Stabilization of lateritic soil using bio-enzyme

Abstract

Soil stabilization is a technique aimed at increasing or maintaining the stability of a soil mass, or otherwise improving its engineering properties. Various techniques are being used for stabilization of soil. Sub-base is an integral part of the road pavement structure. The main function of the sub-base is to provide a stress transmitting medium for spreading the surface wheel load in such a manner as to prevent shear and consolidated deformations. A number of researchers worked on characterizing variousus properties of the laterite soil and found that the following problems could be associated with the laterite: 1)In the majority of cases, the laterite doesn't satisfy conventional specifications for road construction materials especially road base. 2) The laterit undergoes property changes during construction; gradation being considered to be the most sensitive. To improve on the above deficiencies and consequently to improve on there field performance characteristics, laterites need to be stabilized. Bioenzyme - stabilization is a newer technique for strengthening the sub-base soil. The Bioenzyme alters the engineering properties of soil such as the capacity to bear loads. These enzymes are liquid additives, which act on the soil to reduce the voids between soil particles and minimize absorbed water in the soil for maximum compaction. The locally available laterite soil procured from the field is used to improve the strength and bearing capacity. One type of Bio-enzyme namely TerraZyme has been used for stabilization of laterite soil. In this study soil with variable enzyme dosages were tested for stabilization process and strength of the stabilized soil has been evaluated after curing period of one week, two weeks, three weeks and four weeks. The tests were carried out to determine the consistency limits, CBR, unconfined compressive strength and permeability of the soil specimens with and without enzyme for a curing period of one week to four weeks. The effect of enzyme on different percentages of sand blended laterite soil was also studied for the curing periods. The enzyme treated soil showed significant improvement in CBR (California bearing ratio) and UCS (Unconfined Compressive strength) with curing. � AES-Advanced Engineering Solutions.