Lemongrass Ash as an alternative Foundation

Soil Stabilizer
Trishia S. Arcilla1, Kyrell John A. Operario2, Jessa Mae V. Parcon3, Michelle A. Daarol4
1
Civil Engineering Program, College of Engineering Education, University of Mindanao
Davao City
1
trishiaarcilla@gmail.com
1
Operariokai24@gmail.com
1
parconjessa@gmail.com
2
daarol_michelle@umindanao.edu.ph

Index Terms— Expansive soil,
Soil stabilization, Lemongrass
ash, silica, Foundation
I. INTRODUCTION
Expansive clay soil pose a
significant hazard to building
foundations worldwide.
These soils are usually stiff
when they are dry and give
up their stiffness as they
become saturated, they are
associated with low
compressive strength and
excessive settlement. This
reduction in strength due to
moisture leads to severe
damages to Foundations [1].
Mitigation of the effects of
Expansive clay soils is a
major challenge
in geotechnical engineering.
In a series of studies, the
authors have developed ways
to stabilize soil using
additives with high silica
content materials, and this
results in improved
geotechnical properties of
soil. Lemongrass or
popularly known as
“tanglad” in the Philippines
is an inexpensive raw
material that can be used to
produce natural silica [2].
Thus, this study signifies the
introduction of Lemongrass
ash as a probable alternative
Soil stabilizer for building
Foundations.
Lemongrass is a perennial
grass that can be found in
tropical and subtropical
countries. It consists of 98%
of natural silica, crude
protein, crude fiber, fat,
carbohydrates and minerals.
The mineral content present
in lemongrass varies with
different method of sample
preparation and testing.
Research had shown that
when lemongrass is subjected
to hydrochloric acid leaching
followed by thermal
combustion, it produces silica
which is a pozzolan.
Pozzolanic materials when
hydrated can bind the soil
particles together. The
highest content of silica was
achieved when the
lemongrass was subjected to
leaching with the use of
hydrochloric acid (HCl) at
110°C and calcinated at
600°C in a furnace, this
produced 98.59% of silica
[3].
Soil is the ultimate
foundation of the earth that
carries all the load exerted by
both living and non-living
things. The soil around the
earth are not of uniform type
thus some soil are not strong
enough to carry all the loads
safely. It is in this kind of
problem that soil stabilization
is done [4]. The aim of soil
stabilization is to increase
strength and durability of the
soil so
that it stays in required
conditions for the design life
of the infrastructure. [5]
Zaid Mohammed
Abdulsattar [6] investigated
the use of Rice Husk Ash
which has a natural silica
content of 85%-90%. For the
admixture samples obtained
after mixing the normal
sample with different
percentages of RHA, 5,10,15
percent and fixed percentage
of cement which is 6%, the
results obtained varied when
each different percentage
used. The result indicates that
the objective of reducing
optimum moisture content
and increasing dry density
was achieved at 10% of rice
husk ash. The maximum dry
density and optimum
moisture content can be
found when using 10% rice
husk ash and cement at
values of 15.1% and 8300
kg/m3. The maximum shear
strength was increased for the
10% of rice husk ash to 43.61
KN/m2 in comparison with
normal sample which is
28.43 KN/m2. The
percentage increase was
53.4%.
A research was also
conducted by M. K. Mohanty
[7] for Expansive soil treated
with varying percentages of
fly ash, 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20
percent combined with 5%
cement content were studied.
Consistency limits,
compaction, California
Bearing Ratio, swell potential
and swell pressure tests were
conducted on treated and
untreated soils. The
experimental results show
that addition of cement-fly
ash admixture to the soil has
great influence on its
properties. It was found that
the optimum dosage of fly
ash is 15% mixed with 5%
cement revealed in
significant improvement in
strength and durability and
reduction in swelling and
plasticity properties of the
soil. Based on the results, it is
recommended that cement-
fly ash admixture be
considered a viable option for
the stabilization of expansive
subgrades.
From the literature review
it can be seen that the
different percentages of
admixtures of cement and
flyash or Rice Husk ash have
been used as an effective
stabilizing agent.
Significant research is yet to
be done on stabilization of
Expansive soils in
Foundation. So attention can
be drawn to examine the
effect of Lemongrass ash
with the varying percentages
of 10%,20%,30% by weight
to test whether it can be used
to stabilize Expansive soil
properties in Foundation.
This research seeks to attain
the following objectives 1) To
determine the effectiveness
of lemongrass ash as an
alternative soil stabilizer
mainly for Foundation. 2) To
determine the optimum
dosage of Lemongrass ash
with varying percentages of
10%,20%,30% by weight to
observe its effect as an
additive on the expansive soil
that will make it an effective
Foundation Soil Stabilizer
that will help sustain the
design life of the
infrastructure 3) To
determine the improvements
in the engineering properties
of the Expansive soil, in
terms of its Compressive
strength, Shear strength,
Bearing Capacity, Optimum
Moisture content,
Maxiumum Dry density,
Plastic limit, Plastic Limit
and Shrinkage limit and 4) To
determine the significant
difference between the pure
soil and of the soil mixed
with Lemongrass ash by
performing the Unconfined
Compression Test, California
Bearing Bearing ratio test,
Triaxial Test, Standard
Compaction Test, and
Atterbergs Limit Test.
This research aims to give
benefit to the construction
industry by improving soil
properties using Lemongrass
ash to provide better soil
Foundation in building
structures.
The study will mainly
focus in examining the
effectiveness of Lemongrass
ash as a standalone soil
stabilizer for Expansive soils
by determining its plasticity
index, Plastic limit, Liquid
limit, Optimum Moisture of the Expansive soil that Laboratory in University of acid (HCl) leaching for three
Content (OMC), Maximum will help sustain the Mindanao, Matina Campus (3) hours and was then rinsed
Dry density, and shear design life of the using the equipment with water. After rinsing, the
strength and compressive infrastructure. available at the present and treated lemongrass was then
strength. The soil that to be for Triaxial Test the soil sun dried followed by
tested in the experiment is to sample will be conducted at a thermal combustion at
be excavated and collected at testing center. 600°C, was developed to
a certain area in Davao City produce purified silica from
with an ongoing excavation C. Methods and Procedures lemon grass. Acid leaching
B. Materials and Resources
for Foundation. The soil C.1 Soil Sample temperatures of 33, 50, 80,
classification will be done by The materials to be used The first step in the and 110°C were used [10].
performing Sieve analysis in the study include methods is to prepare a soil
and Atterbergs Limit Test. A expansive soil and and identify its type using the C.3 Soil Jar Test [11]
comparison will be Lemongrass ash. Soil sample soil jar test. The test to be Procedure:
conducted between the will be acquired at a certain performed for both soil and 1. Place approximately
sample with admixtures and area in Davao City with an soil-mixture are sieve ½ cup of loose (clod- and
the original sample based on ongoing excavation for analysis for the particle size rock-free) soil in a quart jar.
Lab. Experiments. These Foundation, and will be distribution of the soil Add 1 heaping tablespoon of
experiments are: Atterbergs collected and carried in the sample, the Plastic limit test Calgon and 3 ½ cups of
Limit Test by Casagrande Laboratory in sacks. A and Liquid Limit Test to water. Cap and shake for
method, Unconfined significant amount of determine the different five minutes (alternately
Compression Test (UCT), Lemongrass will be taken plastic limit and liquid limit inverting the jar will suffice).
Standard Proctor Compaction and will be subjected to of respective soil samples, Allow the jar to sit,
Test and California Bearing hydrochloric acid leaching Standard Compaction Test to undisturbed, for at least 24
Ratio (CBR) Test. The tests followed by thermal determine the maximum dry hours.
will be performed in CE combustion to produce density and optimum 2. At the end of 24
Laboratory room of the Lemongrass ash. The study moisture content of the pure hours, measure the depth of
University of Mindanao, will use soil testing apparatus soil and of the soil mixed settled soil. This represents
Matina Campus, using the and materials to identify the with lemon grass ash, the total depth of soil. Shake
equipments available at properties of the soil sample. Unconfined Compression thoroughly for five minutes
present and for the CBR Test, One of the main apparatus to Test to determine the (again, alternately inverting
Triaxial Test, and UCT, the be used is the Unconfined compressive strength the jar). Let the jar sit,
soil sample will be tested at a Compression Test Apparatus capacity of both the pure soil undisturbed, for 40 seconds.
reliable Testing Center, Inc. to determine the and the soil mixed with Now measure the depth of
The varying percentages of Compressive Strength lemon grass ash, Triaxial Test the settled soil with a ruler.
Lemongrass ash that will be capacity of both the pure soil to determine the shear This is the sand layer.
used in the experiment are and the soil mixed with strength of the soil and soil 3. At the end of 30
10%,20%,30% by weight of lemongrass ash. California mixed silica and California minutes, measure the depth
the total quantity taken to Bearing Ratio Test to Bearing Ratio Test to of the settled soil again. From
observe its effect as an determine the bearing determine the bearing this depth, subtract the
additive on the expansive capacity and Triaxial Test to capacity of both the untreated thickness of the sand layer to
soil. determine the shear strength and treated soil. The tests to obtain the depth of the silt
of both untreated and treated be done will be conducted layer above it.
MATERIALS AND METHODS soil. This study will also use with 15 trials in a 100 gram 4. The remaining
sieves, manual hammer, soil with 10%,20%,30% of unsettled particles in
A. Conceptual Framework
graduated cylinder, Lemongrass ash. The suspension represent the clay
The inputs are the compaction mold, trowel, changes between the fraction and can be obtained
percentage of the straight edge, extruder, engineering properties of the by subtracting the depths of
lemongrass ash to be balance, oven, moisture cans, soil will be analyzed after the sand and silt layers from
mixed in the soil sample. mixing tray, rubber tipped conducting the said tests. the total depth determined in
The processes are the test mallet, vernier caliper, C.2 Lemongrass ash step 2.
to be conducted to syringe , moisture sprayer, Lemongrass collected 5. Refer to the
identify the properties of mixing dish, OUTPUT grooving tools, from the field was air dried table1(textural class of soil)
INPUT PROCESS
the soil. The final output spatula, distilled water, for 3 days and chopped and determine the textural
Expansive soil -Unconfined
of this study will be the casagrande, class of your soil.
with varying Compression Test Tables and glass
and before undergoing the
indication of the plate[8]. The testof will
percentages of -California charts the be treatment process [9]. A
improved soil properties performed in
Lemongrass Bearing Ratio improved the CE
one of method using hydrochloric
ash Test soil
10%,20%,30% -Triaxial Test properties
by weight -Standard subjected to
Compaction Test Lemongrass
-Atterberg Limit ash.
Test
 4. Keep the arrange
Calculation: sieve s on the mechanical
a= total depth of soil shaker and allow to shake for
b= depth of sand 0-15 min.
layer 5. Weigh the mass of
c= depth of silt layer each sieve
d= depth of clay
layer Calculation:
% retained on sieve = weight
% of Sand= of soil in each sieve
b Ww = W2 -W3
x100 Tot
a 2.Moisture content, w% =
al weight of soil
% of Silt=
c
x100
a
C.5) ATTERBERG LIMITS
% of Clay=
d
x100
C.5.1) LIQUID
LIMIT( Casagrande Method)
a (ASTM D4318/AASHTO T
89) [13]
Procedure:
1. In a mixing dish,
place a sample of soil passing
no. 40 sieve. Add and stir
into it enough distilled water
to make a uniform paste.
2. Place the sample on
the brass up of the liquid
limit device to a depth of 8-
10 mm. Cut a groove at the
middle of the soil pat. The
groove must divide the oil
pat in the cup at about 2 mm
C.4) SIEVE
ANALYSIS(ASTM C wide at the bottom and 11
mm wide at the surface of the
136/AASHTO T 27) [12]
soil pat.
3. Lift and drop the
brass cup with the pat by
turning the crank at a rate of
2 revolutions/second until the
Procedure:
edges of the soil in the
groove closes at a distance of
1. Weigh the the sieves,
specimen, and receiving pan 12.7 mm (1/2 inches). While
cranking, count the number
separately.
2. Arrange the sieves in of revolutions until the
closure. Take a fraction of the
order and pour the specimen
in the first sieve soil pat for water content
determination.
3. Keep the weight
recorded specimen on the top 4. Conduct at least three
(3) test to achieve moisture
sieve and then keep the
complete sieve stack on the content at varying number of
mechanical shaker.
blows (preferably with N
within the range of 15-40)
5. Plot the flow curve
and determine the liquid
limit.
Calculation:
1. Weight of
water in the soil, x100
Ww
x100%
W3
3.Liquid Limit = the moisture
content in the soil to close the
groove in the soil
pat at 1/2” at 25
blows
W2 = WEIGHT OF WET SOIL
W3 = WEIGTH OF DRIED SOIL
C.5.2) Plastic Limit(ASTM
D4318/AASHTO T 90) [14]
Procedure:
1. Use the unused
portion of the ample prepared
in (Liquid Limit
Determination). Place the air-
dried sample in a mixing
dish. Pour distilled water into
the dish with the sample.
Produce a plastic
mass from mixture and shape
into a ball. Take
approximately eight (8)
grams of wet mass for this
test.
2. Using the glass plate
and fingers, roll the soil mass
between fingers on a piece of
glass. Apply enough
pressure(80-90 strokes per
minute) to create a thread
that will have a diameter of
3.2 mm throughout its length.
3. Break the thread into
pieces, squeeze, knead and
roll again to form a 3.2 mm
diameter thread.
Rerolling/remolding causes
the sample to decrease its
moisture content. Continue
the rerolling/remolding
process until the sample
crumbles and can no longer
be remolded into a thread.
4. Put all the resulted
pieces into one can, weight
this can then put it in the
oven for at least 15 hours.
Calculation:
1.. Weight of wet soil, Ww =
W 2 –W 3
2. Weight of oven-dried soil,
Ws= W3 - W1
3. Moisture Content,
w%  Ww
Ws
x100%
4. Plastic Limit, PL = the
moisture content at which the
remolded soil crumbles and
cannot be further remolded.
W2 = WEIGHT OF WET SOIL
W3 = WEIGTH OF DRIED SOIL
C.6) STANDARD
COMPACTION TEST
(ASTM D698/AASHTO T
99)[15]
Procedures:
1. Use Table 1 for
deciding which test method
to use. Obtain air-dried soil
and place in a large mixing
tray. Take approximately 5.0
kg for 4"(1.1.6 mm) mold
and approximately 7 kg for
6”(152.4 mm) mold. Break
the soil mass with a rubber
tipped mallet and pass
through No. 4 sieve. Use
approximately 3 kg of the
sieved soil for the 4" mold
and approximately 5 kg of
the sieved soil for the 6"
mold.
2. Weigh the soil
sample and record.
 3. Select the proper excess compacted soil 8. 8. Compaction moisture [online] Available at:
mold according to the chosen beyond the rim of the mold. content, w (%) = (W4 - W5) http://ecop.pbworks.co
test method in step 1. 10. Weigh the x 100 / (W5 - W3). m/w/page/18520665/Le
Assemble he mold, base and compacted soil with the mold 9. Dry unit weight γd = γ / (1 mon%20grass%200809.
extension collar. Align and and its base. Record its mass. + w (%) / 100). [3] Nur Firdaus et.al.
adjust. Check the rammer Determine the wet mass of (2016). Preparation
assembly for proper the soil by the formula: Mass and Characterization of
alignment. of wet soil = Mass of soil Active SiO2 from
4. Remove the collar of with the mold and its base Cymbopogon citratus
the compaction mold. Weigh mass of the mold and its base Ash Calcined at
the compaction mold with its 11. Take soil samples Different Temperature.
base. Weigh the empty separately from each layer as [online] Available at:
moisture cans. Record the soil is removed from the https://www.researchgat
measurements. mold. Place the samples in e.net/publication/29524
Table 1. Alternative Proctor Test
5. Determine the the moisture cans. Weigh and Methods
2994_Preparation_and_
amount of water to be added record the mass of each
to soil for the first test. moisture can with the Standard Proctor Modified Proctor
ASTM 698 ASTM 1557
Assume water content to be sample. Dry the sample in the
8% of the soil weight. Water oven to determine the Metho Metho Metho Metho Metho Metho
to add in ml = soil mass in moisture content dA dB dC dA dB dC
grams x 8%/100. Note: 1 12. Transfer the extrude > 20% >20% >20% >20%
Retain Retain <20% Retain Retain
gram of water = 1 ml of soil specimen from the mold Material
< 20%
ed on ed on Retain ed on ed on
water. into the mixing tray and Retain
ed on No.4 ” ed on No. 4 ”
6. Use the graduated break up the soil mass until it No.4 sieve Sieve No.4 Sieve Sieve
cylinder to measure out the looks similar to its original sieve <20% <30% Sieve <20% <30%
Retain Retain Retain Retain
water to be added. Add it to condition. Add 2% more ed on ed on ed on ed on
the soil in the tray and mix it water based on the original ” ” ” ”
thoroughly by hand until the sample mass and remix as in Sieve Sieve Sieve Sieve
soil until the moisture step 5. Repeat steps 6-10 For test
uniformly distributed. until a peak value of the wet sample, use Sieve ” ” Sieve ” ”
7. Assemble the mass of the compacted soil soil passing No. 4 Sieve Sieve No. 4 Sieve Sieve
compaction mold to the base. and mold is reached followed Mold1 4” 4” 6” 4” 4” 6”
In the mold spread soil into a by two slightly lower wet diamet diamet diamet diamet diamet diamet
er er er er er er
layer of uniform thickness mass values.
No. of
and compact the soil Layers 3 3 3 5 5 5
according to the number of
layers specified by the type Calculation: No. of
of compaction method used 1. Determine weight of the Blows/ 25 25 56 25 25 56
(Table 1). The blows of the mold W1 (step 4). layers
rammer must be applied 2. Determine weight of the Characterization_of_Ac
uniformly over each layer not mold + compacted moist soil, tive_SiO2_from_Cymb
exceeding 1.5 seconds per W2 opogon_citratus_Ash_C
drop. The rammer must not 3. Determine weight of the References alcined_at_Different_Te
rebound from the top of the compacted moist soil = W2- mperatureGarg, S. and
guide sleeve. W1. [1] Firoozi et al., U, V.(2016). Analysis of
8. Make sure the mold 4. Moist unit weight γ = Fundamentals of Soil Strength Properties of
is completely filed with soil weight of the compacted Stabilization. Sandy Soil stabilized
and the last compacted layer moist soil / volume of mold = Department of Civil & with Sugarcane
must extend slightly above (W2 - W1) / (1/30 ft3). Structural Engineering, Bagasse Ash. [online]
the collar joint but not 5. Determine mass of University Kebangsaan Ijert.org. Available at:
exceeding 6 mm thick. If it moisture can, W3. Malaysia (UKM), https://www.ijert.org/an
appears that the soil will be 6. Determine mass of Bangi, Selangor, alysis-of-strength-
compacted below the collar moisture can + moist soil, Malaysia,(2017) properties-of-sandy-
joint, add more soil after W4. [2] Ecop.pbworks.com(201 soil-stabilized-with-
about 10 blows. 7. Determine mass of 9). Environmental sugarcane-bagasse-ash.
9. Carefully remove the moisture can + dry soil, W5. Challenges of the RP / [4] Garg, S. and U, V.
collar. Trim and level off Lemon grass 0809. (2016). Analysis of
 Strength Properties of mperatureR.A. Garcia- Analysis, July 10, 2018.
Sandy Soil stabilized Gaines and S. [online]Available:
with Sugarcane Frankenstein, USCS https://www.youtube.co
Bagasse Ash. [online] and the USDA Soil m/watch?v=AM-
Ijert.org. Available at: Classification System NrQoRIYY [Accessed
https://www.ijert.org/an (Development of a on October 24, 2019
alysis-of-strength- Mapping Scheme). 3909 (Video File)].
properties-of-sandy- Halls Ferry Road [13] Lacsado, “Soil
soil-stabilized-with- Vicksburg, MS 39180- Mechanics Manual”,
sugarcane-bagasse-ash. 6199, p. 6, 2015. Experiment No. 10,
[5] I. N. C. et.al., University of
"Stabilization of Mindanao, Davao City,
Organic soil from 2018
Bangladesh with [14] R.A. Garcia-Gaines and
cement and flyash," in S. Frankenstein, USCS
19th Southeast Asian and the USDA Soil
Geotechnical [9] Nur Firdaus et.al. Classification System
Conference & 2nd (2016). Preparation (Development of a
AGSSEA Conference and Characterization of Mapping Scheme). 3909
(19SEAGC & Active SiO2 from Halls Ferry Road
2AGSSEA) Young Cymbopogon citratus Vicksburg, MS 39180-
Geotechnical Engineers Ash Calcined at 6199, p. 6, 2015.
Conference, Kuala Different Temperature. [15] Lacsado, “Soil
Lumpur, 2017. [online] Available at: Mechanics Manual”,
[6] Zaid Mohammed https://www.researchgat Experiment No. 9,
Abdulsattar (2016). Soil e.net/publication/29524 University of
Stabilization with Rice 2994_Preparation_and_ Mindanao, Davao City,
husk ash. [online] Characterization_of_Ac 2018
Available at: tive_SiO2_from_Cymb
https://www.researchgat opogon_citratus_Ash_C
e.net/publication/30311 alcined_at_Different_Te
1828_Soil_Stabilization mperature.
_with_Rice_Husk_Ash
_and_Cement. [10] Nur Firdaus et.al.
[7] M. K. Mohanty, (2016). Preparation
"Stabilization of and Characterization of
Expansive Soil using Active SiO2 from
United States Cymbopogon citratus
Department of Ash Calcined at
Agriculture (USDA), Different Temperature.
Jar Soil Test Activity [online] Available at:
sheet https://www.researchgat
[8] Nur Firdaus et.al. e.net/publication/29524
(2016). Preparation 2994_Preparation_and_
and Characterization of Characterization_of_Ac
Active SiO2 from tive_SiO2_from_Cymb
Cymbopogon citratus opogon_citratus_Ash_C
Ash Calcined at alcined_at_Different_Te
Different Temperature. mperature.
[online] Available at:
https://www.researchgat [11] United States
e.net/publication/29524 Department of
2994_Preparation_and_ Agriculture (USDA),
Characterization_of_Ac Jar Soil Test Activity
tive_SiO2_from_Cymb sheet
opogon_citratus_Ash_C [12] Elementary
alcined_at_Different_Te Engineering, Sieve