Bearing Capacity and Geotechnical Properties of a Sandy Soil Substrate Contaminated with Oil Derivatives (Diesel fuel and Kerosene)

Author(s):  
Gholamreza Fazeli ◽  
Sina Lotfollahi ◽  
Parham Bakhtiari ◽  
Farhang Farrokhi

This research investigated the bearing capacity and geotechnical properties of a sandy soil substrate contaminated with oil derivatives, diesel fuel, and kerosene. For this purpose, a site with a clayey sandy soil substrate was considered to evaluate the effects of contamination on the geotechnical properties and bearing capacity of the substrate in both clean and contaminated states. Then, the substrate of the site was artificially contaminated with diesel fuel and kerosene and underwent field and laboratory tests. The experiments, including the Atterberg limits, standard proctor compaction, uniaxial compressive strength, strength, and freeze-thaw durability tests, were performed on prepared samples. Also, to determine the bearing capacity of the contaminated and intact substrates, a plate load test was conducted at the site. The results indicate that contamination by oil derivatives reduces the strength and increases the settlement and displacement of the contaminated substrate, where the effects of diesel fuel are more significant than those of kerosene. The results of this research are compared to previous studies. The literature shows that most research in this area was carried out in the laboratory, and there is a lack of in-situ studies. This study showed that the presence of oil contaminations caused a 3.5% reduction in the amount of soil Atterberg limits. The contaminations also reduced the dry density and uniaxial compressive strength of the soil by 2.5% and 20%, respectively. The results presented were consistent with the results of other researchers. However, some studies have suggested an increase in the Atterberg limits due to oil contaminants in the soil.

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 1059-1069
Author(s):  
Mohd Firdaus Md Dan ◽  
Edy Tonnizam Mohamad ◽  
Ibrahim Komoo ◽  
Aziman Madun ◽  
Siti Norsalkini Mohd Akip Tan

Engineering properties of tropical weathered granite mass have been widely investigated and classified for engineering purposes. However, the engineering properties of tropical boulder in weathered granite profile is poorly understood and not well classified. This study aims to examine and classify the physico-mechanical properties of granite boulder in completely weathered zone. A total of 34 in-situ boulders were examined from two granite quarries located in Southern Johor, Malaysia. Microstructure-mineralogical alterations were analyzed based on petrographic analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical properties were including dry density, porosity, point load strength, uniaxial compressive strength and permeability. Three properties were identified as significant indicators to differentiate between tropical boulder and completely weathered granite when it is evaluated from the soil investigation drilling work namely; texture characteristics, discolourations and degree of weathering. Analysis revealed that the alteration of microstructures and minerals such as feldspar, biotite, and plagioclase from corestone (Grade I/II) to saprolite (Grade IV/V) zone were significantly reduced the dry density, point load strength, uniaxial compressive strength and permeability with 32%, 99.5%, 98.6% and 84.8%, respectively. It has also significantly increased the porosity up to 11.6 times or 1065% from corestone to saprolite. The significant different of physico-mechanical properties of material surrounding boulder due to weathering can be classified and useful in evaluation of geotechnical design and geological engineering applications.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1015 ◽  
pp. 316-319
Author(s):  
Zhong Hua Huang ◽  
Shao Jun Liu ◽  
Ying Guang Xu ◽  
Wang Hu

Seafloor polymetallic sulfide specimens were developed according to engineering rock test method standard (GB/T 50266-2013). Seafloor polymetallic sulfide wet density and dry density were tested. Uniaxial compressive strength and triaxial compression strength of seafloor polymetallic sulfide were tested using rock mechanics test system MTS 815. Elasticity modulus and Poisson's ratio of seafloor polymetallic sulfide were calculated based on specimens stress-strain curves. Cohesion and internal friction angle were calculated based on specimens triaxial test Mohr stress circle. Test results show that seafloor polymetallic sulfide dry density average value is 2.6 g/cm3, wet density average value is 2.94 g/cm3. Uniaxial compressive strength and triaxial compression strength of seafloor polymetallic sulfide are unstable. Average value of the uniaxial compressive strength is 10.243MPa. Average value of triaxial compression strength test peak load is 47.166KN. Cohesion is 2.447MPa and internal friction angle is 38.04o.


Expansive soil is a problematic soil which found in wide part of the world that has a high degree of sensitivity, nature of expansion and shrink behavior during water adding and removing this caused insufficient bearing capacity, excessive differential settlement and instability on excavation and embankment forming those conditions accelerate damage of building structure, road highway and dam. Attempt to undertake construction in such type of soil result will be bearing capacity failure, settlement problem. One of the well-known application of Lime and fly ash were improve Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, bearing capacity and prevention of swelling problem of expansive clay that is why the main reason to select lime and fly ash in this project, both are good binding material to increase the cohesion force and shear strength of soil and assured to established rigid pavements and foundations. The mixing proportion of lime, fly ash and combination of lime and fly ash are (0%, 2 %, 4 % ), (10%, 15% ,20% ), (2 %+10 %, 2 % +15 %, 2 % +20 %) and (4 %+10 %, 4 % + 15 % , 4 %+ 20 %) with expansive soil respectively and then explored how much it modify the characteristics of soil like maximum dry density moisture content, consistency limits, FSI, UCS and CBR value which compare to untreated soil. Lime and fly ash treated soil carried out various tests Such as Moisture content test, consistency limit, compaction test, Unconfined Compression swelling index test and California bearing ratio test then after justify weather the bearing capacity of soil is good or not . Classification of soil was determined by conducting plasticity index and swelling index tests. Effect of lime and fly ash on soil index properties were assessed by conducting Atterberg limits test, strength of soil were assessed by conducting compaction test, UCS tests and CBR test and swelling properties were checked by conducting swelling index test. Expansive clay soil were mixed with lime, fly ash and combination of lime - fly ash by replacement process of soil and then cured for 7, 14 and 28 days.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anigilaje B Salahudeen ◽  
Ja’afar A Sadeeq

The study investigate the suitability of subgrade soil in Baure Local Government Area of Kastina State Nigeria for road construction. The strength properties of the  subgrade was improved using lime and cement. Several analysis including the particle size distribution, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, unconfined compressive strength and California bearing ratio tests were performed on natural and lime/cement treated soil samples in accordance with BS 1377 (1990) and BS 1924 (1990) respectively. Soil specimens were prepared by mixing the soil with lime and cement in steps of 0, 3, 6, and 9% by weight of dry soil in several percentage combinations. The Atterberg limits of the weak subgrade soils improved having a minimum plasticity index value of 5.70 % at 3%Lime/6%Cement contents. The maximum dry density (MDD) values obtained showed a significant improvement having a peak value of 1.66 kN/m3 at 9%Lime/9%Cement contents. Similarly, a minimum value of 18.50 % was observed for optimum moisture content at 9%Lime/9%Cement contents which is a desirable reduction from a value of 25.00 % for the natural soil. The unconfined compressive test value increased from 167.30 kN/m2 for the natural soil to 446.77 kN/m2 at 9%Lime/9%Cement contents 28 days curing period. Likewise, the soaked California bearing ratio values increased from 2.90 % for the natural soil to 83.90 % at 9%Lime/9%Cement contents. Generally, there were improvements in the engineering properties of the weak subgrade soil when treated with lime and cement. However, the peak UCS value of 446.77 kN/m2 fails to meet the recommended UCS value of 1710 KN/m2 specified by TRRL (1977) as a criterion for adequate stabilization using Ordinary Portland Cement.            Keywords: Weak subgrade soil, Lime, Cement, Atterberg limits, Maximum dry density, Optimum moisture content, Unconfined compressive strength, California bearing ratio


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (9) ◽  
pp. 2044 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Siyab Khan ◽  
Muhammad Tufail ◽  
Mateeullah Mateeullah

Foundation soils are most affected by different problems when it comes to the loose soil having low shear strength and bearing capacity. Failure of the soil with settlement and shear arises when the shear stresses in the soil exceed the limit. This study is keen to observe the effects of utilization of waste broken glass in the enhancement of Geotechnical properties of soil by performing different laboratory tests. Collection of the soil sample from was concluded from Pabbi, Peshawar, KPK, and Pakistan, which is a low strength soil, are also being called soft soil having low bearing capacity. Furthermore, this particular soil was needed to be enhanced. The physical, chemical and engineering properties of virgin soil were contemplated and the soil was treated with added substances of Glass Powder to stabilize the local soil. Addition of Glass Powder was finished in different proportions that are 4%, 8% and 12% etc. Performance of different tests as Gradation, Specific Gravity, Standard Proctor compaction, Atterberg Limits, Direct Shear, CBR and so forth were done. The results were concluded, based on the Glass Dust stabilization analysis. It was obtained that pulverized glass can be effectively used as a soil stabilizer as mainly the strength characteristics were observed to be valeted. The Results showed that the gradation of soil is narrow from the particle size analysis. Plasticity index (P.I), Liquid limit (L.L) and plastic limit (P.L) were decreased with the addition of Glass powder. The reason behind decreasing P.I is maybe the fact that the Glass powder is cohesionless. Ideal percentage of Glass Powder as a stabilizer is 8%. Such improvements included an achievement of the highest CBR obtained at the 4%, 8% and 12% of powdered glass content. The reason is that the glass is pozzolanic material when blended with soil gives additional strength. The achievement of the increasing rate of the values of angle of internal friction on 4% and 8% and decreasing rate of values obtained at 12% powdered glass substances. Cohesion rate decreases up to 8% and starts increasing at 12%. Maximum dry density increasing as the density of glass is higher than such soil and Optimum moisture content (OMC) is decreasing because of low absorption capacity of glass. The study showed that the best stabilizer for the case study (Pabbi, Peshawar) is the Glass Powder and the optimum dose is 8 %.


2002 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naresh Kazi Tamrakar ◽  
Shuichiro Yokota ◽  
Suresh Das Shrestha

The Siwalik Group, one of the world's largest fluvial deposits, distributed in the fore deep basin of the rising Himalayas, crops out well in Central Nepal. The group comprises of mudstones, sandstones and conglomerates ranging in age from middle-Miocene to early Pleistocene. Sandstones form the major lithology in the Siwalik Group and distributed pervasively. Forty-four samples of sandstones were tested for physical and geomechanical properties in order to create a database on Siwalik sandstones and to know the variability of these properties with respect to their stratigraphic levels.  Dry density and saturated density of sandstones are 2.10-2.63 g/cm3 and 2.22-2.66 g/cm3, respectively. Porosity is found to vary between 1.93 and 15.2%.They bear weak to strong uniaxial compressive strength (1.29-51.6 MPa), very low to high point­ load strength (0.05-4.53 MPa, measured across bedding), high deformability (secant modulus =0.03-0.98 GPa and tangent modulus = 0.06-1.09)and low modulus ratio (17.8-86.6). The Schmidt hammer hardness in sandstones ranges from 12 to 52. Variation of these properties is independent of stratigraphic level. Dry density and porosity correlate well with uniaxial compressive strength, point-load strength and modulus ratio, and bear highly significant relationships. Hence, dry density and porosity can be used for predicting strength measures for the Siwalik sandstones.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirhossein Mohammadi ◽  
Taghi Ebadi ◽  
Mehrdad Ahmadi

Oil and its derivatives not only change the chemical and biological properties of the soils, but also affect their geotechnical properties. Effects of oil contamination on a sandy soil which mixed with bentonite was assessed in terms of compaction, shear strength, and consolidation behavior. The experiments were carried out by polluting dry sandy soil with 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10% w/w crude oil at different bentonite contents (0, 5, 10, 15, 20% w/w). Results of compaction tests indicated that at a fixed bentonite content, with increasing crude oil content, the maximum dry density increases, while the optimum water content decreases. Similarly, at a fixed contaminant content, increasing the bentonite content in the soil leads to increase in soil maximum dry density and the optimum moisture content. Moreover, direct shear tests revealed that at a specific bentonite content, higher contamination concentration causes lower internal friction angle. The effect of oil content on the coefficient of consolidation (Cv) and void ratio of soils with 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 percent bentonite contents was studied. The results of consolidation tests indicated that at a fixed bentonite content Cv has an overall increasing pattern which is in its maximum amount at 5% oil content.


CivilEng ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 1009-1018
Author(s):  
Salar Shirkhanloo ◽  
Mohammad Najafi ◽  
Vinayak Kaushal ◽  
Mehrdad Rajabi

Clays generally have a low strength and capacity, and additives are usually used to stabilize them. In recent years, using fly ash to stabilize soil has decreased environmental pollution while also having an economic benefit. The objective of this study is to perform a comparative investigation on the effect of class C and class F fly ashes on geotechnical properties of high-plasticity clay using the Atterberg’s limit, compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and unconfined compressive strength tests. The results showed that with an increase in the amount of fly ash, there was a decrease in the maximum dry density and an increase in the optimum moisture content. Moreover, an addition of fly ashes of up to 25% caused a reduction of the liquid limit and plasticity index, and an increase in the maximum unconfined compressive strength and CBR. Lengthening the curing time had a positive impact on the unconfined compressive strength of the soil. The soil samples with class C fly ash were seen to possess more efficient geotechnical properties as compared to class F fly ash.


Author(s):  
Adnan A. Barahim ◽  
Ibrahim A. Al-Akhaly ◽  
Is'haq R. Shamsan

This paper deals with a study of the physical and mechanical characteristics of volcanic tuff and ignimbrite from six quarries located at different areas in the western part of Yemen (Manakha, Jahran, Bakhran, Dar Al-Hanash, Abaser and Soraifa). In the region, volcanic tuffs and ignimbrite are locally known by their location names and have been used as solid masonry and cladding stones. All the investigated pyroclastic rocks belong to the Tertiary volcanic. The standard physical and mechanical tests (void ratio, porosity, density, specific gravity, water absorption, uniaxial compressive strength and tensile strength) were carried out on the tuff and ignimbrite samples collected from different parts of the region. Laboratory tests revealed that the void ratio average values range between 0.12 and 0.37, the porosity ranges between 10.57 and 27.12%, the dry density ranges between 1.66 and 2.25 gm/cm3, specific gravity ranges from 1.45 to 1.94, and water absorption ranges from 4.69 to 16.39%. The measured uniaxial compressive strength values range from 24 to 68 MPa, and the tensile strength values range between 4 and 10 MPa. These tuffs and ignimbrites generally are light green, gray, beige, or yellowish in color. With these colors they are favoured for building, coating and decorative stone. This paper concludes that the studied stones have acceptable to good properties as dimension stone. Jahrani and Manakhi tuffs are the best quality, whereas Hanashi ignimbrite is of poorer quality.


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