CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter is an important part to achieve the objective of the study. The important things in this
methodology is the discussion of the method of preparation, additives used and types of experiment
conduct in this study with the supervisor for clarifying the work that should be done based on
objectives. The experiment conducted from the sample acquisition until the testing stage. This
chapter explain all the steps that were carried out as planned, including preparation of samples and
testing that had been done. The methodology of this study was summarized in Figure 3.1. In this
study, the sample of soils were obtained from several places in Parit Raja, Johor. Additives being
use in this study is Envirotac polymer. Envirotac polymer was used as a stabilizing agent to
improve the soil stabilization for road construction in three different types of soils. Referring to
Figure 3.1, the flowchart shows the steps of the research. All the experiments mention is being test
under British Standard (BS 1377, 1990).
3.2 Flow chart of study

Problem Identification

Identify the aim and objective

Literature Review
Expose and increase the knowledge related to this study

Site location
Parit Nipah (Peat soil)
RECESS CENTRE UTHM (Clay soil)
Parit Raja (Sand silt)

Laboratory Test
 Sieve Analysis
 Atterberg Limit Test
 Standard Proctor Test
 Unconfined Compression Test
 Linear shrinkage

Data Analysis

Conclusion and
Recommendations

Figure 3.1: Soil Properties Experiment

3.3 Preparation of Sample

The soil sample used in this study is located at the Parit Nipah (Figure 3.0) and several places. The
reason of using the soil mention above is because there is abundant of soil, which is potential for
future road construction.

Figure 3.2: Location of Soil, Source: Google Map

A peat soil sample will be taken from Parit Nipah, Batu Pahat and a sand silt soil will be
taken from construction area in Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor while a clay soil sample also will be
taken from the RECESS centre University Tun Hussein Onn, Johor, Batu Pahat to conduct these
studies. The method to obtain the soil sample is by using shovel to dig at different position, this is
to avoid of obtaining the same particle size of soil. Obtained soil will be transferred to UTHM
Geotechnical Laboratory and the soil samples are obtaining from the study area and will be tested
in laboratory to determine physical properties of peat, sand silt and clay soil. Some wet soil is dry
within 5 to 6 hours before the sample can form. After drying process, recommend removing the
plant material and root before mixed with stabilizers known as Envirotac Polymer. The sample are
will be preparing with three different percentages of Envirotac polymer, there are 15%,30% and
45%. After done mixing process, samples will be form using ready-made mould, size 50 mm
diameter and 100 mm length. The Enerpac hand pressure pump is used to compact the samples.
The samples are place on steel tray and left in a room temperature for several curing days for 7,14
and 28 days. ‘Air Curing Technique’ is used to cure the stabilized peat, clay and sand silt soil
samples. Then, the samples are place on small rack and keep in a storage box close before UCS
test. This sample undergo several tests to determine its effectiveness and performance of stabilised
peat, clay and sand silt soil. Atterberg limit are used to determine the water content corresponding
to different state of soil. In this research, Atterberg limit test are carried out for original peat, clay
and sand silt soil. The testing that conducted for this study is moisture content (MC), liquid limit
(LL) plastic limit (PL). Proctor compaction test are used to obtain or evaluate the properties of soil
compaction especially in determining the optimal water content whereas soil can reach its
maximum dry density. Then, Unconfined compressive strength(UCS) test is used to determine the
soil strength and to evaluate the efficacy of different Envirotac polymer percentages on the increase
of shear strength with time after stabilization.
The samples are divided into three different types of samples, there are sample A
is for Peat soil, sample B is for Clay soil and sample C is for Sand silt soil. Sample A are peat soil
is mix with three percentage of Envirotac polymer such as 15%,30% and 45%. Then, sample B
are Clay soil is mix with three percentage of Envirotac polymer such as 15%,30% and 45%.
Sample C are Sand silt is also mix with three percentage of Envirotac polymer such as 15%,30%
and 45%. Refer table 3.1 for test specimens according to labels and descriptions.
 Table 3.1 Test specimens: Labels and Descriptions

Specimens/Samples Description
Peat soil
Peat soil Peat soil + 15% Envirotac
(Sample A) Peat soil + 30% Envirotac
Peat soil + 45% Envirotac
Clay soil
Clay soil Clay soil + 15% Envirotac
(Sample B) Clay soil + 30% Envirotac
Clay soil + 45% Envirotac
Sand silt
Sand silt Sand silt + 15% Envirotac
Sand silt + 30% Envirotac
Sand silt + 45% Envirotac

3.4 Laboratory Test

The laboratory test that will be carried out in this study. Five different types of laboratory tests will
be needed to be conduct in this study, which are sieve analysis, Atterberg’s limits, standard proctor
compaction test, Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and Linear Shrinkage Test. All the test
is conducted as accordance to British Standard (BS 1377) 1990 as shown in Table 3.2 about
summary of the laboratory test for this study.

Table 3.2: Summary of laboratory tests

No Type of test Standard used

1 Sieve Analysis BS1377: Part 2: 1990
Liquid Limit
2 Plastic Limit BS1377: Part 2:1990
Moisture Content
3 Standard Proctor BS1377: Part 4: 1990
Compaction Test
4 Unconfined Compressive BS1377: Part 7:1990
Strength Test
3.4.1 Sieve Analysis

According to the (British Standards Institution, 1990), the sieve analysis test will be carried-out
based on BS 1377 Part 2 1990. A representative oven-dried soil sample of about 500 g will be
collected from sand silt soil. Samples with the largest particles being of the size No 4 sieve
openings (4.75 mm). For soils with the largest particles of a size greater than 4.75 mm, larger
weights are needed. The soil samples will be break into individual particles using a mortar and a
pestle. Thereafter, determine the accurate mass of the sample, M to 0.1 g. Prepare (and weigh) a
stack of the sieves. A sieve with larger openings is places above a sieve with smaller openings.
The sieve at the bottom should be No 200. A bottom pan should be placed under the No 200 sieve.
As mentioned before, the sieves that are generally used are No 4, 10, 20, 40, 60, 140, and 200.
However, more sieves will be placed in between. Place the soil prepared into stack of sieves from
the top. Then, place the cover on the top of the stack of sieves. Run the stack of sieves through a
sieve shaker for about 10-15 minutes. Weigh the amount of soil retained on each sieve and in the
bottom of the pan. Lastly, weigh the amount of soil retained on each sieve and in the bottom pan.
If a considerable amount of soil with sand silty and clayey faction is retained on the No 200 sieve,
it must be washed. Washing is done by taking the No 200 sieve with the soil retained on it and
pouring water through the sieve from a tap. The mass of the dry soil is determined. The difference
between this mass and that retained on the No 200 sieve determined is the mass of soil that has
washed through.

3.4.2 Atterberg’s Limit Test

Atterberg limit test is used in this study to determine the liquid limit, plastic limit and moisture
content of peat, clay and sand silt soils. Atterberg limit test are will be conducted according to
British standard of procedure. Atterberg limit is used to determine the water content corresponding
to different state of soil. It has physical meanings for remoulded fine grained mineral soils and
they correlate with many fundamental soil parameters used in design and construction practice.
Liquid limit test is repeated with the different soil which is peat, clay and sand silt with addition
of distilled water, meanwhile Plastic limit test is cannot be determine if peat soil is cohesion less.

3.4.2.1 Liquid Limits

Figure 3.3

The test will be carried out based on BS 1377 Part 2 1990. Figure 3.2 show the cone penetrometer
instrument used to measure the penetration of soil sample. The cone penetrometer consists a
smooth and with sharp point. Original peat soil is in wet condition, it will react with water when
in dried condition so that its change size and shear strength. So, this is important element in soil to
classification and identification. Moisture content which the clay soil passes from plastic state to
liquid state is also determined from this test. Liquid limit of the sample is found from 20 mm
penetration into the soil. The cone is allowing to fall by using the button within in 5 seconds. The
dial gauge reading is recorded and the difference between soils will record as the penetration of
the cone. The penetration is will repeat by adding of distilled water. So, the average reading of
penetration and moisture content is will be record. After recording the data, a moisture content
sample is the penetrated area using spatula. The sample are weigh, oven driven and weigh again
as the standard moisture content procedure.
3.4.2.2 Plasticity Limit

Figure 3.4

The following test will be carried out based on BS 1377 Part 2 1990. Plastic limit test is cannot be
determining if peat soil is cohesion less. This test is defined as the water content at which a clay
and sand silt soil will just begin to crumble when roll into a thread of approximately 3mm diameter
as shown in figure 3.3. it is will be carried out in simultaneously with the liquid limit test to
determine the plasticity index(Ip) which a numerical difference of the liquid and plastic limit and
indicates the range of water content through which the soil remains plastic. This test using the clay
soil sample passing a 425 μm test sieve. A 20 gram of soil paste are take and spread on the glass
mixing plate and mix infrequently to avoid local drying out. The soil sample will be ball shape
when it is plastic. The soil is roll into a ball between from palm and finger as the process. Then,
the ball is divide into two part each of about 10g and then divide each into four equal parts. The
soil part is roll between the fingers and the surface of glass plate to the thread from 6mm diameter
to about 3mm diameter. When the crumbling stage is reach, the crumbled soil is gather together
for moisture content will be determine. The same steps are repeated for other three pieces of soil
and place in the same container. Then, the container must be weigh and oven driven for 24 hours
before dry weigh. This test is will be repeat to clay and sand silt soil samples. Hence, the average
of moisture content values is will be calculating and the difference between liquid limit and plastic
limit is also will be calculate to get the plasticity index.
 Mass of water
Moisture Content, ω= ×100%
Mass of solid

3.5 Standard Proctor Compaction

The following test will be conducted based on BS 1377 Part 4 1990. The objective of this test is
to find out the optimum moisture content and dry unit weight of the sample. Attach the compaction
mould to the collar and base plate provided and tighten with nuts. Air-dried sample of about 4.5
kg in weight is prepared. Any particles greater than 20 mm in size by sieving is removed. The soil
should be free from impurities. Place the sample on a tray and break the soil into smaller pieces
and fines by using a mattock or suitable metal rod. Spread it over the tray for easy mixing with
water. Fill a cylinder with water. The first trial should give a water content of between 5-10% of
the dried weight (estimated about 150 - 250 ml of water). Sprinkle the water on the soil and mix
them thoroughly by using hand roller or screed. The intention is to distribute the water evenly in
the soil mix. Divide the mix into four portions on the tray. Fill the first portion of the soil mix in
the mould and compact it by using a rammer for 27 blows at 450 mm height above the soil. The
soil surface in the mould should be compacted at a different point so that the compaction energy
is evenly distributed throughout the compacted sample. Scarify the surface of the compacted soil
so as to provide a uniform mass and to avoid soil interfacing. Compact the next layer of soil as
before, making sure that the finished compacted layer should be above the mould top. Slowly
detach the collar from the mould and trim off the soil surface by using a straight edge. Weigh the
soil together with the mould and base plate. Detach the base plate. Remove the compacted soil
fully from the mould by using an extruder. Small portion of the soil sample is taken to oven dry.
Break the soil cylinder into loose and small pieces again in the tray. Repeat above steps as before
and in each trial, add the amount of water in the soil sample until the density of the compacted
soils start to drop. The experiment is stop when there is two value drop consecutively on dry
density.

ρ
Dry density, ρd = (1+ ω
)
100

𝐺𝜌
𝑠 𝑤
Dry density, 𝜌𝑑 = 1+𝑤𝐺 (1 − 𝑉𝑎 )
𝑠
Where,
ρ = Bulk Density of soil
ρω = Density of water (1000 kg/m3)
Va = Volume of air voids
Gs = Specific gravity
𝑤 = Moisture content

3.6 Unconfined Compressive Strength Test

This test is based on British Standard BS 1377: Part 7:1990. The unconfined Compressive test is
used to get the soil strength for civil engineering purpose. Figure 3.4 shows the machine is used to
determine the strength of sample soil. The optimum moisture content and density obtaining from
compaction test for each types of sample are used as guidelines to prepare samples for Unconfined
Compressive Strength(UCS) test. Firstly, the sample used for the unconfined compressive tests are
air dried for 24 hours to ensure that the soil has zero initial water content. Next, preparing a
cylindrical sample which is then subject to increasing axial compression until failure occurs with
compare the various of stabilizer using different percentage of Envirotac polymer at 28 days, there
15%,30% and 45%. Unconfined compressive strength is conduct with prepare sample compaction
in a cylindrical mould which is 50mm in diameter and 100mm in height. Later, the samples are
immediately will wrap in plastic sheets and polythene covers to prevent loss of moisture. In this
study, the curing process will be occurring at room temperature and humidity, and two different
curing periods were considered (7 and 28 days). This test is used to obtain a rough estimate of the
soil strength on the real situations. From this test, Undrained shear strength (qu) is will be
determining from unconfined Compressive Test (Cu) results.
 Figure 3.5

3.7 Linear Shrinkage

This test is based on BS 1377-2-1990. This method is used for determination of the linear shrinkage
of fraction of a soil sample passing a 425 μm test sieve from linear measurements on a bar of soil.
This test is will be conduct for the peat soil and sand silt soil with Envirotac. This study aimed to
determine the reduction in linear shrinkage of stabilized peat soil and sand silt soil in comparison
with different of percentages of Envirotac polymer. The addition of Envirotac into soil sample
make it more compact. Besides, it is also homogeneous. The method requires simple apparatus as
shown in Figure 4.0.

1. Sample is place about 150 g from the material passing through the 425 μm test sieve. Distilled
water is add if necessary and mix thoroughly by using the palette knives until the mass becomes a
smooth homogeneous paste with a moisture content at about the liquid limit of the soil.
2. Then the soil is place in the mould such that it is slightly proud of the sides of the mould. Remove
pocket air from the mould.
3. Platte knife is used to level the soil along the top of the mould and remove all soil adhering to
the rim of the mould by wiping with a damp cloth.
4. The mould is place at the place that air dry slowly in a position free from draughts until the soil
has shrink away from the walls of the mould. Then place at the temperature not exceeding 65 °C
until shrinkage has largely cease and last temperature at 105 °C to 110 °C.
5. Lastly, after cool down the mould, the length of the soil bar is measure. If the specimen has
become curve during drying, remove it carefully from the mould and measure the lengths of the
top and bottom surfaces. Then, two lengths are taken.