Plastic as soil Soil Stabilizer
- 1. Plastic As Soil Stabilizer Ranit Sarkar
- 2. INTRODUCTION Soil stabilization is the permanent physical and chemical alteration of soils to enhance their physical properties. Stabilization can increase the shear strength of a soil and control the shrink-swell properties of a soil, thus improving the load-bearing capacity of a sub-grade to support pavements and foundations. Stabilization can be used to treat a wide range of sub-grade materials from expansive clays to granular materials. Stabilization can be achieved with a variety of chemical additives including lime, fly ash, and Portland cement, as well as by-products such as lime-kiln dust and cement-kiln dust. Plastic As Soil Stabilizer Ranit Sarkar
- 3. Types of Soil Stabilization Techniques 1) Mechanical Soil Stabilization Technique: Dense and well graded material can be achieved by mixing and compacting two or more soils of different grades. Addition of a small amount of fine materials such as silts or clays enables binding of the non- cohesive soils which increases strength of the material. Factors affecting the mechanical stability of mixed soil may include: • The mechanical strength and purity of the constituent materials • The percentage of materials and its gradation in the mix • The degree of soil binding taking place • The mixing, rolling, and compaction procedures adopted in the field • The environmental and climatic conditions 2) Compaction Soil Stabilisation Technique: Uses mechanical means for expulsion of air voids within the soil mass resulting in soil that can bear load subsequently without further immediate compression. Dynamic compaction is one of the major types of soil stabilization; in this procedure, a heavyweight is dropped repeatedly onto the ground at regular intervals to quite literally pound out deformities and ensure a uniformly packed surface. Ranit Sarkar
- 4. Types of Soil Stabilization Techniques 3) Chemical Soil Stabilisation Technique: Chemical stabilizers, also known as soil binders or soil palliatives, provide temporary soil stabilization. They are readily applicable to the surface of the soil, can stabilize areas that cannot establish vegetation, and provide effective protection from wind and stormwater erosion. 4) Polymer/Alternative Soil Stabilisation Technique: Methods for introducing polymers into soils include mixing, injecting, spraying, and grouting. Liquid polymers, sold as concentrated solutions, can be applied deep within the soil through pressure injection or applied directly to uncompacted soil. The prerequisites for polymer stabilization include: •The polymer must be adhesive to soil particles in the presence of water •Internal cohesion of the polymer is key •Workability at high humidity and low ambient temperatures •Miscibility with water to produce a low viscosity liquid
- 5. Types of Soil Stabilization Techniques 4) GRT’s Soil Stabilization Techniques Global Road Technology and its innovative polymer-based products are helping organizations revolutionize the way they build their infrastructure. When it comes to the different soil stabilization methods, GRT products simply stand head and shoulders above competing products. GRT’s engineered soil solutions work best for a wide range of applications that include – soil stabilization for dirt roads, haul roads, stockpiles, highways, etc.
- 6. METHODOLOGY 1) Moisture Content. 2) Specific gravity of soil. 3) Atterberg’s limit. 4) Liquid limit. 5) Particle size distribution. 6) Preparation of reinforced soil sample. 7) Determination of shear strength. 1) Moisture Content Soil tests natural moisture content of the soil is to be determined. The natural water content also called the natural moisture content is the ratio of the weight of water to the weight of the solids in a given mass of soil. 2) Specific gravity of soil. The specific gravity of soil is defined as the unit weight of the soil mass divided by the unit weight of distilled water at 4°C. 3) Atterberg’s limit Atterberg's limits are a set of tests used in soil mechanics to determine the plasticity and compressibility characteristics of soil
- 7. METHODOLOGY 4) Liquid limit The liquid limit of a soil is the water content at which the soil behaves practically like a liquid, but has small shear strength. 5) Particle size distribution Particle size distribution, also known as gradation, refers to the proportions by dry mass of a soil distributed over specified particle- size ranges. 6) Preparation of reinforced soil sample 1) Step 1) Excavate soil, 2) Step 2) Collect sand ,3) Step 3) Melt plastic, 4) Step 4) Mix soil with sand, 5) Step 5) Mix melted plastic with soil and sand. 7) Determination of shear strength Shear strength is a term used in soil mechanics to describe the magnitude of the shear stress that a soil can sustain
- 8. 1. It improves the strength of the soil, thus, increasing the soil bearing capacity. 2. It is a lot of economical each in terms of price and energy to extend. 3. Bearing capacity of the soil instead of going for deep foundation or raft foundation. 4. It offers more stability to the soil in slopes or other such places. 5. Sometimes soil stabilization is also stop soil erosion or formation of mud, which is extremely helpful particularly in dry and arid weather. 6. Stabilization is also done for soil water-proofing; this prevents the seepage in soil and hence helps the soil from losing its strength. 7. It helps in reducing the soil volume modification because of modification in temperature or wetness content. 8. Stabilization improves the workability and also durability of the soil. Advantages of Plastic as a Soil Stabilizer
- 9. As we all know plastic releases many harmful chemicals into the surrounding soil, which can seep into groundwater or other surrounding water sources, and also the ecosystem. This can cause a range of potentially harmful effects on the species that drink the water. When plastic particles break down, they gain new physical and chemical properties, increasing the risk that they will have a toxic effect on organisms. Non-biodegradableNon-biodegradable means it cannot decompose naturally which can have long- lasting negative effects on the environment. Leaching of chemicalsPlastics releases many harmful chemicals into the soil, which can then contaminate the surrounding groundwater and soil. Soil fertilityPlastic can prevent air and water from reaching the soil, which can make it difficult for plants to grow and thrive. WildlifePlastic waste can also harm wildlife by causing entanglement, ingestion, and other types of injury. Overall, while plastic can be an effective soil stabilizer in some cases, it is important to consider the potential environmental concerns associated with its use. Environmental concern
- 10. Alternative materials and methods that are more sustainable and eco-friendly for promoting healthy and sustainable soil ecosystems. Biodegradable natural fibres Geotextiles Natural materials Soil-binding agents Some examples of successful projects : Geotextiles in road constructionIn India, a project was undertaken to construct a road using geotextiles as the primary soil stabilizer. The geotextiles were made of a synthetic fabric that was designed to break down over time Jute and coir in slope stabilization In Sri Lanka, a project was undertaken to stabilize slopes using jute and coir fibers. The fibers were used to reinforce the soil and prevent erosion. Gravel in soil stabilizationIn the United States, a project was undertaken to stabilize soil using gravel. The gravel was used as a base layer to stabilize the soil and improve the load-bearing capacity of the soil. Enzymes in soil stabilizationIn Germany, a project was undertaken to stabilize soil using enzymes. The enzymes were added to the soil to improve the soil's stability and prevent erosion. Alternative to Plastic
- 12. Case study 1: Plastic Waste as Soil Stabilizer for Rural Roads of Tamil Nadu, India. • The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of plastic waste as a soil stabilizer for rural roads • The researchers used shredded plastic waste, consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low- density polyethylene (LDPE), as a soil stabilizer. laboratory tests conducted to determine the optimal percentage of plastic waste to be added to the soil. Conclusion: adding 2% of shredded plastic waste to the soil improved the soil strength and reduced the soil's susceptibility to moisture. Field study by constructing a 1.5-kilometer stretch of road using a mix and was subjected to traffic and weather conditions for six months. Results: The plastic waste-stabilized road had better stability, reduced deformation, and improved resistance to moisture compared to the control road constructed using only soil. 1 2 Ranit Sarkar
- 13. Benefits and Limitations • it is an eco-friendly approach that helps to reduce plastic waste in the environment • the use of plastic waste as a soil stabilizer is a cost-effective approach. • Potential leaching of chemicals from the plastic into the soil. The long-term effects of plastic waste on soil health and the environment are still unknown, and further research is needed to address this concern
- 14. Case Study 2 : Plastic Geocells for Soil Stabilization in a Residential Development, the A1 motorway in the United Kingdom Background • A residential development in a suburban area was facing challenges due to soil instability caused by heavy rainfall and soil erosion Solution • The local authorities decided to use plastic geocells for soil stabilization. The geocells were made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and were designed to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. Ranit Sarkar
- 15. Implementation Site Preparation: The area was cleared of any debris and the soil was levelled to create a smooth surface. The soil was compacted to increase its stability. Installation of Plastic Geocells: 1. laid over the soil in a grid pattern. 2. The geocells were anchored to the soil using stakes and then filled with gravel and soil. 3. Distributed the load of the houses and the infrastructure evenly, which reduced the risk of soil movement Construction: After the plastic geocells were installed, the construction of the houses and infrastructure began. The use of plastic geocells for soil stabilization proved to be effective. The plastic geocells prevented soil erosion and provided a stable base for structure installation. The geocells were cost-effective compared to traditional materials such as concrete or steel. The construction crew was able to complete the project on time and within budget.
- 16. Plastic as a soil stabilizer has several advantages, 1. including its low cost, 2. availability, and 3. effectiveness in improving soil stability. Plastic as a soil stabilizer has several disadvantages 1. The primary concern is the negative environmental impact of plastic. 2. Plastic is non-biodegradable, meaning it takes hundreds of years to decompose, and during this time, it can cause significant damage to the environment. The environmental impact of using plastic as a soil stabilizer must be considered when selecting a method for a specific project. Alternative methods of soil stabilization 1. using natural materials like lime, cement, and biodegradable fibers. Lime and cement are effective in soil stabilization, 2. Biodegradable fibers, on the other hand, are a cost- effective and environmentally friendly option that can be used as an alternative to plastic.
- 17. THANK YOU