Innovation in Road Construction Using Natural Polymer S.S. Shirsavkar Lecturer, Govt. Polytechnic, Beed e-mail shambhavi_shirsavkar@rediffmail.com Prof. S.S. Koranne Lecturer, Government college of engineering, A bad. e-mail shubhada_koranne@yahoo.co.in ABSRACT In the wake of industrial development in India has posed two very significant problems. Production of large amount of wastes requiring disposal and making availability of good construction sites scares. To reduce the disposal problem, utilization of waste in large quantities in Geo-technical Engineering works is very important aspect. Keeping this view in mind the present study has been carried out to assess utilization of molasses for improving properties of sub-grade soil and properties of modified mixture with molasses. India is the largest consumer of sugar in the world and second largest producer next only to Brazil. Every 100 tons of sugarcane crushed on an average gives 10 tons of sugar, 4.5 tons of molasses, 33 tons of bagasse and 2.5 tons of press mud. Initially seems that it is to be costly but practically it proves to be economical. Hence experimental investigations have been made to study the suitability of molasses to improve some properties of soil. The important geotechnical properties tested are 1. Specific gravity 2. Liquid limit 3. Plastic limit 4. Plasticity index 5. Dry density 6. Optimum moisture content 7. California Bearing Ratio values. It is associated with need to improve the strength characteristics of weaker soils. Murum is a non plastic material to bind all the soil particles together using molasses as dust palliatives, so need was felt to study improvement in the strength properties and dust control system. Development of improvement technique regarding dust preventive road pavement in dry season or desert roads. These techniques are more effective and beneficial. Working on the same way, by using the improvement technique in the modification of construction of road pavement. The detail investigation of the work carried out, the observations, and results obtained and discussed in detail. Based on the study optimum mixes are found out for SM. The conclusion drawn, base on the experimental investigations and cost effectiveness is also worked out. KEYWORDS: Molasses, Soil Stabilization, dust palliatives, C.B.R. value. - 1614 -
Vol. 15 [2010], Bund. O 1615 INTRODUCTION Roads are a vital component of transportation system as the means of getting agricultural crops to market and sustaining the lives of farmers. Hence, good road network is a key of development of any country. In India approximately 69,000 miles of these roads are stabilized with gravel or crushed limestone because their low traffic volume does not justify paving with asphalt or Portland cement concrete. With the increased global demand for energy and increasing local demand for aggregates it has become expensive from a material cost point of view to remove inferior soils and replace them with foreign soil. Hence, it becomes essential to modify the properties of locally available soil to the extent that it can be used in the construction of roads so as to minimize the cost of construction of roads and to make best utilization of various industrial by-products like, molasses as a soil modifying, soil stabilizing agent. Molasses is being produced in sufficient quantity in Maharashtra therefore there is no question of its availability. In this study it is intended to study various properties of molasses as soil substitution or as binding material especially in the construction of roads. More recently, the high costs of waste disposal techniques have sparked an interest in the possible use of waste materials such as fly ash, lime, steel slag, waste tires, lignin and molasses etc. These materials may be added individually or in combination with soils in various geotechnical engineering works to reduce the quantum of waste required to be disposed off. During last 35 years, the capacity of nations to produce consumes and discard waste has grown dramatically requiring innovative techniques of management of complicated and varying type of waste. In India, sugar is an essential item of mass consumption and the cheapest source of energy, supplying around 10% of the daily calorie intake. Although India is the second largest producer of sugar, next to Brazil and it ranks 15 th in export rankings, as the India is the largest consumer of sugar in the world. The main by- products of the sugar industry are,1) Bagasse,2) Molasses,3) Press mud. In a typical Indian sugar factory processing of 100 tons of cane produces the10 tons of sugar, 4 tons of molasses, 30 tons of bagasse, 3 tons of press mud. MATERIALS Soil : To study the different aspects, regarding changes in properties of soil due to mixing in different proportion of molasses in it, soft murum samples were collected from the different location which is as given below. Embankment soil sample from the site of construction of road at Dewalali, beed by pass area, Dist. Aurangabad, State Maharashtra, in INDIA. Molasses Molasses is the most valuable by-product from the Sugar Industry. The molasses referred to in this article is blackstrap molasses, which is the molasses from the production of raw sugar from sugar cane. In this study molasses was obtained from Majalgaon Sahakari sakhar karkhana, At. Post. Telgaon Dist. Beed.State Maharashtra, India. - 1615 -
Vol. 15 [2010], Bund. O 1616 Table 1: Geotechnical Properties of Soft Murum Property Soft Murum 1 Specific gravity 2.791 2 Particle size analysis Gravel content% ( 20 to 4.75mm.) 24.92 Sand content % (4.75 to 0.075mm) 63.87 Silt and clay content % (below 0.075mm.) 11.21 3 Atterberg s Limits: % Liquid limit 28.83 Plastic limit 18 Plasticity index 10.83 4 Maximum dry density ( gm/cm 3 ) 1.81 Optimum Moisture Content (%) 13.3 5 California Bearing Ratio value % (un-soaked) 15.44 Table 2: Physical Properties of Molasses Physical properties Molasses 1 Colour Dark brown 2 Specific gravity 1.4 3 Viscosity(cp at 20 0 C) 1500 4 P H 4.5 5 Litres/tonne 714 6 Appearance syrupy liquid 7 Gallons/tonne 157 Table 3: Chemical Composition of Molasses Chemical Composition Molasses 1 Dry matter 73% 2 Crude Protein 4.4% 3 Sugars (as sucrose) 45% 4 Fiber Nil 6 Ash 12% 7 SiO 2 0.5 8 K 2 O 3.5 9 CaO 1.5 10 MgO 0.1 11 P 2 O 5 0.2 12 Na2O 0.07 13 Fe 2 O 3 0.07 14 Al 2 O 3 0.07 15 SO 3 1.6 16 Chlorides 0.4-1616 -
Vol. 15 [2010], Bund. O 1617 Sample Preparation and Testing Procedure To examine the possibility of using wastes to improve the properties of soil in the sub base or below the foundation, various laboratory test where carried out. In the present experimentation work the soil is improved by adding industrial waste in different percentage. The effect of addition of industrial waste on the strength behavior of the soil is studied by varying percentage of industrial waste by weight of sample. Planning for Laboratory tests Soft murum which was proposed to be used for embankment were modified by mixing molasses in different proportion. The mix of soft murum and molasses is designated as SM. The molasses is obtained from Majalgaon Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Sundar Nagar at Post. Telgaon Taq. Majalgaon Dist. Beed. Table 4: Details of Soil Mix and the symbols used for them. Symbols Proportion Soft murum: Molasses SM 0 100:0% SM 1 95: 5% SM 2 94.5: 5.5% SM 3 94 : 6.0% SM 4 93.5: 6.5% SM 5 93: 7.0% SM 6 92.5 : 7.5% In the laboratory tests are conducted soil samples and molasses and soil mixes together in decided proportion. The different tests conducted are 1. Grain size analysis, 2. Specific gravity 3. Consistency limits 4. Standard Proctor test and 5. Laboratory unsoaked CBR test - 1617 -
Vol. 15 [2010], Bund. O 1618 a) Consistency Limits Consistency means relative ease with which the soil can be deformed and this term is mostly used for fine grained material. In 1911 Swedish agriculturist Atterberg divide the entire range in four stages 1. Liquid state, 2. Plastic state, 3. Semi Solid state and 4. Solid state. The effect of molasses addition in varying proportion with soil has been studied and the variation in consistency limits for various mixes are presented in Table 5 and Fig.1. It is found that as the percentage of molasses increases the liquid limit of soil mix is increased. Table 5: Effect of molasses addition on Atterberg s limit for SM 0 to SM 6 Property Soil + Molasses Mix SM 0 SM 1 SM 2 SM 3 SM 4 SM 5 SM 6 Proportion Soil: Molasses 100: 0 95:5% 94.5:5.5% 94:6.0% 935:6.5% 93:7.0 % 92.5:7.5 % Atterberg s limits: (%) 1 Liquid Limit 28.83 30.04 31.47 33.66 36.36 37.27 39.20 Plastic Limit 18 20.03 21.57 24.56 27.86 29.07 31.3 Plasticity index 10.83 10.01 9.9 9.1 8.5 8.2 7.9 Water content (%) 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Molasses (%) L.L. P.L. P.I. Figure 1: Effect of Addition of Molasses on Atterberg s Limit for Soil b) Compaction Behavior for Soil + Molasses The Standard Proctor s test for soil with molasses mixes are performed and presented in Table 6. Typical curves for moisture content and dry density for various combinations are presented in fig.2. Similarly, effect of addition of molasses with soil for MDD is presented in fig.2. - 1618 -
Vol. 15 [2010], Bund. O 1619 Table 6: Effect of Molasses Addition on Maximum Dry Density for Soil. 1. Property Proportion Soil: Molasses Maximum Dry Density (gm/cm 3 ) Soil + Molasses Mix SM 0 SM 1 SM 2 SM 3 SM 4 SM 5 SM 6 100: 0 95:5% 94.5:5.5% 94:6.0% 935:6.5% 93:7.0% 92.5:7.5% 1.91 1.97 1.98 1.99 2.06 2 1.99 Table 7: Effect of Molasses Addition on Maximum Dry Density for Soil. 1. Property Proportion Soil: Molasses Maximum Dry Density (gm/cm 3 ) Soil + Molasses Mix SM 0 SM 1 SM 2 SM 3 SM 4 SM 5 SM 6 100: 0 95:5% 94.5:5.5% 94:6.0% 935:6.5% 93:7.0% 92.5:7.5% 1.91 1.97 1.98 1.99 2.06 2 1.99 Figure 2: Effect of Addition of Molasses on MDD - 1619 -
Vol. 15 [2010], Bund. O 1620 2.1 2.06 Dry density (gm/cm3) 2 1.9 1.8 2 1.99 1.99 1.96 1.93 1.92 1.91 1.9 1.9 1.89 1.88 1.88 1.86 1.85 1.98 1.97 1.864 1.92 1.901 1.89 1.88 1.88 1.841.845 1.85 100:0% 95:5% 94.5:5.5% 94:6.0% 93.5:6.5% 93:7.0% 92.5:7.5% 1.7 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Molasses content (%) (OMC)) Figure 3: Effect of Molasses Addition on Dry Density and Moisture Content Table 8: Effect of Molasses Addition on Optimum Moisture Content for Soil Property Soil + Molasses mix SM 0 SM 1 SM 2 SM 3 SM 4 SM 5 SM 6 Proportion Soil: Molasses 100: 0 95:5% 94.5:5.5% 94:6.0% 935:6.5% 93:7.0% 92.5:7.5% 1. Optimum Moisture Content (%) 13.33 12.96 12.84 12.33 12.1 11.97 11.87-1620 -
Vol. 15 [2010], Bund. O 1621 13.5 13 OMC (%) 12.5 12 11.5 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Molasses (%) c) California Bearing Ratio value Figure 4: Effect of addition of molasses on OMC The California bearing ratio test results for various combinations of soil + molasses presented in Table 9. Same results in graphical forms are also presented in fig.6. Table 9: Effect of Molasses Addition on California Bearing Ratio for Soil 1. Property Proportion Soil: Molasses California Bearing Ratio (%) (un-soaked) Soil + Molasses Mix SM 0 SM 1 SM 2 SM 3 SM 4 SM 5 SM 6 100: 0 95:5% 94.5:5.5% 94:6.0% 935:6.5% 93:7.0% 92.5:7.5% 15.44 16.23 18.94 19.25 20.69 19.01 18.84 Figure 5: Un-soaked C.B.R. Samples - 1621 -
Vol. 15 [2010], Bund. O 1622 25 20 CBR (%) 15 10 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Molasses (%) Figure 6: Effect of Addition of Molasses on CBR ECONOMY OF USING MOLASSES Industrial wastes are used for constructing different layers of road pavements. Utilization of industrial waste for stabilization of sub grade depends on the interaction between industrial wastes and embankment soil. If the type of soil available in the area is found to be amendable to pozzolanic action with industrial wastes are added. This characteristic of industrial wastes is important in formulation of pavement specifications. With this economy can be achieved and utilization of industrial wastes in bulk quantities for road construction. Many Civil Engineering Company involved in the construction of roads using an innovative technology called a bio enzymatic, Terrazyme (molasses) soil stabilizer. Sugar waste molasses is a liquid that improves the engineering qualities of the soil like CBR values and density and decreases the OMC, Plasticity index of soil. The main feature of molasses utilization in road construction is remarkable cost savings aspect. Molasses saves cost from 15% to 40% in comparison to the conventional system of road construction. Conventional Design Cross section Thickness Rate/m 3 Amount /m 2 Gravel sub base 150mm 115.00 Rs. 17.25 WMM 400mm 800.00 Rs. 320.00 Molasses Design Total Rs. 337.25 Cross section Thickness Rate/m 3 Amount /m 2 300mm in two layers of 150mm each. The top 150mm has 20% by volume; 40mm down metal 300mm 870 Rs. 261.00 Net saving in cost = Rs. 337.25 Rs. 261.00 = Rs. 76.25 per sq. m. Percentage of saving = (Rs.76.25 / Rs. 337.25) X 100 = 22.61% - 1622 -
Vol. 15 [2010], Bund. O 1623 CONCLUSION The summary of the present study, the major conclusions are drawn, the use of industrial waste material in the construction field and future scope of the investigation. On the basis of the results obtained in the experimental investigation, the following conclusions have been drawn. Soft murum used is found to be sandy soil. This soil is not suitable for such grade, for embankment and hence needs modification. Soil is modified with molasses by 5%, 5.5% 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0% and 7.5%. The value of CBR is found to be increased by 5.12%, 22.67%, 24.68%, 34.00% 23.12% and 22.02%. The maximum increase in CBR is by addition of 6.5% molasses due to increase in the density of modified soil mix it leads to have more strength. By addition of 6.5% of molasses in soil, the value of liquid limit, plastic limit is increased and plasticity index of modified soil is reduced. By addition of 6.5% of molasses in soil, the value of maximum dry density of modified soil is increased due to proper rearrangement of modified soil mix and due to improved binding capacity. The value of California Bearing Ratio of soil by addition of 6.5% molasses is increased due to increase in density of modified soil mix, which leads to soil mass having more strength. Based on the cost analysis made it clearly show that use of molasses in road construction is economical. Industrial waste like molasses combinations have significant potential to be used in place of conventional material for various road constructions and should be projected for future construction. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The author would like acknowledge the indebted to Dr. U.J. Kahalekar, Head Prof. Smt. S.S. Korranne, for providing all necessary facilities to carry out the experimental work in the soil laboratory for the support of this research. The author owes special thanks to M.L.A.and Chairman Shri. Prakash Dada Solanke, Majalgaon Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana At. Post Telgaon. Dist. Beed. For supplying molasses for experimental work in cheap rate. Finally the author acknowledges the help of everyone who have contributed directly or indirectly of the successful completion of my work. REFERENCES 1. Avijeet Agencies Private Limited Information Package, TerraZyme a bio-enzymatic soil stabilize, Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi and Anna University, Chennai which endorsements information brochure by Indian Road Congress and ISTD, Avijeet Agencies Private Limited, 2002, pp. 3-12. - 1623 -
Vol. 15 [2010], Bund. O 1624 2. R.L.Yadav and S.Solomon, Potential of Developing Sugarcane By-product Based Industries in India, Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Vol. 8, 2 and 3, 2006, pp.104-111. 3. B. S. Mathur, The pollution of water resources due to rural industrial waste, paper published by, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, 1999.pp. 310-314. 4. Madhavi Vedula and B. P. Chandrashekar, A Critical Review of Innovative Rural Road Construction Techniques and Their Impacts, Procedings of Technology Demonstration Projects, (Technical) NRRDA, New Delhi, 2001, pp. 1-7. 5. Sureka Naagesh and S.Gangadhara, Swelling Properties of Bio-enzyme Treated Expansive soil, International Journal of Engineering Studies, Vol.2, 2, (2010), pp. 115 129. 6. Tajmal Hussin Qureshi and Hashman Ali, Exprimental Use of Hydrated Lime in Road Construction, paper published by Road Research institute, Lahore, paper no. 383, pp.51-62. 7. Jones, D Ventura and J Van, Fit-for-Purpose Certification of Non-Traditional Road Additives, the 24th Southern African Transport Conference (SATC 2005), 11-13 july, 2005, pp. 154-165. 8. Kasthurirangan Gopalakrishnan, Halil Ceylan, and Sunghwan Kim, Biofuel Co-Product uses For Pavement Geo-Materials Stabilization, Report published by, Iowa Highway Research Board and Iowa Department of Transportation, Report 582, April 2010. pp..15-48. 2010 ejge - 1624 -