SHEAR STRENGTH OF SOIL WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO BLACK COTTON SOIL

Abstract

Soil compaction is the process whereby all the particles of soil are forced to pack close to each other by reducing the air voids. The air voids can be elimina-ted almost completely and the soil can be brought to a condition in which there will not be any tendency for further changes in moisture content. This is achieved by proportioning the various grains properly and fully compacting the same. The term mechanical stabilization in fact gives particular importance in controlling the grading of various particles in the soil. Stabilization in this comiection implies nothing but increasing the stability of the material under a given condition of moisture. This paper deals with the study of black-cotton soil to improve its engineering properties by admixture of .other soils. The soil structure was modified by using additives of silty soil, collected from Roorkee University campus. Soils with different mixes were tested for compaction and shear strength characteristics. The study showed that there is scope for improving the engineering properties of black cotton soil both la.s a foundation and as a construction material for use as core in embankment dams.