Jilin Daxue Xuebao (Gongxueban)/Journal of Jilin University (Engineering and Technology Edition)

ISSN: 1671-5497
E-Publication: Online Open Access
Vol: 42 Issue: 10-2023
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8429580

WASTE LATERITIC SOIL-LIME-PERSEAMACRANTHA INTERACTION

STUDIES FOR OPTIMISATION OF THEIR PROPORTIONS

KISHOR KUMAR.B.R
Assistant Professor, K.V.G College of Engineering, Sullia, Visvesvaraya Technological University,
Belagavi.
Dr. C RAMAKRISHNEGOWDA
Professor, Maharaja Institute of Technology-Mysore, Mandya, Visvesvaraya Technological University,
Belagavi.
Dr. B.G. NARESH KUMAR
Professor, Maharaja Institute of Technology-Mysore, Mandya, Visvesvaraya Technological University,
Belagavi.

Abstract
The weathering of laterite occurs in tropical or subtropical areas. In lateritic soil about 20–30% of the soil
waste produced during quarrying operations using cutting equipment to recover laterite stones must be
properly disposed of in the conventional construction blocks manufacturing process. Stabilization of lateritic
making use of environmentally friendly raw materials including lime, and Persea macrantha tree bark
extract. The application of Persea macrantha in soil stabilization is highlighted in this research.

I. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Laterite Soil
Laterite soils are products of weathering in tropical or subtropical regions. The chemical
composition and morphological features of these products are affected by the extent of
weathering experienced by the parent material. Buchanan's 1807 introduction of the term
"laterite" marked the first comprehensive description of this unique geological formation,
highlighting its distinctive properties and prevalence in the Malabar region of India. Mallet
(1883) is broadly regarded as the pioneer in introducing the chemical concept of laterite
soils by establishing their ferruginous and aluminous nature. Bauer (1898), in turn,
demonstrated that the silica content of these soils was relatively insignificant, while their
high aluminum levels were present in a hydroxide form comparable to the composition of
bauxite. [1]
In 1807, Francis Buchanan-Hamilton identified and named laterite formations in southern
India; he adopted the term "laterite"—derived from the Latin "later," which meaning
brick—because this rock could readily be cut into brick-shaped pieces for construction.
During quarrying operations that utilize cutting machines to extract laterite stones,
approximately 20-30% of soil waste is generated, presenting a challenge for proper
disposal. In contrast to other stone products, construction stone is not difficult to quarry.
At specialized stone crushers, it may typically be dug and brushed to the desired size and
quality using basic machines. [3]

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Jilin Daxue Xuebao (Gongxueban)/Journal of Jilin University (Engineering and Technology Edition)
ISSN: 1671-5497
E-Publication: Online Open Access
Vol: 42 Issue: 10-2023
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8429580

1.2 Stabilization of the Soil

Soil stabilization is a civil engineering technique for modifying and improving the
engineering qualities of soils. Soil engineering properties are biologically adjusted,
chemically, or mechanically during soil stabilization. When the soil beneath a building's
foundation is unsuitable to support the structural load, soil stabilization is typically
necessary. Stabilizing chemicals are employed in these processes to improve the
geotechnical characteristics of deficient soils, such as compressibility, strength,
permeability, and durability. Numerous methods, including mechanical, chemical,
polymer, thermal, and bituminous stabilization, can be used to make soil more stable.
Improving the soil's engineering properties, including its shear strength, bearing capacity,
and shrink-swell characteristic, and stabilizing the soil by adding mineral admixtures.
Cement, asphalt, fly ash, and lime are some examples of common mineral admixtures
used to stabilize soil. These admixtures engage the soil particles in interaction and bind
them all together, which lowers the soil's water content and boosts its density and
toughness. Depending on the properties of the soil and the desired effect, different
admixtures are employed in different amounts.
Some of the benefits of soil stabilization using mineral admixture are
a. It increases the soil's durability and ability to support loads.
b. It reduces the volume change and settlement of the soil due to moisture variation.
c. It reduces the construction cost and time by using locally available materials and
avoiding soil replacement.
d. It enhances the environmental performance of the soil by reducing dust emissions,
erosion, and contamination.
By using different chemical agents or waste materials that aren't typically utilized for soil
stabilization, it is possible to improve the engineering properties of soil through the
process of stabilizing it with atypical additions. Some of the advantages of using
nontraditional additives are:
a. By employing recycled or locally sourced materials, they can lower the project's
cost and environmental impact.
b. They can enhance the performance and durability of the soil by modifying its
physical and chemical characteristics.
c. They can offer alternative solutions for stabilizing soils that are difficult to treat with
traditional stabilizers.

II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Minsha Meharet[5] has created a new eco-friendly building material called the
revolutionary block, an endeavor has been undertaken to supplant the traditional building
blocks with a revolutionary brick production technique utilizing environmentally-conscious
raw materials such as soil, clay, and Perseamacrantha tree leaf extract. This method

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Jilin Daxue Xuebao (Gongxueban)/Journal of Jilin University (Engineering and Technology Edition)
ISSN: 1671-5497
E-Publication: Online Open Access
Vol: 42 Issue: 10-2023
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8429580

satisfies a range of desirable qualities including cost efficiency, ecological soundness,

reduced weight, aesthetic appeal, minimal water absorption, heat resistance, and local
availability. The use of this ecological brick for construction purposes will undoubtedly
yield a superior, enduring material with a cost-effective outcome, as evidenced by the
outcomes of empirical investigation. The notion of achieving sustainability and cost-
efficiency without pollution is a vision that persists within our society.
In their experiments, Patil et al. [2] used fly ash to reinforce the soil, and they noted the
effects it had on the subgrade soil's MDD, California bearing-ratio (CBR), and UCS
characteristics. To accomplish this task, fly-ash admixture was introduced to the soil at a
ratio of 10%-30%, and requisite examinations were performed. The outcome of all
assessments demonstrated a noteworthy enhancement in the results across the range of
fly-ash mixtures.
Ndububa [4] did this analysis on laterites that were taken from borrow pits near the sites
where mud houses were being built in Bauchi, North East Nigeria. It was discovered that
the soil's composition consisted of 61.2% sand, 16.8% silt, and 22.0% clay. For our
investigation, the soil was stabilized with bitumen, cement, and lime before being put
through tests for permeability, compressive strength, water absorption, and linear
shrinkage. Following treatments with stabilizers in the amounts of 3%, 5%, and 7%, the
laterite samples were suitably cured for 7, 14, 28, and 42 days. The results after 28 days
of cure showed that cement-stabilized laterites (CSL) had compressive strengths of 1.98,
2.83, and 3.48N/mm2, respectively.
The primary objective of this inquiry is to
(1) To investigate at the lateritic soils' physical, chemical, and compaction
characteristics.
(2) To examine the strength properties of various mixes made of persea
macrantha, lime, and laterite soil.

III. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

Lateritic soils are soils that are rich in Iron and Aluminum oxides and have a reddish or
brownish color. They are formed in tropical and subtropical regions with high rainfall and
high temperatures, which cause intense weathering and leaching of the soil. Some of the
highlighting factors for considering lateritic quarry soil are as follows
a. They are acidic, which limits the compatibility and effectiveness of some
stabilizers, such as lime and cement. They also require more lime or other
alkaline materials to neutralize the acidity [7].
b. The structure of the lateritic soils is coarse and has a lower water-holding
capacity, which leads to cracking and shrinkage during stabilization with cement
or asphalt [6].

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Jilin Daxue Xuebao (Gongxueban)/Journal of Jilin University (Engineering and Technology Edition)
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Vol: 42 Issue: 10-2023
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8429580

c. In dry conditions, they exhibit hardness and compactness, hence making it

difficult to mix and compact with stabilizers. They also exhibit poor drainage and
aeration, which affects the curing and strength development of stabilized soil.
In the present study, lateritic soils are collected directly from the quarry sites located in
Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, India. A traditional additive Persea macrantha is
used as a stabilizer other than with Flyash, Cement, and Lime, etc.
3.1 Materials
3.1.1 Persea Macrantha
Persea macrantha is a species of evergreen tree in the laurel family, native to
southwestern India and Sri Lanka. It is also known as the large-flowered bay tree and has
various local names such as kulamavu, kolamavu, gulamaavu, etc. The tree can grow up
to 30 m high and has oblong or elliptic leaves, pale yellow flowers, and green berries that
turn black when ripe. Persea macrantha is a source of natural gum called jigat, which is
made from the bark powder of the tree. Jigat is used as a traditional binder for making
agarbatti (incense sticks), which is a multi-billion-dollar industry in India. Jigat helps to
hold the fragrance and shape of the agarbatti and also acts as a fuel for burning. The
plant can be found in India in a number of states up to an altitude of 2100 meters, including
Karnataka, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Assam. In this study extracted bark was used, and
this bark was soaked in water for 24 hours and used to prepare specimens instead of
water. It provides a better bonding strength to the soil than water. The elements that are
presented in this liquid were tabulated in Tables 3.1.1 (a) and 3.1.1 (b) provide the details
of Perseamacrantha.
Table 3.1.1 (a Elements of Table 3.1.1 (b) Physical Properties
Perseamacrantha of Perseamacrantha

Elements Weight (%) Properties Description

C 33.19 Form Semi liquid
O 31.04 Odor Sharp, Sulphurous
Al 13.69 Color Brown
Wetting Ability Excellent
Si 12.36
Solubility in water Complete
K 1.58
Density 0.9
Ca 2.67
Viscosity (cps) 52
Cu 2.11
Zn 1.81
Mg 0.65
Na 0.93

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Jilin Daxue Xuebao (Gongxueban)/Journal of Jilin University (Engineering and Technology Edition)
ISSN: 1671-5497
E-Publication: Online Open Access
Vol: 42 Issue: 10-2023
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8429580

(a) Bark (b) Leaves

Figure 3.1.1: Persea Macrantha
3.1.2 Lime
The primary elements of lime, naturally occurring mineral containing calcium, are oxydes
and hydroxides, most commonly calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide. Calcium oxide
is a byproduct of coal seam fires and can be discovered in altered limestone xenoliths in
volcanic ejecta. The term "lime" derives from its initial application as mortar in
construction. These materials continue to be widely utilized for sugar refinement,
construction (such as limestone products, cement, concrete, and mortar), and
engineering (along with other purposes).
The use of lime and the industries that manufacture it date to the prehistoric eras in both
the Old and New Worlds. Lime is commonly used in the ferrous sulfate-based wastewater
treatment method. These substances are frequently made from chalk or limestone, which
are mostly calcium carbonate-based rocks and minerals. They might undergo chemical
modification before being chopped, crushed, or pulverized. They are burned (calcined)
into the extremely corrosive combination quicklime (calcium oxide), which is then
transformed with water into the less corrosive (but still extremely alkaline) complex slaked
lime or hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2). This method is known as lime
slaking. Kilns used to burn and slake lime are known as lime kilns.
3.1.3 Lateritic Soil
The presence of Lateritic soils in the area can be attributed to the region's high
precipitation levels, elevated temperatures, and humidity, as well as intermittent wet and
dry periods, which are ideal conditions for lateralization. Within the country, Laterites
constitute a significant proportion, ranging from 60 to 80 percent of the soil. These soils
exhibit a range of colors, from red to yellowish-red, and depths varying from 100 to 500
cm. When exposed to air, the soil rapidly hardens, rendering it highly resistant to
weathering, making it an ideal building material akin to bricks. The Laterites mainly derive
from igneous rocks and are well-drained residuals with excessive amounts of Iron (Fe)
and Aluminum (Al).

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Vol: 42 Issue: 10-2023
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8429580

Two types of Lateritic Soils, LS1, and LS2 were collected from two locations of Sullia taluk
in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India. Defining the essential attributes of soil,
such as its specific gravity (per IS:2720-part III-1980), grain size distribution (per IS:2720-
1985, part 4), consistency limits (per IS:2720-1985, part 5), soil classification (per
IS:1498-1970), engineering properties (per IS:2720-1983, part 1), and unconfined
compressive strength (per IS:2720-1991, part 10) where conducted and the values are
list in the below Table 3.1.4.
Table 2.1.3: Basic Properties of Lateritic Soils
Sl. No. Property LS1 LS2
1. Specific gravity 2.23 2.31
Grain size distribution (%)
a) Gravel 09 02
2. b) Sand 60 37
c) Silt 20 32
d) Clay 11 29
Consistency limits (%)
Liquid Limit (LL) 32 32
3.
Plastic Limit (PL) Non-Plastic 44
Plasticity Index (PI) Non-plastic 12
4. IS Soil Classification SM SC
Engineering Properties
IS Standard Compaction
5.
a) MDD, γdmax(g/cc) 1.81 1.76
b) OMC (%) 19.53 18.71
UCS (kPa) (3 days)
6.
Standard Compaction 75.70 48.32

Figure 2.1.3: (a) Sieve Analysis of Lateritic Soil Samples

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Jilin Daxue Xuebao (Gongxueban)/Journal of Jilin University (Engineering and Technology Edition)
ISSN: 1671-5497
E-Publication: Online Open Access
Vol: 42 Issue: 10-2023
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8429580

Figure 3.1.3 (b) Collected Lateritic Quarries Soil

3.2 Methodology
In this study, two types of laterite quarry wastes were used and the soil samples were
prepared using different dosages of Lime and Perseamacrantha. Initially, the required
quantity of soil, lime, and Perseamacrantha with water was weighed according to OMC
and MDD parameters, for each experiment quarry waste soil and lime were
homogeneously mixed and the required OMC water was mixed thoroughly. The
compacted samples were kept for open-air curing at 7, 14, 28, and 60 days. A minimum
of three samples were utilized for each test, and the average value was reported to ensure
the precision advised by the standards.
The two types of lateritic soils are added lime with varying percentages with an increment
of 3% maximum lime percentage added will be 12% and persea macrantha bark extract
is used as a binder keeping the concentration constant.

Figure 3.2: Methodology

IV. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

4.1 Proportioning of Mix
Figure 4.1(a) shows the relationship between the dry unit weight for the various soil and
Persea macrantha combinations and the water content of the molding process. In most
cases, adding lime raised the maximum dry density. The finer part of the fly ash may be
crushed into the spaces between soil particles during the compaction process, changing

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Vol: 42 Issue: 10-2023
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8429580

the maximum dry density. The MDD and OMC results for lateritic soil LS1 with varied
percentages of lime 0 to% with Persea macrantha are presented in Table 4.1(a).
Table 4.1:(a) MDD and OMC for Lateritic Soil-LS1
LS1 LS2
Sl.No. Mix
OMC (%) MDD(g/cc) OMC (%) MDD(g/cc)
1 LS1+ PM 19.13 1.98 20.12 2.03
2 LS1 + 3% L + PM 22.00 2.10 21.90 2.20
3 LS1 + 6% L + PM 20.24 2.20 22.20 2.40
4 LS1 + 9% L + PM 22.1 2.40 22.80 2.45
5 LS1 +12% L + PM 19.59 2.45 20.59 2.48

The MDD and OMC results for lateritic soil LS2 with varied concentrations of lime 0 to
12% with Persea macrantha are provided in Table 4.1(a). The maximum dry density
increases from 2.03 to 2.41g/cc when the lime percentage increases up to 0% with 12%
of lime.

Figure 4.1: Combination of MDD for LS1, LS2 with Mix

4.2 Compressive Strength Unconfined
On a variety of soil samples mixed together, UCS tests were performed for varied curing
times up to 60 days, at OMC, and the values are presented in Table 4.2(a) and 4.2(b).
With the length of the curing period, the unconfined compression-strength (UCS) of
stabilized soil samples shows an increasing tendency. For lateritic soil mixed with various
percentages of lime and Perseamacrantha for various curing durations, such as 3, 7, 14,
28, and 60 days, respectively, Table 4.20 presents the results of the UCS test. According
to Table 4.2(a), the lateritic soil sample LS1's UCS value increased from 270.12 kPa to
562.45 kPa after 28 days of curing when the lime content was increased from 0% to 12%.
Table 4.2: (a) UCS for Lateritic Soil-LS1
Unconfined Compressive Strength (kPa)
LS1 (days)
Sl. No. Mix
3 7 14 28 60
1 LS1 + PM 189.10 208.20 230.15 270.12 270.25
2 LS1 + 3% L + PM 201.32 238.90 275.40 302.97 302.20
3 LS1 + 6% L + PM 248.56 325.78 427.68 512.12 512.82
4 LS1 + 9% L + PM 275.08 340.03 442.61 534.98 534.32
5 LS1 + 12% L + PM 290.48 368.67 472.20 562.45 562.52

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ISSN: 1671-5497
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Vol: 42 Issue: 10-2023
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8429580

Figure 4.2 shows how the unconfined compressive strength varies when different
percentages of lime are added to the soil LS1 along with Persea macrantha over various
curing times. The increased UCS values for the various curing durations and mix
proportions are shown in the figure

.
Figure 4.2: Unconfined Compressive Strength of LS1 soil
Table 4.2(b) shows the UCS test results for lateritic soil mixed with various percentages
of lime and Persea macrantha after curing for 3, 7, 14, 28, and 60 days. Table 4.21 shows
that increasing the lime proportion from 0% to 12% for lateritic soil sample LS2 raises the
UCS value from 205.52kPa to 395.23kPa after 28 days of curing.
Table 4.2: (b) UCS for Lateritic Soil-LS2
Unconfined Compressive Strength (kPa)
LS2 (Days)
Sl No. Mix
3 7 14 28 60
1 LS2 + PM 153.12 159.30 189.45 205.52 205.31
2 LS2 + 3% L + PM 172.45 196.34 224.56 287.09 287.89
3 LS2 + 6% L + PM 193.20 210.78 255.70 336.67 337.04
4 LS2 + 9% L + PM 201.56 298.34 326.98 359.99 360.01
5 LS2 + 12% L + PM 220.45 280.67 358.24 395.23 396.12
Figure 4.3 shows how the unconfined compressive-strength varies when different
percentages of lime are added to the soil LS2 along with Persea macrantha over various
curing times. The increased UCS values for the various curing durations and mix
proportions are shown in the figure.

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Vol: 42 Issue: 10-2023
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8429580

.
Figure 4.3: Unconfined Compressive Strength of LS2 Soil

V. CONCLUSION
The results of the study suggest that adding different amounts of lime will increase the
unconfined compressive strength, however through the literature review maximum of 6%
of lime can be considered, if more than 6% of lime may lead to effloresces on the
specimens and uneconomical, hence 6% of lime is considered as optimum dosage for
stabilization showing the strength of LS1is 512.12kPa and LS2 is 336.67kPa at 28days
of curing. Hence there is scope to study the stabilization of lateritic soil with other additives
along with perseaemecran extract.

References
1) Maignien R., “Review of Research on Laterite, Natural Resource Research”, IV; UNESCO: Paris,
France, 1966; pp. No: 148.
2) P.S. Patil, Dr. R. M. Damgir and S.L.Hake (2014).,ʺ Strengthening of soil by using Fly Ashʺ.,
International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering, Volume 4, Issue 5.
3) Gaurav Keshav and Karuna Basavraj Jamdade (2015)., “Study on Fly ash Mixed Laterite-Cement
Bricks”, International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology, ISSN: 2278-0181, Volume . 4
Issues 07.
4) Ndububa, E. E. (2017). “Stabilized Lateritic Bricks as Alternative To Mud Housing In Bauchi, North East
Nigeria” IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE), e-ISSN: 2278-1684, ISSN:
2320-334X, Volume 14, Issue 5 Ver. III, pp. No: 67-73.
5) Minsha Mehar, Mohammed Sajad, Nasrudheen P, Neena Chandran, Neha E and Haseena E(2018),
“Innovative Block a New Eco-Friendly Material for Construction”, SSRG International Journal of Civil
Engineering (SSRG-IJCE) – Volume 5, Issue 5, – ISSN: 2348 – 8352.
6) Consoli, N.C., Párraga Morales, D. & Saldanha, R.B. “A new approach for stabilization of lateritic soil
with Portland cement and sand: strength and durability”, Acta Geotech. 16, 1473–1486 (2021).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-020-01136-y.
7) Ezreig, A.M.A., Ismail, M.A.M. & Ehwailat, K.I.A. “A state of review: challenges and techniques of
laterite soil stabilization using chemical, economical, and eco-friendly materials”. Innov. Infrastruct.
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