waste, concrete, without any loss of
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
strength at 28 days is not reached in
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 Recycled concrete aggregate, strength. Partial replacement of
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
any mix, with compressive strengths
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
of 23.8, 25.2 and 29.5 MPa for M20,
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
Granulated blast furnace slag quarry waste up to 20% for
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
M25 and M30 grade gravel concretes
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
(GBFS), Zinc slag, Quarry dust natural sand is reported in
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
respectively.
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
(Crusher dust), Ferro Chrome Malaysia by Safiuddin et al
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
The strength of gravel concrete
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
Slag, Fly ash etc. Among all these 2007.
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
exposed to sulfate environment
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
increased for all concentrations and
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
with increased exposure periods. In
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
hydrochloric acid solution exposure,
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
the compressive strength decreased
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
with increased concentration of acid.
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
However, at a given concentration,
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
the compressive strength is found to
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
increase with increase in exposure
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
period in all mixes. A.C.S.V. Prasad C.N.V. Satyanarayana Reddy
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 Assistant Professor, Professor,
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
Key words: Gravel soil, Quarry dust,
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
Department of Civil Engineering, Department of Civil engineering,
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 S.R K.R.E.C., Bhimavaram, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam,
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
Compressive strength, Durability,
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 A.P., INDIA - 534 204 A.P., INDIA - 530 003
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
concrete
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123 atmakuri2000@rediffmail.com cnvsnreddy@rediffmail.com
123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 259

 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
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Manasseh Joel (2010) 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
The concentration of the
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increased by about 14 percent in
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investigated the suitability of 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
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hydrochloric acid and
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Crushed Granite Fines (CGF) to 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
sodium sulfate solutions
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concrete. The resistance of quarry
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replace river sand in concrete 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 rock dust concrete to sulfate
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are checked periodically
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production for use in rigid 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
and the solutions are
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attack is reported to be more in
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pavement. Based on compressive 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
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changed after three
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and indirect tensile strength test 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
months period.
12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 concrete. It is opined that the
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results on M25 grade concrete, 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 application of green concrete not
replacement of river sand by 20% percent granite is recommended only reduces environmental
CGF is reported to enhance for use in manually compacted flat pollution, but also improves
strength by about 15 percent. slab. durability of concrete under severe
Further, it is reported that though conditions. So, for reducing cost
replacement of sand by CGF in Rafat Siddique (2003) and limiting the use of crushed
excess of 20% has resulted in investigated the use of fly ash to stone aggregate and river sand in
reduction of strength, the replace sand in concrete. The test concrete, in the present study, an
strengths are more than results indicate significant attempt is made to use locally
conventional concrete. Hence, improvement in the strength available gravel soil and quarry
complete replacement of river properties of plain concrete by the dust in place of crushed stone
sand with CGF has been inclusion of fly ash as partial aggregate and river sand
recommended for use in the replacement of fine aggregate respectively, for making concrete.
construction of rigid pavements (sand), and can be effectively used
in structural concrete. 3. Material and Experimental
without compromising the
Work
strength. Based on durability studies,
Masrur Ahmed et al. Bakharev et al. (2003) reported 3.1 Gravel Soil
(2010) observed that stone dust that Alkali Activated Slag (AAS) Gravel Soil used in the study
(Crusher Dust) is appropriate for 40 Grade concrete offered better is collected from Pedavegi village
use as fine aggregate as alternate resistance in acetic acid near Eluru, West Godavari
to river sand in medium graded environment compared to OPC district, Andhra Pradesh. The
concrete for better performance concrete of similar grade. properties and gradation curve of
in terms of strength and economy. Rajasekhar and gravel soil are presented in Table
In mortar also, Stone dust is Satyanarayana Reddy (2015) 1 and Fig 1. The size of gravel
reported to be efficient compared reported that Ferro Chrome slag used in the present study is limited
to sand. aggregate can be used as an to 20 mm. Based on gradation
characteristics, the soil is classified
Osunade (2002) studied the alternate to conventional stone
as Poorly Graded Gravel (GP).
effect of replacement of Laterite aggregate in M 20 concrete as its
The Compaction characteristics of
with granite fines on compressive usage resulted in higher strengths
the soil are determined from IS
strength of concrete and reported in compression, split tension and
heavy compaction test.
that laterized concrete containing flexure in comparison to
up to 10 percent granite fines can conventional concrete. 3.2 Quarry dust
be used for mass concrete Shahul Hameed and Sekar Quarry dust or crusher dust
foundations without vibration or (2009) reported that the is a waste material generated at
lightly reinforced sections with compressive and split tensile Rock crushing plants. The quarry
vibration. Also laterized concrete strengths of concrete with quarry dust used in the study is procured
containing between 20 to 40 rock dust as fine aggregate from Rock crushing plant located

260 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016

 Table: 1 Properties of Gravel soil at Pangidi village, West Godavari
S.No Soil property value District, A.P. The specific gravity
1. Grain Size Analysis of quarry dust is determined using
a) Gravel size (%) 94 pycnometer as 2.63. The
b) Sand size (%) 5 gradation curve of quarry dust is
established from sieve analysis
c) Fines (%) 1
and is presented in Fig. 2. From
2. Plasticity Characteristics
grain size analysis, the fineness
a) Liquid limit (%) NP modulus of quarry dust is
b) Plastic limit (%) NP determined as 3.2. The quarry
c) Plasticity index (%) NP dust passing 4.75 mm sieve is
3. IS classification of soil GP used in the present study for
4. Compaction Characteristics making concrete.
a) Optimum Moisture Content (%) 7.8 3.3 Cement
b) Maximum Dry Density (g/cc) 2.08
5. Soaked C.B.R (%) 22.6 The Ordinary Portland
Cement of 43 Grade is used in the
present work. The Cement is
tested as per IS: 8112 (1989) and
IS: 4031 (1988). The properties
of cement determined from
laboratory tests are presented in
Table 2.
3.4 Hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid is a clear,
colorless, highly pungent solution
of hydrogen chloride (HCl) in
water. It is a highly corrosive
strong mineral acid.
Figure 1: Gradation Curve of Gravel Soil
3.5 Sodium sulfate
Sodium sulfate is the sodium
salt of sulfuric acid. When
anhydrous, it is a white crystalline
solid.
3.6 Specimen preparation
The concrete mix designs are
done as per IS: 10262 - 2009.
The mix proportions for M20,
M25 and M30 grade concretes
with gravel soil as coarse
aggregate and quarry dust as fine
Figure 2: Gradation Curve of Quarry Dust aggregate are given below.

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 261

 Gravel concrete cube
specimens of 150mm x 150mm x
150mm size and cylindrical
specimens of 150mm diameter
and 300mm length are casted. The
gravel is thoroughly mixed with
cement and quarry dust and then
distilled water is added and mixed
till uniform consistency is
obtained. The prepared gravel
concrete is poured into the cube
and cylindrical moulds in three
layers and compacted with a
tamping rod and vibrated on
vibrating table to remove the
entrapped air. After casting and
finishing, the moulds are covered
with plastic sheets and kept under
laboratory conditions for 24 hours
and then demoulded. After
demoulding, the cube and
cylindrical specimens are cured by
immersing in water tank at room
temperature for further 27 days.
Table: 2 Properties of Cement
Property
Specific Gravity
Initial setting time (min)
Final setting time (min)Normal consistency (%)
Compressive strength (N/mm2)
i) at 3 Days
ii) at 7 Days
Table: 3 Proportions of Materials for Gravel Concrete
Grade of Cement Fine Coarse Water-Cement
Concrete aggregate aggregate
(Quarry (Gravel
Dust) soil)
M20 1 1.58 3.24
M25 1 1.35 2.91
M30 1 1.22 2.7
262
3.7 Exposure and Testing
After 28 days of curing, the
gravel concrete specimens are
placed in separate tubs containing
the following hydrochloric acid
and sodium sulfate concentrations. specimens representing similar
i) 1% HCl (10 ml/l)
ii) 3% HCl (30 ml/l)
iii) 5% HCl (50 ml/l)
iv) 1% Na2So4 (10 g/l)
v) 3% Na So (30 g/l) and compressive strength.
2 4
vi) 5% Na2So4 (50 g/l)
The exposure solutions are
prepared by mixing hydrochloric
acid and sodium sulfate with
distilled water. Nine cube
specimens representing similar
grade are immersed in each
solution. The concentration of the
hydrochloric acid and sodium
Value
3.15
135
23032
31
43
ratio
0.5
0.45
0.42
Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016
sulfate solutions are checked
periodically and the solutions are
changed after three months
period.
Three gravel concrete cube
grade are retrieved from both the
test solutions after 1, 3 and 6
months of exposure. The effect of
hydrochloric acid and sulfate
concentration on gravel concrete
is evaluated by measuring the
4. Results and Discussions
4.1 Compressive strength of
gravel concrete
The compressive strengths of
gravel concretes of M20, M25
and M30 grades at 7 days curing
period are obtained as 16.6 N/
mm2, 17.4 N/mm2 and 22 N/mm2
respectively. The compressive
strengths of gravel concrete of
M20, M25 and M30 grades at
28 days curing period are
obtained as 23.8 N/mm2, 25.2 N/
mm 2 and 29.5 N/mm 2
respectively. From the test results
shown in Fig. 3, it can be
observed that the compressive
strength of gravel concrete of all
grades did not reach the mean
target compressive strengths of
conventional concretes. The
reason for not obtaining target
strengths is attributed to the
softness (high crushing value) of
the gravel soil compared to hard
broken granite metal used in
conventional concrete. However,
as gravel concretes attained
strength above characteristic
strength, they can be used as lean
 Figure 3: Compressive Strength of Gravel Concrete

Grade of Concrete
Figure 4: Split Tensile Strength of Gravel Concrete

Figure 5: Compressive Strength of Gravel Concrete Exposed to HCl Solution of 1% Concentration

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 263

concrete mixes in the preparation
of sub base and base course of
the rigid pavements, rammed earth
walls, building block for
replacement of fly ash bricks and
for bed concreting in the
foundations of structures. Gravel
concrete has low cost as it utilizes
locally available soil as ingredient
in concrete making. The split
tensile strength of gravel concretes
of all grades determined from the
tests are shown in Fig. 4. The splitaggregate is assessed under
tensile strengths of M20, M25, different concentrations of
and M30 grade gravel concretes hydrochloric acid solutions for
are determined as 1.09, 1.27, and different exposure periods. The
1.7 N/mm2 respectively. test results are shown in Figures
5, 6 and7. From the Figures, it can
4.2 Hydrochloric acid effect on
be observed that the compressive
gravel concrete
strength of gravel concrete
The effect of hydrochloric acid increases in all the three grades
on compressive strength of with different exposure periods for
concrete with gravel soil as coarse 1%, 3% and 5% concentrations
aggregate and quarry dust as fine of hydrochloric acid solution. The

Figure 6: Compressive Strength of Gravel Concrete Exposed to HCl Solution of 3% Concentration

Figure 7: Compressive Strength of Gravel Concrete Exposed to HCl Solution of 5% Concentration

264 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016

reduction in compressive
strengths of all the grades after
exposure periods of 1, 3 and 6
months are shown in Figures 8, 9
and 10. The decrease in
compressive strength of concrete
is attributed to leaching of
Figure 8: Variation of Compressive Strength of Gravel Concrete Exposed
to HCl Solution Concentrations after 1 Month Exposure
Figure 9: Variation of Compressive Strength of Gravel Concrete Exposed
to HCl Solution Concentrations after 3 Months Exposure
cementitious compounds due to
reaction with hydrochloric acid
solution. For a given grade of
concrete, the strength decreased
with increase in concentration of
HCl solution. However, the
strength is observed to increase
with increasing exposure period at
a particular concentration level of
HCl, which is attributable to
reduced leaching of cementitious
compounds and aging of cement
concrete.
4.3 Sodium sulfate effect on
gravel concrete
The effect of sodium sulfate
on compressive strength of gravel
concrete with gravel soil as coarse
aggregate and quarry dust as fine
aggregate is assessed under
different concentrations of sulfate
solutions for different exposure
periods. The test results are
shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13.
From the figures, it can be
observed that the compressive
strength of gravel concrete
increased in all the three grades
with different exposure periods in
1%, 3% and 5% concentrations
of sulfate solution. The increase
in the 1, 3, and 6months
compressive strength of all grades
are shown in Figures 14, 15 and
16. The trend indicates that the
compressive strength increases
with increase in the concentration
of sulfate solution. It can be
attributed to the effect of initial
reaction between the sulfate ions
and calcium compounds in the
cement and formation of
crystalline solids in the void space
in the mix. As a result, the area
under load increases and
contributes for increase in the
compressive strength. The
increase in cement content, sulfate
concentration and up to certain
exposure period leads to increase
in the strength of concrete.

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 265

Figure 10: Variation of Compressive Strength of Gravel Concrete Exposed to HCl Solution Concentrations after
6 Months Exposure

Figure 11: Compressive Strength of Gravel Concrete Exposed to Sulfate Solution of 1% Concentration

Figure 12: Compressive Strength of Gravel Concrete Exposed to Sulfate Solution of 3% Concentration

266 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016

 Figure 13: Compressive Strength of Gravel Concrete Exposed to Sulfate Solution of 5% Concentration

Figure 14: Variation of Compressive Strength of Gravel Concrete Exposed to Sulfate Solution Concentrations
after 1 Month

Figure 15: Variation of Compressive Strength of Gravel Concrete Exposed to Sulfate Solution Concentrations
after 3 Months

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 267

 Figure 16: Variation of Compressive Strength of Gravel Concrete Exposed to Sulfate Solution Concentrations
after 6 Months

5. Conclusions • In hydrochloric acid solution 6. References

exposure, the compressive 1. Bakharev, T., Sanjayan, J.G.
Based on the extensive and Cheng, Y. B. (2003). “Resistance of
strengths decreased with Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete to Acid
laboratory experimental work on
increased concentration of acid. Attack”, Cement and Concrete Research,
gravel concrete and from critical Vol.33, pp. 1607-1611.
However, at a given concentration, 2. Ilangovan, R and Nagamani, K
analysis of the results of study, the
the compressive strength is found (2007). “Application of Quarry Dust in
following conclusions are drawn. Concrete Construction and High
to increase with increase in performance Concrete”, Federal highway
• The compressive strength of exposure period in all grades. Administration, pp.1-3.
3. IS: 10262 (2009): Indian
gravel concrete using GP soil as
Based on the strength and Standard Code of Practice-
Recommendations–Design of Concrete
coarse aggregate and quarry dust
durability aspects, gravel concrete Mix.
as fine aggregate satisfied
may be considered for use in 4. IS: 4031 (1988): Methods of
Physical Tests for Hydraulic Cement and
characteristic strengths in all
construction of gravity retaining Compressive Strength of Hydraulic
grades under study, though the
walls, bed concrete for various Cement- Bureau of Indian Standards, New
Delhi, India
target strengths could not be
foundations, base and sub base 5. IS: 8112 (1989): Indian
achieved. Standard Specification for 43 Grade
courses for pavements, Ordinary Portland cement. Bureau of
• The compressive strength of preparation of building blocks and Indian Standards, New Delhi, India.
6. Manasseh Joel (2010). “Use of
gravel concrete exposed to sulfate rammed earth walls. Crushed Granite Fine as Replacement to
environment indicated that the River Sand in Concrete Production”,
Leonardo Electronic Journal of Practices
strength of gravel concrete and Technologies, Issue 17, pp 85-96.
increases at all concentrations and Masrur Ahmed, A, A., Mahzuz, H.M.A.
and Yusuf M.A. (2010). “Minimizing the
with increase in exposure periods Stone Dust through a Sustainable Way: a
in all grades. case study of stone crushing industry of
Sylhet”, Proceedings of International
Conference on Environmental Aspects of
Bangladesh (ICEAB10), pp 215-218,
Japan.
***

268 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016

 Paper No.650
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REVIEW OF DESIGN PROCEDURE OF
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REINFORCED EARTH WALL BASED ON
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AMERICAN PRACTICES
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(FHWA-NHI-10-024, NOVEMBER 2009)
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By-
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B.N.Sinha, Consultant, ICT Pvt. Ltd & Agnimita Das, Manager, ICT Pvt. Ltd.
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ABSTRACT
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einforced Earth Wall is an earth retaining structure like Retaining Wall. The RE Wall constitutes of a face panel
R
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(made of hard facing of concrete panels, steel plate, wooden plank or soft facing of simply wrapping of geogrid around
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layer of soil) which is held in position by tensile element (extensible like geo strip, geo grid, geo mat or inextensible like steel
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strip, steel wire grid) embedded into backfill soil and connected to facing through some kind of anchorage (such as steel
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loops and toggle bar, steel hook, or simply held by friction in between two face panels one above the other). The portion of
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backfill up to length of tensile element (reinforced earth fill volume) facing, anchorage and full height of wall together forms
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RE Wall, which retains earth on its back beyond reinforcement also termed as retained earth. The lower part of the wall is
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embedded into ground soil for an assigned depth (also termed as foundation depth) which does not contribute to stability of
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wall unlike simple retaining wall where designed depth of foundation is necessary for stability.
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Although, RE Wall serves the same purpose as a retaining wall and external stability comprises of sliding, overturning,
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bearing and global slip through ground soil like retaining wall the internal stability is totally evaluated on altogether different
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principle. RE Wall, internal stability depends on rupture strength and or pull out resistance of tensile element. Anchorage and
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facingare strong enough. Therefore, a RE Wall can fail internally by rupture or pull out of reinforcement and thus checked
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accordingly.
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The Paper covers mainly the design methodology evaluation of forces including seismic and external stability, internal
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stability for static and seismic condition. It provides typical examples as annexures for few cases such as extensible
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reinforcement geogrid type and inextensible reinforcement steel strip type for horizontal/inclined backfill. Other combination
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could not be covered due to restriction on length of the Paper.
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A “Guidelines for Design and Construction of Reinforced Soil Walls” has been published by IRC as SP: 102-2014 recently.
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However, IRC is yet to develop a code for RE Wall. We hope that the Paper may be useful in formulating a Code on RE Wall
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eventually.
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1. INTRODUCTION
Soil has shear strength, however, poor in compressive strength and almost nil strength for tensile
forces. Due to natural property of soil it cannot retain a vertical face or steeper face (than angle of repose)
for an embankment above ground. But when reinforcement is introduced with some kind of facing element
(or without such facing for inclined face) it can safely stand a certain height of earth fill with vertical face
above ground. Such a vertical face with some kind of facing element and reinforcement is known as
Reinforced Earth Wall. The inclined face (up to 70ï from the horizontal) with reinforcement introduced in
soil mass is known as Reinforced Soil Slope (RSS).
This paper is regarding RE wall which has nearly a vertical face. The reinforcements are placed within
the backfill (soil mass) for a designed length and spacing. The soil mass within the height of wall up to
reinforcement length is known as Reinforced Soil Mass which retains back fill (termed as retained fill)
beyond reinforced volume and comes under the category of earth retaining structure.
Like any other earth retaining structures the RE Wall can have horizontal backfill (with live load &
dead load surcharge) or inclined backfill (without any live load surcharge) depending on the requirement at

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016 269

 site. The external stability of RE Wall constitute of sliding at base,
overturning (eccentricity of resultant load at base within specified limit),
bearing at base over ground soil and global circular slip through
foundation. The internal stability is obtained/assessed for rupture of tensile
element or the same getting pulled out of reinforced soil volume.
B.N.Sinha Agnimita Das
The RE Wall can have soft or hard facing which do not affect the
design methodology. The design varies slightly for Inextensible and
Extensible Reinforcement. Analysis made for factored load & material strength for Ultimate Limit State
(ULS) Design. The RE Wall is designed for Ultimate Load State (ULS) & checked for Service Load
State (SLS).
This paper is devoted to ULS method of design by FHWA-NHI-10-024, November 20091 for static
& also considering seismic forces. Annexures are added for typical designs for Inclined and Horizontal
Backfill with Extensible & Inextensible Reinforcements.
FHWA-NHI-10-024, NOVEMBER 2009.
External Stability and Internal Stability are based on factored load and strength. This is revised/modified
version of FHWA-NHI- 00-043, March 20012 which was based on ASD (Allowable Stress Design).
The Paper by B.N.Sinha and Harjot Singh3 has given review of design by ASD Method.
2. EXTERNAL STABILITY
External Stability comprises of sliding at base, overturning about toe, bearing and global slip through
foundation.
2.1. EXTERNAL STABILITY FORCE DIAGRAMS

270 Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016

 Fig. 1 Force Diagram (Static/Seismic)
Note:
(1) 50% seismic inertial force on reinforced mass at c.g. is considered as shown.
(2) Full static earth pressure at angle â is taken, in seismic condition 50% of total earth pressure at ä is
taken as shown.

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 ***

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 Kolaghat Bridge, West Bengal, Photo by B Rehi

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, January-March 2016

Copyright ©
Regd. No. 17549/57 with the Registrar of Newspapers

ISSN 0258-0500