Career Episode 2

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Background

2.2.1 Overview

Soil is one of the key important aspects in the civil engineering world. Soil plays the dynamic role as a
base for any type of structure. For any type of structure such as building, bridge, etc. soil needs to be
stable for making the structure more established and strong. Structure undergoes various settlement and
cause the instability in the construction but this can be reduced by stabilizing the soil. Strength of soil can
be increased by stabilization through various resources and methods. With the vast development in the
technology, numerous techniques were developed to increase the strength of soil for making the structure
durable. Engineering practices makes it easier to increase the bearing capacity of the soil and decrease the
possible settlement by various methods such as dynamic loading, addition of admixture, grouting method,
mechanical stabilization, etc.

The experiment was carried out for the stabilization of the soil. I decided to use the stabilization through
the addition of different admixture. I preferred to use cement stabilization for this research work. Cement
kiln dust were used as an admixture in this project. Different percentage replacements were used in
producing the stabilization of soil. Similarly, various type of test like Atterberg limit test, CBR test, etc.
was carried out to study the behavior of soil before and after addition of admixture through which
different outcomes were received. During the test, I witnessed different results on various parameters like
plastic limit, liquid limit, and CBR values. Afterward I carried out the comparison of the values obtained
and decided to draw the outcome at the end of the project.

2.2.2 Objectives

The main objective of the research paper is to conduct experimental study to increase the stability of soil
by addition of cement kiln dust.
Following are the minor objectives of the project:

 To increase the shear strength of soil.

 To ensure the durability of soil.
 To increase bearing capacity of soil.
 To reduce settlement and seepage.

2.2.3 Organizational Chart

2.2.4 Nature of works

As a head of the project, I took a reference from the old research paper. I initiated the project work by
assembling my team members. I managed all the time format and schedule to perform the work smoothly.
I gathered the required material for the project work and researched about the experiment to carry out to
become easier to grab the flow with team mates. Further, I arranged all meetings with my supervisor and
create the positive and working environment to share our thoughts and knowledge to expand our skills.
Similarly, I monitored all the works carried out by my teammates and guided them to produce the best
effort out of them. After the project accomplishment, I submitted the work to the concerned department.

2.2.5 Duties

 To review the literature writing to study the project.

 To collect the sample to study the nature of soil.
 To run the experimental trial to obtain the test values.
 To carry out the examination of soil sample.
 To draw the necessary conclusion.

2.3 PEA

2.3.1 Literature review

I gathered the various information from different resources through research papers and articles.
I performed the survey and reviewed from the experts to excel my knowledge. Further, I carried
out the study about various test to be conducted and learned the sampling procedure to extraction
of results from different trial of the test. Furthermore, I gained the information about the
necessary resources used during the test. I followed the Indian standard code to perform the
experiment. I also educated myself to draw the different outcomes of parameter like shear
strength, bearing capacity, seepage, and compression. Likewise, I investigated about
effectiveness of use of admixture to strengthen the soil property and witnessed different result
which were compared and draw to a conclusion.

2.3.2 Component Selection

For the initiation of project, I collected ….kg of soil sample from construction site through
different medium using the equipment. Further, I collected the admixture from cement factory
near my resident to be added in the sample i.e. cement kiln dust. Furthermore, I mixed the
sample with the admixture of ckd. For experimental study to carry out Atterberg test, I prepared
soil sample with different percentage of CKD as (0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16%) & cured for one week
mixed with ....kg of sample at minimum moisture content to determine the Atterberg limit value.
Similarly, I decided to use the same procedure to carry the (California Bearing Ratio test) CBR test to
obtain the CBR values along with parameters like liquid limit, plastic limit etc. and compared the values
obtained for different % dosage of admixtures.

2.3.3 Atterberg Limit Test

After the preparation of the necessary equipment and sample, I decided to start the Atterberg
experiment. During the experiment, I carried out the liquid limit test and plastic limit test
simultaneously. For liquid limit, I made a uniform paste of 500g of the soil sample and placed to
casagrande’s cup. I decided to use spatula for smoothing the surface followed by making a cut at
center line. Afterward, I recorded the number of blows until the closure. Similarly, I repeated the
steps for different trial for different amount of moisture content. Likewise, for the plastic limit
test, I prepared 25g of dry soil sample with water and placed them to plastic limit device.
Further, I rolled the upper half of the device into thread liked shaped and noted the crumble of
the stick and weighted to determine the plastic limit. Similarly, I repeated the same process for
different proportion of moisture content.

2.3.4 California Bearing Ratio Test

After the first test, I carried out the CBR experiment with the collected sample. I arranged all the
apparatus required and prepared the test specimen. I mixed 5kg of soil specimen with moisture
and carry out the compaction. Next, I determined the weight of mold and fixed the mould to the
base plate. Similarly, I added the moisture to the specimen and carry out compaction of test
specimen. After the completion of compaction, I removed the collar and detached the base plate.
Further, I determined the weight of mould and compacted specimen and determined bulk
density. Furthermore, I placed the sample under penetration piston and placed surcharge load of
5kg to the plunger at the rate of 2mm per minute. Then I perceived different reading and
determined the moisture content. Afterward, I performed the penetration test for soaked
condition applying the same procedure of unsoaked condition. Lastly, I recorded the data and
carry out the comparison to conclude the experiment.
2.3.5 Results

After the completion of the project work, I assembled all the results, gathered from the test and
came to an end with final outcomes. During Atterberg limit test, I noticed …. % and …..% was
the average value of moisture content respectively. For California Baring Ratio test, I witnessed
maximum CBR values at ……% and …..% of cement kiln dust was obtained at ….% and ….%
respectively. Furthermore, I found the behavior of soil varies largely with addition of stabilizer. I
noted CBR values increases with dosage of stabilizer and minimum value is obtained. Therefore,
I concluded that elastic modulus value for soil with presence of admixture displayed
considerable growth as compared to unstabilized soil.

2.4 Problem and solution

I faced different problems during the research work of the project. I educated myself and took a
aid from the supervisor to learn about the errors experienced in the laboratory test. Then I
observed inadequate results of Atterberg’s limit test which was caused due to impurities present
in the soil. Further, I detected insufficient values from the CBR test. I acquired knowledge from
my expert and knew about main cause of the problem. I witnessed the insufficient lubrication of
the mold cause the problem, so I lubricated the mold with grease and performed the test. Next, I
detected inadequate CBR values caused due to insufficient number of blows. I decided to
provide the blows as per the required specification of code to overcome this problem.
Consequently, I was encountered with cracks during the test & took a suggestion from the
supervisor to avoid it. Further, I explored the solution to reduce the crack by minimizing the
amount of moisture content. Hence, I conducted all the experiment of the sample and recorded
the outcomes to analyze the data.

2.5 Creative work

I improved the lubrication on the mold during the test and provided the required number of
blows as per the specification to conduct the experiment successfully.
2.6 Team management

I worked in the project work with all my team to complete the task. As a captain of the group, I
was responsible to gather the team and progress the work. I assigned the task to my entire group
member without any partiality to create a better working environment. I decided to break down
the work evenly. I gave the guidelines and right direction to all my members. I provided them a
friendly environment to share knowledge and problems in the work through which it becomes
easier to tackle the trouble. Further, I managed all the meetings with the group and the supervisor
to exchange the queries. I lead all the progress of the work as a head and make necessary
changes as per the situation to finish the work within the time. Then, I prepared the final paper of
my work and submitted to the department.

2.7 Codes

2.8 Summary

Soil sample was collected for determining the strength and stabilization through different
experimental test. Different test like Atterberg’s limit test, California Bearing Test, were carried
out to compare the results obtained through it for the sample with addition of admixture i.e.
Cement kiln dust. All the equipment’s required were managed to execute the test. Settlement of
the soil is the issue that causes the defect in the superstructure. With addition of the admixture, it
helps to increase the shear strength and bearing capacity of the soil and reduce the settlement.
Following it, it gives the durability and sustainability that helps for the longevity of the structure.
I was very privileged to work as a head of this project with my colleagues. I improved my time
management skills and ways to deal with the situation to overcome the possible faults. Moreover,
I increased my abilities to communicate and update with the existing state.