CHAPTER 6

Effect of Reinforcement and Plasticity Index on the CBR Value of Black cotton soil:
6.1: Introduction:
This Chapter presents the effects of plasticity index and also reinforcing effect of black
cotton soil on CBR values the effects of reinforcement and PI on CBR values are investigated in
both soaked and unsoaked conditions. The results shows that as the PI increase the CBR value
decreases and reinforcing black cotton soil with stabilisers will increase the CBR value.
Experimental programme:
A series of laboratory CBR tests are conducted on black cotton soil reinforced with randomly
distributed polypropylene fibers and coir fibers and also with other stabilisers like RBI-81,
GGBS, Optimum percentages of stabilisers are mixed with black cotton soil and CBR values are
obtained. The optimum percentage of stabilisers used is decided on the basis of higher UCS
value. The following table shows the optimum percentage of stabilizer.The results of soaked and
unsoaked CBR tests on reinforced and unreinforced soil specimens with different plasticity
indexes are presented in Table and figure

Effect of PPF on CBR

Polypropylene fibers are hydrophobic, non corrosive and resistant to alkalis, chemicals and
chlorides. The improvement of the engineering properties due to the inclusion of polypropylene
fibers was determined to be a function of a variety of parameters including fiber type, fiber
length, aspect ratios (length/diameter), fiber content, orientation, and soil properties. Attempts
were made by various researchers to determine the effect of each parameter on the different
engineering properties of the composite. The properties of polypropylene used in the present
study were number of C.B.R testes were carried out to know the effect of fiber on CBR value
clay mixes. By addition of 0.5% fiber only Maximum density is 1.848 g/cc for black cotton soil.
In case of black cotton soil treated with 1.0 % to 2.0 % of polypropylene fiber, it is found that
dry density decreases with increase in optimum moisture content. The CBR value is increased
from 3.73 % to 5.13 % when 2.0 % of polypropylene fiber is added to black cotton soil. Increase

in strength is due to the reinforcement phenomenon which is similar to coir fiber stabilization.
The CBR value increased by 1.37 times when compared to black cotton soil alone.
Table 1: CBR of Black Cotton Soil stabilised With PPF
Particulars

CBR %, (Unsoaked) CBR %, (Soaked)

6.52
3.73
BC SOIL + 0.5% PPF
BC SOIL + 1.0% PPF

6.72

4.07

BC SOIL + 1.5% PPF

7.19

4.19

BC SOIL + 2.0% PPF

7.76

5.13

BC SOIL + 2.5% PPF

7.31

4.66

Fig 1 percentage PPF vs CBR (%)

Effect of Plasticity index on CBR:

Table produces the soaked and unsoaked CBR values of reinforced soil specimens with different
plasticity indexes. As it is observed with increase in PI, the CBR value decreases for both soaked
and unsoaked cases, because when the plasticity index of soil increases, the optimum moisture
content (OMC) increases and the maximum dry density (MDD) decreases. Therefore, the soil
strength decreases and its CBR value decline.

Table 2

CBR and Plasticity Index of BC soil stabilised with PPF

Particulars

CBR %, (Unsoaked) CBR %, (Soaked)

PI

BC SOIL + 0.5% Polypropylene Fibers

6.52

3.73

23.9

BC SOIL + 1.0% Polypropylene Fibers

6.72

4.07

26.17

BC SOIL + 1.5% Polypropylene Fibers

7.19

4.19

26.53

BC SOIL + 2.0% Polypropylene Fibers

7.76

5.13

28.03

BC SOIL + 2.5% Polypropylene Fibers

7.31

4.66

21.22

Fig 2 Plasticity index vs CBR (%) of black cotton soil stabilised with PPF

Effect of RBI-81 on CBR

The maximum dry density is 1.77 g/cc for black cotton soil treated with 8.0 % RBI Grade-81.
Increase in percentage of RBI Grade-81 from 2.0 % to 8.0 %, results in increase in dry density
with gradual increase in optimum moisture content. The CBR value increased from 3.73 % to
6.36 % when 8.0 % of RBI Grade-81 is added to black cotton soil. This increase in strength is
due to chemical reactions between soil and RBI Grade-81. Presence of polypropylene fiber in
RBI Grade-81 increases the strength by reinforcement phenomenon. The CBR value increased
by 1.23 times when compared to black cotton soil alone.
Table3: CBR of black cotton soil stabilised with Varying Percentages RBI-81
RBI-81 Grade Stabilizer

CBR Values

0%

2%

3.34

4%

4.88

6%

6.36

8%

4.22

Fig 5: CBR Curves for Black Cotton Soil stabilized with Various Percentage of RBI-81

Effect of Plasticity Index on CBR

Table produces the soaked and unsoaked CBR values of reinforced soil specimens with different
plasticity indexes. As it is observed with increase in PI, the CBR value decreases for both soaked
and unsoaked cases, because when the plasticity index of soil increases, the optimum moisture
content (OMC) increases and the maximum dry density (MDD) decreases. Therefore, the soil
strength decreases and its CBR value decline.
Table 4: CBR and Plasticity Index of BC soil stabilised with RBI-81
RBI-81
CBR
Grade
Values
Stabilizer (Soaked)
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%

3
3.34
4.88
6.36
4.22

CBR
Values
(un
Soaked)

Plasticity
Index

6
6.5
7.89
9
9

23.6
20.7
17.99
12.61
11.02

Fig 3 Plasticity index vs CBR (%) of black cotton soil stabilised with RBI-81

Effect of RBI plus PPF on CBR

The MDD and OMC of Black Cotton Soil stabilised with PPF is 17.75 kN/m 3 and 18.60%, for
this OMC and MDD the maximum value of CBR was found to be 6.24%.It is found that the
value of CBR increases 1.6 times with the addition of RBI plus PPF to the BC soil compare with
BC soil alone.
Table 5: CBR of black cotton soil stabilised with various percentages of RBI and PPF
RBI and PPF Stabilizer CBR in %
1% RBI+0.25% PPF

3.84

2% RBI+0.50% PPF

4.71

3% RBI+0.75% PPF

6.24

4% RBI+1% PPF

5.32

Fig 4: CBR for Black Cotton Soil stabilized with Various Percentage of RBI plus PPF

Effect of Plasticity Index on CBR

Table produces the soaked and unsoaked CBR values of reinforced soil specimens with different
plasticity indexes. As it is observed with increase in PI, the CBR value decreases for both soaked
and unsoaked cases, because when the plasticity index of soil increases, the optimum moisture
content (OMC) increases and the maximum dry density (MDD) decreases. Therefore, the soil
strength decreases and its CBR value decline.
Table 6 CBR and Plasticity Index of BC soil stabilised with RBI-81 plus PPF

RBI + PPF
Stabilizer
0
1%
RBI+0.25%
PPF
2%
RBI+0.50%
PPF
3%
RBI+0.75%
PPF
4% RBI+1%
PPF

CBR
Values
(soaked)
3

CBR (Un
soaked)

Plasticity
Index

23.56

3.84

20.52
6.54

4.71

17.92
6.98

6.24

12.96
9.6

5.32

11.89

Fig 5 Plasticity index vs CBR (%) of black cotton soil stabilised with RBI-81plus PPF

Effect of coir fiber on CBR

As per experimental programme CBR test is conducted. Table 7 presents the CBR values
of stabilized BC soil with different percentages of Coir fiber, and fig7 shows the Variation of
CBR with different percentages of Coir fiber
The maximum density is 1.77 g/cc for BC soil treated with 0.3 % coir fiber. In case of black
cotton soil treated with 0.2 % and 0.3 % of coir fiber, it is found that the dry density increases
with increase in optimum moisture content. Further increase in percentage of coir fiber from 0.4
% to 0.5 %, there is decrease in dry density. This is due to addition of coir fiber results increase
in tendency of moisture attraction. The CBR value is increased from 3.73 % to 6.98 %, when 0.5
% of coir fiber is added to black cotton soil. The increase in strength is due to the reinforcement
phenomenon of coir fiber. The CBR value increased by 1.87 times, when compared to black
cotton soil alone
Table 7: CBR of black cotton soil stabilised with varying percentages of Coir fiber
Sl no

Particulars

CBR %, (Soaked)

BC Soil Alone + 0.2% COIR FIBRE

4.03

BC Soil Alone + 0.3% COIR FIBRE

4.34

BC Soil Alone + 0.4% COIR FIBRE

BC Soil Alone + 0.5% COIR FIBRE

4.96

6.98

Fig 6: CBR Curves for Black Cotton Soil with Various Percentages of Coir

Effect of Plasticity Index on CBR

Table 8 produces the soaked and unsoaked CBR values of reinforced soil specimens with
different plasticity indexes. As it is observed with increase in PI, the CBR value decreases for
both soaked and unsoaked cases, because when the plasticity index of soil increases, the
optimum moisture content (OMC) increases and the maximum dry density (MDD) decreases.
Therefore, the soil strength decreases and its CBR value decline.
Table 8 CBR and plasticity index of black cotton soil stabilised with coir fiber

Sl
no
1

Particulars
BC Soil Alone +
0.2% COIR
FIBER
BC Soil Alone +
0.3% COIR
FIBER
BC Soil Alone +
0.4% COIR
FIBER
BC Soil Alone +
0.5% COIR
FIBER

CBR %,
(Soaked)

CBR %,
(Un
Soaked)

Plasticity
Index

4.03

22.86

4.34

8.5

21.26

4.96

18.37

6.98

12

13.07

Fig 7 Plasticity index vs CBR (%) of black cotton soil stabilised with Coir fiber

Effect of GGBS on CBR:

Table 9: CBR of black cotton soil stabilised with varying percentages of GGBS

BC Soil +
GGBS

CBR%
(Soaked)

0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%

3.73
2.15
3.86
7.72
8.58
9.01

CBR%
(un Soaked)
3.98
4
4.6
9
9.3
9.8

Fig 8: CBR Curves for Black Cotton Soil with Various Percentages of GGBS

Effect of Plasticity Index on CBR

Table 10 produces the soaked and unsoaked CBR values of reinforced soil specimens with
different plasticity indexes. As it is observed with increase in PI, the CBR value decreases for
both soaked and unsoaked cases, because when the plasticity index of soil increases, the
optimum moisture content (OMC) increases and the maximum dry density (MDD) decreases.
Therefore, the soil strength decreases and its CBR value decline.
Table 10 CBR and plasticity index of black cotton soil stabilised with GGBS

PI

23.56
13.185
15.05
17
14.42
12.09

GGBS
CBR%
(Soaked)

3.73
2.15
3.86
7.72
8.58
9.01

CBR% (un
Soaked)
3.98
4
4.6
9
9.3
9.8

Fig 9 Plasticity index vs CBR (%) of black cotton soil stabilised with GGBS

Effect of Cement on CBR

As per experimental programme CBR test is conducted Table and Table presents the
CBR values of stabilized BC soil with different percentages of Cement, RBI Grade-81, PPF &
their combination respectively. Fig 4.14 and Fig 4.19 shows the Variation of CBR with different
percentages of Cement, RBI Grade-81, PPF & combination for BC soil respectively.
Table 11: Variation of CBR Values in Addition of Cement with Varying Percentages
Cement %

CBR Values

4.56

7.92

11.64

8.32

Fig 10: CBR Curves for Black Cotton Soil with Various Percentage of Cement

Effect of Plasticity Index on CBR

Table 12 produces the soaked and unsoaked CBR values of reinforced soil specimens with
different plasticity indexes. As it is observed with increase in PI, the CBR value decreases for
both soaked and unsoaked cases, because when the plasticity index of soil increases, the
optimum moisture content (OMC) increases and the maximum dry density (MDD) decreases.
Therefore, the soil strength decreases and its CBR value decline.

Table 12: CBR and plasticity index of black cotton soil stabilised with Cement

Cement %

CBR
(Soaked)

2
4
6
8

4.56
7.92
11.64
8.32

CBR(Unsoaked)
6
7
9
12
12

Plasticity
Index
23.56
20.74
18.07
15.11
11.43

Fig 11: Plasticity index vs CBR (%) of black cotton soil stabilised with Cement

Effect of cement plus PPF on CBR:

Table 13: CBR of black cotton soil stabilised with cement and PPF
Cement + PPF Stabilizer

CBR Values

1% Cement+0.25% PPF

4.92

2% Cement+0.50% PPF

7.57

3% Cement+0.75% PPF

9.42

4% Cement+1% PPF

7.44

Fig 12: CBR Curves for Black Cotton Soil with Various Percentage of Cement+PPF

Effect of plasticity index on CBR: Table 14 produces the soaked and unsoaked CBR values of
reinforced soil specimens with different plasticity indexes. As it is observed with increase in PI,
the CBR value decreases for both soaked and unsoaked cases, because when the plasticity index
of soil increases, the optimum moisture content (OMC) increases and the maximum dry density
(MDD) decreases. Therefore, the soil strength decreases and its CBR value decline.

Table 14: CBR and PI of black cotton soil stabilised with cement plus PPF

Cement+PPF
%
0
1%
Cement+0.25%
PPF
2%
Cement+0.50%
PPF
3%
Cement+0.75%
PPF
4%
Cement+1%
PPF

CBR (Soaked)
3

CBR
(Un Soaked)
5

4.92

Plasticity
Index
23.6
21.98

5.6
7.57

20.39
8

9.42

18.91
9

7.44

13.89
8

Fig 13: Plasticity index vs CBR (%) of black cotton soil stabilised with Cement

Effect of lime on CBR:

Table 15: CBR of black cotton soil stabilised with lime

Particulars

CBR %,
(Soaked)

BC Soil Alone + 2% LIME

4.96

BC Soil Alone + 4% LIME

5.97

BC Soil Alone + 6% LIME

7.32

BC Soil Alone + 8% LIME

9.2

Fig 14: CBR Curve for Black Cotton Soil with Various Percentages of Lime

Effect of plasticity index on CBR: Table 16 produces the soaked and unsoaked CBR values of
reinforced soil specimens with different plasticity indexes. As it is observed with increase in PI,
the CBR value decreases for both soaked and unsoaked cases, because when the plasticity index
of soil increases, the optimum moisture content (OMC) increases and the maximum dry density
(MDD) decreases. Therefore, the soil strength decreases and its CBR value decline.
Table16 CBR and Plasticity index of lime stabilised balck cotton soil:
Particulars

CBR %, (Soaked) CBR %, (Un Soaked)

PI

BC Soil Alone + 2% LIME

4.96

3.8

31.08

BC Soil Alone + 4% LIME

5.97

4.6

28.24

BC Soil Alone + 6% LIME

7.32

26.12

BC Soil Alone + 8% LIME

9.2

6.5

24.4

Fig15 : Plasticity index vs CBR (%) of black cotton soil stabilised with lime

CBR prediction model

General:
In India thickness of flexible pavement is designed on the basis of projected number of standard
axle loads during the design life, which is obtained using the present commercial vehicles per
day and its growth rate, along with the subgrade strength in terms of CBR.
From the results of the detailed laboratory investigations on the strength behaviour of stabilised
subgrade soil, it could be seen that the strength in terms of the CBR of the soil would increase
considerably. The strength mobilisation depends on many factors like the inherent strength
properties of the soil and also the type and percentage of stabilisers. Since there are various
parameters are contributing to the strength in terms of CBR, it is advantageous to develop a
model to predict the CBR of the reinforced black cotton soil. the geotechnical properties like
MDD, OMC and Atterberg limits are the major contributing parameters to the CBR value. Hence
considering CBR has an dependent variable and the other variables influencing it are
independent variable through the principles of multiple linear regression analysis a model can be
developed. The model thus developed can be effectively referred for further use.
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis (Johnson, 2001)
Multiple linear regression analysis is a statistical technique frequently used to develop prediction
equations to establish the relationship for a variable, which is known to respond to changes in
two or more other variables. The variable which is known to respond is (Y) commonly called the
dependent variable and the other variables influencing it are called the in dependent variable(x).
the function will be of the following form:
Y=a1x1+a2x2++amxm +a0
Here, x1, x2 xm = independent varaibles,

a0 regression constant and

a1, a2, am = regression coefficients of the independent variables.
The regression coefficients are determined from a given set (n) of observed values of Y and x1,

x2 xm by the method of least squares.

The analysis of variance approach is used to test the predictor equation. The total sum of squares
of deviations of the n observations from the mean is a measure of the degree to which the n
observations are spread around their average value. Smaller the standard error the better will be
the model. Co efficient of determination (R2) is another indicator of the strength of relationship.
It is the ratio of regression sum of squares to total of squares. R 2 lies between 0 and 1. The closer
it is to 1, the better is the equation.
Development of Model:
The important property of the subgrade soil considered for the design of pavement is the CBR
value. The influencing parameters for the CBR values are MDD, OMC and Atterberg limits
therefore to approximately predict the CBR value for clayey type of soil through Multiple Linear
regression analysis using LINEST function (The LINEST function calculates the statistics for a
line by using the "least squares" method to calculate a straight line that best fits the data) by
inputting the laboratory test data obtained following Models were developed.
For polypropylene fibre stabilised soil
CBR= -9.66MDD+0.275OMC+0.0747PI+15.48
Coir fibre stabilised black cotton soil
CBR= -186.8MDD+36.12OMC+5.56PI-463.312
For RBI-81stabilised soil
CBR=242.30MDD-6.16 OMC -0.85PI -270.92
RBI plus Polypropylene stabilised black cotton soil
CBR=44.84MDD+1.17OMC+0.040PI-97.16
Flyash stabilised black cotton soil
CBR=16.27OMC-0.50PI-268.90
Coirfiber plus flyash
CBR= -4.52MDD-0.66OMC-0.814PI+43.26
Coirfiber plus lime
CBR=8.66MDD+11.01OMC+1.19PI-249.48
Cement plus PPF
CBR= 206.17MDD+6.8OMC-0.97PI-475.07

Cement
CBR= 4979MDD-95.17OMC+9.77PI-6905
Cement plus RBI-81
CBR= -117.84MDD+5.78OMC+0.546PI+80.83
Lime stabilised soil
CBR= -78.21MDD-0.01OMC-0.63PI+156.22
Lime plus Flyash
CBR=-26.96MDD+1.27OMC-0.49PI+80.834

Conclusions:

As it is observed that with increase in PI, the CBR value decreases for both soaked and
unsoaked cases, because when the plasticity index of soil increases, the optimum
moisture content (OMC) rises and the maximum dry density (MDD) decreases.

Therefore, the soil strength decreases and its CBR value declines.
The MDD and OMC of Black Cotton Soil are 1.670 g/cc and 20.08%.
The value of CBR is found to be 3.73% and the UCS parameter of the BC soil alone is

0.882 Kg/cm2.
The CBR value is increased from 3.73 % to 6.98 %, when 0.5 % of coir fiber is added to
black cotton soil. The increase in strength is due to the reinforcement phenomenon of
coir fiber. The CBR value increased by 1.87 times, when compared to black cotton soil

alone.
The CBR value is increased from 3.73 % to 5.13 % when 2.0 % of polypropylene fiber is
added to black cotton soil. Increase in strength is due to the reinforcement phenomenon
which is similar to coir fiber stabilization. The CBR value increased by 1.37 times when

compared to black cotton soil alone

Maximum density is 1.79 g/cc for black cotton soil treated with 8.0 % of cement. In case of
black cotton soil treated with 2.0 % to 8.0 % of cement, it is found that dry density
increases with increase in optimum moisture content. This is due to reduction in plasticity

and formation of matrix enclosing clay lumps.

The CBR value is increased from 3.73 % to 24.60 % when 8.0 % of cement is added to
black cotton soil. Due to increasing percentage of cement added, there is an increase in
strength and moisture movement in soil-cement mix and a decrease in volume change,
plasticity and also its tendency to swell and shrink. The CBR value is increased by 6.59

times, when compared to black cotton soil alone.

The maximum dry density is 1.77 g/cc for black cotton soil treated with 8.0 % RBI Grade-81.
Increase in percentage of RBI Grade-81 from 2.0 % to 8.0 %, results in increase in dry density
with gradual increase in optimum moisture content.

The CBR value increased from 3.73 % to 41.90 % when 8.0 % of RBI Grade-81 is added
to black cotton soil. This increase in strength is due to chemical reactions between soil and RBI
Grade-81. Presence of polypropylene fiber in RBI Grade-81 increases the strength by

reinforcement phenomenon. The CBR value increased by 11.23 times when compared to black
cotton soil alone.

The maximum density is 1.796 g/cc for black cotton soil treated with 20 % fly ash. In case of
black cotton soil treated with 10 % and 20 % of fly ash, the dry density increases with increase in
optimum moisture content. Addition of fly ash upto 30 % results in increased availability of free lime
content of fly ash, hence the dry density decreases with decrease in optimum moisture content.
The CBR value is increased from 3.73 % to 10.71 % when 10 % fly ash is added to black cotton soil.

The CBR value is increased by 2.87 times when compared to black cotton soil alone.