Stabilization of Weak Soils using Locust Bean

Waste Ash (LBWA)

Samaila Saleh
PG Student, Department of Civil Engineering,
SRM University, Kattankulathur - 603203,
Chennai, India.
Email: samailasaleh2003@yahoo.com

S. Srividhya
Asst. Prof. (O. G.), Dept. of Civil Engineering,
SRM University, Kattankulathur 603203,
Chennai, India.
Email: sreevidhu45@gmail.com

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a laboratory evaluation of the characteristics of two weak
soils stabilized with Locust Bean Waste Ash (LBWA). The result of the preliminary tests results of two
samples showed that sample 1 and 2 respectively have 75% and 100% free swell index, 43.6% and 53.2%
liquid limits; 19.6% and 18.12% plasticity index and 72% and 68% silt + clay content. Other properties of
3
3
these soil samples are 1.74 g/cm and 1.67 g/cm maximum dry densities, 17.5% and 18% optimum
2
2
moisture contents and 1.5kg/cm and 2.1 kg/cm unconfined compressive strength (UCS). The result of
the stabilized samples shows that UCS improvement of 45% was obtained when soil sample 1 was
treated with 8% LBWA and cured for 7 days and improvement of 102% was obtained when soil sample 2
was treated with the 6% LBWA content for same 7 days curing. The results of the laboratory tests
showed that the properties of weak soils improved when stabilized with LBWA.
Keywords: Locust bean waste ash (LBWA); Stabilization; Unconfined compressive strength; Weak soils.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

1 INTRODUCTION

oil is the most ancient construction material

but still the most widely used material
because of its low cost, wide spread availability
and easy workability. Many soils, in their natural
state, lack strength and/or dimensional stability
which render them unsuitable, wholly or partially
to the requirements of construction. The
Engineer will have to choose means of
improving the properties of the existing soil by
stabilization so as to fulfill the design criteria [1].
Stabilization implies improvement of soil so that
it can be used for subbases, bases and, in some
rare instances, surface course [2]. This paper
deals with the application of Locust Bean Waste
Ash (LBWA) for soil stabilization.
2 LITERATURE REVIEW
The use of LBWA as a single additive for
the purpose of soil stabilization has received
very little attention in the relevant literature.
However,[3] have made an effort in this direction
to find the effect of LBWA on the strength of
weak soil. In their research, they discovered that
the CBR values increased from 8-54% within the
12% stabilizer content. And the unconfined
compression strength of the stabilized soil
2
increased from 5.6 to 541.8 kN/m . Similarly,[4]
investigated the effect of LBWA on the
compaction characteristics of weak subgrade
soil. They concluded that LBWA had effect on
* Corresponding author

the compaction characteristics of the soils, by

increasing its optimum moisture content from
10.4-11.5 %, 18.0-19.5% and 12.03-18.50 %
and reducing the maximum dry density from
3
3
1.68-1.62g/cm , 1.33-1.304 g/cm and 1.62-1.50
3
g/cm for three different soils respectively.
Probably [5] were the first to tried improving
soil classified as A-7-6 or CH with OPC and
LBWA. In their research, they concluded that
there was a general increase in the UCS values
with OPC / LBWA content and curing period.
The soil treated with 6% OPC / 6% LBWA
recorded the peak UCS values of 986, 1326 and
2
2
1348kN/m from 178, 381 and 760kN/m , for the
natural soil, when cured for 7, 14 and 28 days,
respectively. The CBR values of the treated soil
also showed a general increase with increase in
OPC/LBWA treatment. The CBR achieved a
peak value of 42% at 6% OPC / 6% LBWA, from
a value of 5% for the natural soil. This value is
low when compared with the CBR value of 180%
recommended by the Nigerian General
Specification. Furthermore, [6] continue with the
optimization of soil-cement-LBWA for maximum
compressive strength. Specimens treated with
maximum 6% cement / 6% LBWA contents
when compacted with the energies of the
standard Proctor and West African Standard
(WAS) yielded 7-day UCS values of 986 and
2
1436kN/m , respectively. The CBR values of 46
and 77% were recorded for the standard proctor

and West African standard compaction efforts.

Probably,[7] were the only people who first tried
stabilizing soil classified as group A-7-6 using
lime-LBWA. Their research concluded that there
was an improvement in the Atterberg limits of
soil with all lime/LBWA treatments. Treatment
with lime/LBWA shows a general decrease in
the maximum dry density (MDD) and increase in
optimum moisture content (OMC) of the soil with
increase in lime/LBWA content. The cohesion of
the soil drastically reduced while the angle of
internal friction increased appreciably with
lime/LBWA treatment. An optimal value of 2%
lime / 4% LBWA is recommended.
3 MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY
3.1 Materials Used
Two different fine grained soils type of
different compressibility (intermediate and high)
were used for these studies. Soil sample 1 was
collected from Kanabur Village, Kancheepuram

District Tamil Nadu State India. And soil sample

2 was collected from Coimbatore Tamil Nadu
State India. For the laboratory testing program,
Locust bean waste ash (LBWA) was considered
as a candidate stabilizer to treat/stabilize all
these soil samples. Locust bean waste ash
(LBWA) was produced by burning of the waste
husk of locust bean pod. The waste husk of
locust bean pod tree was obtained from Yargoje
Village, Kankara Local Government Area,
Katsina State Nigeria.
3.2 Methodology
Laboratory tests were conducted on the soil
samples collected in accordance with the [8], [9],
[10], [11], [12], [13], and [14] for the
characterization of the soils. The tests carried
out for the characterization of the soils are free
swell index (FSI) test, Atterberg limits tests,
specific gravity test, grain size analysis, moisture
density relationship, UCS tests and CBR tests.

Table 1: Properties of soil

Values
Characteristics
Soil sample 1
Specific gravity

Soil sample 2

2.69

2.68

a) Gravel (%)

Nil

0.18

b) Sand (%)

28

31.04

c) Silt + Clay (%)

72

68.64

Liquid limit (%)

43.6

53.2

Plastic limit (%)

19.6

18.13

Plasticity index (%)

24.3

35.07

Free Swell Index (%)

75

100

Classification of soil

CI

CH

Maximum dry density (g/cm3)

1.74

1.67

Optimum moisture content (%)

17.5

18.0

Unconfined Compressive Strength (kg/cm )

1.5

2.1

Un-soaked California Bearing Ratio (CBR) (%)

5.4

4.8

Particle Size distribution

4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The untreated soil sample 1 and 2 were
characterized based on the result of tests
conducted in the laboratory. The results
obtained are shown in Table1. From these
results, soil sample 1 and 2 are respectively
classified as clay of intermediate compressibility
and clay of high compressibility, as per[16],
Classification and Identification of soils for
general engineering purposes
4.1 Compaction Characteristics
Standard proctor compaction tests were
carried out on soils and varying percentages of
LBWA (0%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10 % and 12%) in
accordance with the procedure laid in [13] so as
to study their moisture density relationship.

Table 2 shows the variation in the maximum dry

density (MDD) and corresponding optimum
moisture
content
(OMC)
for
different
percentages of LBWA. The MDD values
decreases with an increase in LBWA content.
While the OMC values increases with an
increase in LBWA content. The MDD was found
3
maximum at0 % LBWA content (1.740 g/m and
3
1.672g/m for soil sample 1 and 2) respectively.
While the least MDD values were obtained at
3
3
12% LBWA content (1.588 g/m and 1.602 g/m
for soil sample 1 and 2) respectively. The value
of OMC increases with increase in LBWA
content. The least values of OMC were 17.5%
and 18% at 0% LBWA content for the soil
samples 1 and 2 respectively. And the highest
values of OMC were 19.4% and 20% for soil
sample 1 and 2 respectively.

Table 2 Summaries of standard proctor tests results for soil samples 1 and 2 at varying
percentages of LBWA
SOIL TYPE

LBWA (%)

10

12

MDD (g/cm )

1.740

1.708

1.666

1.618

1.612

1.588

OMC (%)

17.5

17.8

18.0

18.6

19.0

19.4

MDD (g/cm )

1.672

1.656

1.622

1.617

1.602

1.602

OMC (%)

18.0

18.4

18.6

18.9

19.5

20.0

Soil sample 1

Soil sample 2

4.2 Unconfined compressive strength test

Unconfined compressive strength tests (UCS)
were performed on the untreated soils as well as
mixtures of soil treated with the varying
percentages of LBWA in accordance with [14]
standard procedure. The soils were mixed with
varying percentages stabilizer (0%, 4%, 6%, 8%
10% and 12%) dosages and water (optimum
moisture content) obtained from the standard
proctor test and compacted. The untreated soil
samples were tested immediately after
compaction, whereas the treated soil samples

were cured in for 3 and 7 days prior to testing.

All the samples were molded in a mould having
7.6 cm in height and 3.8 cm in diameter. The
molded samples were placed in airtight plastic
wrapper, and kept in room temperature. After the
required days of curing period, the soil samples
were removed from the plastic wrapper and
tested based on literature review. The result
obtained for the UCS tests are shown in Table.3,
while Fig.1 shows the graphs of UCS test result
for soil sample 2 + 6% LBWA content at varying
curing period.

Table 3: Percentage increase in UCS values for soil sample 1 and 2

LBWA (%)

SOIL SAMPLE 1

SOIL SAMPLE 2

Curing period (days)

Curing period (days)

7

10%

17%

64%

88%

17%

33%

86%

102%

27%

45%

57%

67%

10

25%

26%

19%

24%

12

22%

23%

12%

-1%

Compressive Stress (kg/cm2)

Soil (S2)

S2 - 0 day curing

S2 - 3 days curing
S2 - 7 days curing

4
3
3
2
2
1
1
0
0

6
Strain (%)

10

12

Fig. 1 UCS Test Result for Soil Sample 2 + 6% LBWA Content (S2) at Varying Curing Periods
From the result it can be seen that, soil sample 1
at 8% LBWA content when cured for 7 days
attained 45% increase in compressive strength.
While soil sample 2 under same curing period of
7 days and 6% LBWA content had increase in
compressive strength of 102%.
4.3 California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Tests
CBR is the ratio expressed in percentage of
force per unit area required to penetrate a soil
mass with a circular plunger of 50 mm diameter
at the rate of 1.25 mm/min to that required for
corresponding penetration in a standard
material. The CBR tests were performed on both
untreated soils and soil treated with the optimum
content of LBWA in accordance with [15]
standard procedure. A representative sample of
4.5 kg were taken and mixed thoroughly with
optimum
water
content
determined
in
accordance with [13]. The mould with the
extension collar attached was clamped to the

base plate. The spacer disc was inserted over

the base plate and a disc of coarse filter paper
placed on the top of the spacer disc. The soilwater mixtures were compacted into the mould
in accordance with [13]. The extension collar
was removed and the compacted soil carefully
trimmed even with the top of the mould by
means of a straightedge. A perforated plate was
placed on the compacted soil specimen in the
mould. Weights to produce a surcharge equal to
the weight of base material and pavement to the
nearest 2.5 kg was placed on the compact soil
specimen. The compacted specimen was kept
under moist condition over the period of curing
(3 and 7 days) and then tested. From this CBR
result, it can be seen that CBR value of soil
sample 1 improved from 5.38% to 11.93%, while
that of soil sample 2 improved from 4.84% to
12.90%. This result of CBR test has shown that
Soil sample 2, is more responding to treatment
of LBWA.

Table 4 Summaries of CBR test results for soil samples 1 and 2

Curing Period (days)
Soil Type

LBWA (%)
0

5.38%

N/A

N/A

OPTIMUM

8.60%

10.21%

11.93%

4.84%

N/A

N/A

OPTIMUM

9.41%

12.63%

12.90%

Un-soaked Sample 1

Un-soaked Sample 2

5 CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of experimental studies
carried out, the following conclusions are drawn
on the effect of LBWA on stabilization of weak
soil:

The MDD was found to decrease with

increase in LBWA content. Maximum
MDD was found at 0 %
3
LBWA content (1.740 g/cm and 1.672
3
g/cm for soil sample 1 and 2)
respectively. While the least MDD
values were obtained at 12% LBWA
3
3
content (1.588 g/cm and 1.602g/cm for
soil sample 1 and 2) respectively.
The value of OMC increases with
increase in LBWA content. The least
values of OMC were 17.5% and 18% at
0% LBWA content for the soil samples 1
and 2 respectively. And the highest
values of OMC were 19.4% and 20% for
soil sample 1 and 2 respectively.
The UCS test result shows that, soil
sample 1 at 8% LBWA content when
cured for 7 days attained 45% increase
in compressive strength. While soil
sample 2 under same curing period of 7
days but 6% LBWA content had
increase in compressive strength of
102%. Its indicating that soil sample 2 is
giving better respond to treatment.
The CBR value of soil sample 1
improved from 5.38% to 11.93%, while
that of soil sample 2 improved from
4.8% to 12.90%.

Utilization of LBWA as a stabilization

material for soil appears to be technically viable
for subgrade stabilization. Because LBWA is
disposed rather than used, making more
productive use in the construction of rural roads
would have considerable benefits for sustainable
development especially in rural areas where the
material is readily available and the traffic
volume is low.
Acknowledgement
The authors express heartfelt thanks to the
Dr. P. T. RAVICHANDRAN, Professor,
Department of Civil Engineering, SRM
University, Kattankulathur, Chennai India for
initiative and motivation of this work.
References
[1] Spense, R. J. S. and Cook, D. J. (1983),
Building materials in developing countries,
John Wiley and Son, New York, USA.

[2] Yoder, E. J. and Witczak, M. W. (2012),

Principles of Pavement Design, Wiley India
nd
Pvt Ltd New Delhi India, 2 edition, pp 300.
[3] Andrew, Y. A. and Yinusa, A. J. (2012),
Effect of Locust bean waste ash on
Strength Properties of Weak Soils,
Assumption University of Thailand Journal of
Tech, Vol. 16, No.1, pp.27-34.
[4] Andrew, Y. A. Yinusa, A. J. and Stephen S.
K. (2013), Effect of Locust bean waste ash
on Compaction Characteristics of Weak Sub
Grade Soils, International Journal of
Engineering Science Invention, Vol. 16,
No.1, pp. 25-30.
[5] Osinubi1, K. J. Oyelakin, M. A. and
Eberemu, A. O. (2011), Improvement of
Black Cotton Soil with Ordinary Portland
Cement - Locust Bean Waste Ash Blend,
Electronic
Journal
of
Geotechnical
Engineering, Vol. 16, Bound F, pp. 619-627.
[6] Osinubi, K. J. and Oyelakin, M. A. (2012),
Optimizing Soil-cement-ash Stabilization
Mix for Maximum Compressive Strength: A
Case Study of the Tropical Clay Sub-base
Material Stabilized with Cement-Locust
Bean Waste Ash,4th West Africa Built
Environment
Research
(WABER)
Conference, July 2012, Abuja, Nigeria, pp.
1207-1218.
[7] Nwadiogbu, P.C. and Salahdeen, A.B.
(2014), Potential of Lime on Modified
Lateritic Soil Using Locust Bean Waste Ash
as Admixture, Journal of Mechanical and
Civil Engineering Vol. 1, No.1, pp.69-73.
[8] IS 2720 Part XL: 1977, Method of test for
soils, determination of free swell index of
soil.
[9] IS 2720 Part I: 1983, Method for soil
preparation of dry soil sample for various
tests.
[10] IS 2720 Part III: 1980, Method of test for
soils, determination of specific gravity for
fine, medium and course grained soils.
[11] IS 2720 Part IV: 1985, Method of test for
soils, grain size analysis.
[12] IS 2720 Part V: 1985 Method of test for
soils, determination of liquid and plastic
limits.
[13] IS 2720 Part VII:1980, Method of test for
soils, determination of water content dry
density relationship using light compaction.
[14] IS 2720 Part XVI: 1987, Method of test for
soils, laboratory determination of CBR.

[15] IS 2720 Part X: 1991, Method of test for

soils,
determination
of
unconfined
compressive strength.
[16] IS
1498:
1970,
Classification
and
Identification of soils for general engineering
purposes.
Authors Biographies
Ms. S. Srividhya, is an
Assistant Professor (O. G.) in
the Department of Civil
Engineering SRM University
Kattankulathur,
Chennai,
India. She obtained her M.
Tech.
Geotechnical
Engineering in 2014 from SRM
University Chennai. She also obtained her B. E.
Civil Engineering in 2012 from Anna University
Chennai. She is a member of Indian Society of
Technical Education.

Mr. Samaila Saleh is a P.G.

Student
of
Geotechnical
Engineering
in
the
Department
of
Civil
Engineering SRM University,
Kattankulathur,
Chennai
India. He obtained his B. Eng.
Civil Engineering from Bayero
University Kano Nigeria in 2004. He worked as
Civil Engineer in Afdin Construction Company
Nigeria Limited from 2005 to 2008 and Hassan
Usman Katsina Polytechnic from 2008 to date.
He is a registered engineer by the Council
for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria
(COREN), a corporate member of Nigerian
Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Institute of
Civil Engineers (NICE) and International
Association
of
Computer
Science
and
Information Technology (IACSIT), among others.