Comparative Study and Laboratory

Investigation of Soil Stabilization Using

Terrasil and Zycobond

Afreen Abulkasim Mulla and K. G. Guptha

Abstract Soil in its natural state may not always be suitable to support structures,
thus raising the need for its stabilization. It is the process of altering the soil’s
chemical and physical properties to improve its engineering properties. Literature
review indicates nanotechnology is the latest upgrade in soil stabilization. In this
investigation, the behaviour of lateritic soil with stabilizers was studied. The study
area includes a road which is required to be designed for very heavy vehicular
traffic, with a load ranging from 75 to 85T. Added to the existing conditions, the
road is exposed to heavy monsoon records to an extent of 3000–4000 mm every
year. Several incidences made to realize that flexible pavements are not long lasting
in such area due to the main problem of water percolation. It was decided by the
authorities of Fomento Resources for construction of a rigid pavement, by stabi-
lizing the soil in the study area. Terrasil along with cement and Zycobond was used
to stabilize the soil. Addition of nanoparticles like Terrasil improves the geotech-
nical properties of the soil by altering the atomic structure of the soil. This paper
gives an overview and comparative study of the physical and chemical properties,
along with CBR and UCS of the soil and its stabilization by varying proportions of
Terrasil (0.075%), Cement (1%) and Zycobond (0.075%). All tests were carried out
as per standard procedures laid down in the respective Indian standard codes.
Terrasil and Zycobond were used as per industry guidelines. The study concluded
that the combination of Terrasil, Cement and Zycobond significantly increased the
soil properties to a greater extent.

Keywords Soil stabilization Terrasil Zycobond CBR Nanotechnology

A. A. Mulla (&)
Structural Engineering, Goa College of Engineering, Farmagudi, Goa, India
e-mail: [email protected]
K. G. Guptha
Department of Civil Engineering, Goa College of Engineering, Farmagudi, Goa, India
e-mail: [email protected]

© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2019 757

B. B. Das and N. Neithalath (eds.), Sustainable Construction
and Building Materials, Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering 25,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3317-0_68
758 A. A. Mulla and K. G. Guptha

1 Introduction

It is a well-established fact that the development of a country depends widely on its

network of roads. The socio-economic standards of a region rest mainly on how
adequately it is connected to other cities and villages. These reasons call for roads to
be judiciously designed according to the environment, traffic, purpose, local
materials, etc.
A highway pavement is a structure consisting of superimposed layers of pro-
cessed materials above the natural soil sub-grade, whose primary function is to
distribute the applied vehicle loads to the sub-grade. The sub-grade disperses these
loads to the earth. It is important to ensure that the sub-grade does not fail at any
point due to overstress. It is a very rare occurrence that soil at construction sites can
meet the design requirements without any modifications in its physical, chemical or
geotechnical properties. Thus, soil stabilization is very crucial since the effective-
ness of the design of the road, in terms of its economy and safety, depends on the
soil.
The latest innovation in the field of soil stabilization is the use of nanotech-
nology. Terrasil is a water-soluble compound manufactured by the chemical
company Zydex. Terrasil nanotechnology provides a permanent water-repellent
nanolayer on all types of soils, aggregates and other inorganic road construction
materials [1], which are dominated with siliceous materials to an extent of at least
35–40%. The technology involves coating of the surfaces with silanol groups which
are converted into siloxane bonds. This siloxane bond is non-leachable. The
reaction leads to permanent nanosiliconization. It is an organo-silane technology
and forms one of the nature’s strongest naturally occurring molecular bonds.
Furthermore, Terrasil covalent bond structure continues to allow treated materials to
breathe. Water droplets remain too large to penetrate Terrasil’s hydrophobic barrier,
but much smaller water vapour droplets can easily escape. Terrasil mixed with
Zycobond gives an excellent bonding of road construction materials, erosion
control permanently and suppressed dust on the road and the environment. This
breakthrough technology makes treated soils 98% water resistant and delivers
proven results in road construction while sharply reducing soil erosion [1].

2 Objectives of the Study

The proposed study includes the following objectives:

a. To study the soil improvement using Terrasil and Zycobond;
b. To find the optimum dosage of Terrasil;
c. Comparative study of the geotechnical properties of the control soil and treated
soil;
Comparative Study and Laboratory Investigation of Soil … 759

d. To study the improvement of CBR value of the control soil and the stabilized
soil;
e. To determine the UCS of treated soil for the optimized dosage of stabilizers.

3 Literature Review

Various researchers have studied and worked to develop innovative methods of soil
stabilization that are efficient and economical with nanotechnology. The literature
cited below includes few studies relevant to the present context of study:
Nandan A Patel, Prof. C. B. Mishra, Vasu V Pancholi, in the paper titled
“Scientifically Surveying the Usage of Terrasil Chemical for Soil Stabilization”,
2015 [2] highlighted that it is always best to make use of local soil available. This
soil must be stabilized and the soil properties must be corrected using additives. It is
the responsibility of the road authorities to utilize the available soil and modify it as
per design requirements. The investigation focussed on the soil engineering prop-
erties (with and without stabilizer), standard compaction; soaked for 4 days,
California Bearing Ratio (CBR), permeability test and cyclic loading test. Terrasil
was utilized as a stabilizer and it was utilized for altered measurement, i.e. 0.041%
by dry aggregate weight of soil test. Test results indicated that geotechnical
properties got modified and CBR on stabilized clayey samples increased
substantially.
Roopika Srivastava, Prachi Kushwaha, Dr. B. L. Swami, 2016, in their paper
titled “Suitability of Nano-Chemical Stabilizer in Black Cotton Soil” [3] studied the
use of Terrasil and Zycobond in the black cotton soil. The laboratory test results
indicated that the type of soil greatly influences the performance of these
nanochemical stabilizers. Addition of nanochemical and cement improved CBR and
UCS. It is also noted that increment in dosages rate resulted in a decrement in the
consistency limits. Thus, making it clear that soil stiffening is one of the effects of
using the chemical. It makes the soil completely impermeable.
Rajshekhar G Rathod also discusses the use of Terrasil and its benefits in his
paper titled “Efficient Way to Improve Subgrade Property of Pavement by
Chemical Stabilization, 2017” [4]. It was concluded from the tests carried out in the
laboratory that chemical stabilization had more CBR value than the conventional
method of soil stabilization. Chemically stabilized soil required a lesser thickness of
sub-grade in comparison with conventional stabilization. By adding Terrasil plas-
ticity index reduced and dry density increases. Chemical stabilization using Terrasil
is economical compared to other conventional methods.
760 A. A. Mulla and K. G. Guptha

4 Materials

The following materials are used in the study. The properties and features of the
materials are discussed below.

4.1 Soil

The village of Sanquelim is mainly made of lateritic soil. The soil to be studied
belongs to Fomento Resources, Goa. It lies in the mining region. A 300 m stretch
road, connects Fomento Resources to the main road. The road is subjected to a
traffic of 3500 trucks of 80T each day over a period of 10–12 h. The SBC of the soil
is low. Furthermore, the site is situated in a region of very high rainfall. This has led
to severe soil erosion and formation of potholes. The absence of smooth surface of
roads adversely affects the vehicular traffic, causes traffic congestion and increases
the maintenance cost of the vehicles. Annual repair of roads becomes uneconom-
ical. Considering these circumstances, soil stabilization is taken up. The physical
and chemical properties of the natural soil were studied. The geotechnical prop-
erties of this soil were determined. Table 1 gives the chemical composition of the
soil at the site.

4.2 Cement

Cement is used as a binder material in general civil constructions. In soil stabi-

lization, cement is mixed with soil and admixture as a binder and to provide the
initial strength. Terrasil needs 3 days of reaction time to stabilize the soil. During
this stabilization period of 72 h, cement offers the initial strength. The cement used
is OPC Grade 43 (IS:8112-1989). A marginal amount of 1% cement is sufficient to
provide the required initial strength. The physical and chemical properties of
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) Grade 43 are listed in Table 2.

Table 1 Chemical test results on soil

S. No. Material Analysis on sample dried at 105 °C
Silica Alumina Iron Manganese Loss on ignition
1 Soil sample 21.7 7.45 41.38 1.1 8.21
Comparative Study and Laboratory Investigation of Soil … 761

Table 2 Physical and chemical properties of OPC grade 43 cement

S. Parameter—physical Results Parameter— Results
No. chemical
1 Minimum compressive strength 43 N/mm2 Loss on ignition 5%
—28 days
2 Fineness (minimum specific 225 m2/kg Insoluble residue 2%
surface)
3 Initial setting time 30 min Magnesia 6%
4 Final setting time 600 min Lime saturation 0.66 to
factor 1.02
5 Soundness 10 mm

4.3 Terrasil

Terrasil is a water-soluble organo silicane used for waterproofing soil manufactured

by Zydex industries. It works by the formation of siloxane bonds. These are one of
the strongest bonds in nature that survive for centuries. It reduces expansivity of the
soil by 90% at a dosage of 0.3–1 kg per cum for soils ranging from PI 5 to 40. This
prevents undulations and cracking in the concrete surface.1 It decreases water
permeability by 10−7 cm/s.2 It has this unique property of providing a one-way
barrier: water cannot seep into the soil but water vapour can come out. Even in the
rainy season, the sub-grade remains dry with Terrasil treatment due to >99.5%
reduction in water ingress and maintaining 100% breathability.3 CBR can be
increased up to 100 by adding cement and Zycobond. There was no harmful effect
or adverse effect on the soil after the treatment.4 The physical and chemical
properties are presented in Table 3.

4.4 Zycobond

Zycobond is a sub-micron acrylic co-polymer emulsion with long life of more than
10 years in bonding particles.5 It is manufactured by Zydex. It is used along with
Terrasil for expansivity control and bonding to strengthen and stabilize the soil.6
Water can also enter through the shoulders and slopes. Zycobond provides

1
Zydex power point presentation on Terrasil.
2
See Footnote 1.
3
See Footnote 1.
4
See Footnote 1.
5
Zydex power point presentation on Terrasil & Zycobond.
6
See Footnote 5.
762 A. A. Mulla and K. G. Guptha

Table 3 Physical and chemical properties of Terrasil

1 Physical state Liquid
2 Colour Pale yellow
3 Odour Slightly aromatic
4 Boiling point Approx. 200 °C
5 Flashpoint 90 °C
6 Density 1.04 g/ml
7 Solubility Miscible with: ethanol, methanol, alcoholic
8 Viscosity 100–500 cP @ 25 °C
9 Explosive property Not explosive
10 Oxidizing property Not oxidizing

Table 4 Physical and 1 Physical state Liquid, dispersion

chemical properties of
2 Colour Translucent
Zycobond
3 Odour Faint odour
4 pH Approx. 5.0–5.6
5 Boiling point Approx. 100 °C
6 Flashpoint >70 °C
7 Density 1–1.02 g/ml
8 Solubility partly soluble
9 Viscosity 20–200 cP @ 30 °C
10 Incompatible materials Metal salts
11 Oxidizing property not-fire propagating

waterproofing and prevents water ingress in the unpaved areas. The physical and
chemical properties are listed in Table 4.

5 Experimental Program

The experimental program for the proposed study at Fomento Resources was
planned as under.
(a) Preliminary Survey: Survey was conducted to estimate the actual length of the
road for consideration of improvement of soil stabilization. A stretch of 300 m
with a junction as suggested by the authorities was selected.
(b) Collection of sample: Representative samples were collected from the site for
conducting grain size analysis, Atterberg’s limits, strength parameters.
(c) Laboratory Analysis: The samples collected were analysed for soil properties
listed in Table 5. A combination of control and varying percentages of Terrasil
by weight of soil taken was evaluated. Optimized trial providing an efficient
Comparative Study and Laboratory Investigation of Soil … 763

Table 5 Sieve analysis for soil

Sieve Weight Cumulative wt. Cumulative % Cumulative %
size retained retained retained passing
4.75 197 197 19.7 80.3
2.36 151 348 34.8 65.2
1.18 235 583 58.3 41.7
0.6 97 680 68.0 32
0.3 93 773 7.3 22.7
0.15 88 81 86.1 13.9
0.075 64 925 92.5 7.5
Pan 75 1000 100.0 0.0

way of action was selected and further addition of other chemicals imparting
bonding and strength are worked out on the optimized mix.
In the case of roads, an important parameter normally considered, which is also
recommended by MORTH, namely the California Bearing Ratio (CBR). The code
recommends soaked CBR values are preferred in the design as compared to
unsoaked CBR. In the present study, improvement of CBR was worked out with
varying proportions of stabilizers along with cement was tested. The comparison of
the improvement was carried out by keeping a control. This comparison is shown in
Tables 8 and 11.

6 Data and Result Analysis

6.1 Survey Results

Figure 1 shows surveyed area details whose cross-section and longitudinal section
are evaluated to have first-hand information of the site. The road slopes in the
North–East direction. The road stretch to be designed is 120 m with a width of 8 m.

6.2 Soil Property Details

Based on the experiments carried out using standard procedures laid down by IS
codes, the following are considered in pavement data.
764 A. A. Mulla and K. G. Guptha

Fig. 1 Layout of the proposed road

6.2.1 Grain Size Distribution of Soil

The grain size distribution of the soil is carried out by the Sieve Analysis. In
Table 5, it is observed that 80% of the soil passes through the 4.75 mm sieve. This
indicated it is a fine-grained soil. Further, studying the percentages of soil passing
through various sieves, we can conclude it is a well-graded soil.

6.2.2 Atterberg’s Limits for Combination of Soil and Various Dosage

of Terrasil

Different proportions of admixture were added to the soil samples and tested, to
identify the optimum dosage of admixture. Codal provision states that Atterberg’s
limits must be determined and confirmed when the soil is treated with an admixture.
Table 6 gives a comparison of the Atterberg’s limits for each dosage of
Soil + Terrasil tested.
The Atterberg’s limits are lowest for the dosage of 0.04 and 0.08% Terrasil. The
shrinkage limit for the combination of soil +0.08% Terrasil is the lowest. In this
preliminary stage, it indicates that 0.08% Terrasil is the optimum dosage.
Comparative Study and Laboratory Investigation of Soil … 765

Table 6 Comparison of Atterberg’s limits

Atterberg’s Soil sample
limits Control Soil + 0.04% Soil + 0.08% Soil + 0.10% Soil + 0.80%
Terrasil Terrasil Terrasil Terrasil
Plastic limit 18.26 15.00 14.08 26.18 34.72
%
Liquid limit 21.00 16.38 18.54 25.15 33.31
%
Shrinkage 33.24 24.70 19.41 45.68 28.28
limit %

6.2.3 Determination of Optimum Moisture Content and Maximum

Dry Density for Different Dosages of Terrasil

Improvement in CBR value is a function of OMC and MDD. Trials with various
dosages of Terrasil to determine these parameters are compared in Table 7.
Figure 2 indicate the comparison of MDD corresponding to the dosage of Terrasil
with that of water content for the proportions considered. It is observed that for the
dosage of 0.08% Terrasil the MMD is high for a lower OMC, as compared to the
other proportions.

Table 7 Modified proctors test results for different dosages of Terrasil

S. Sample Trial no.
No. 1 2 3 4 5
1 Control Water content 14 16 18 20 22
%
Bulk density 18.9 19.8 20.3 21.3 21.5
(kN/m3)
2 Soil + 0.04% Water content 8 10 12 14 16
Terrasil %
Bulk density 22.9 23.8 24.3 24.6 24.9
(kN/m3)
3 Soil + 0.08% Water content 12 14 16 18 20
Terrasil %
Bulk density 20.6 21.3 21.9 22.2 21.6
(kN/m3)
4 Soil + 0.10% Water content 10 12 14 16 18
Terrasil %
Bulk density 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00 18.00
(kN/m3)
5 Soil + 0.80% Water content 12 14 16 18 20
Terrasil %
Bulk density 19.4 20.3 20.5 20.9 22.2
(kN/m3)
766 A. A. Mulla and K. G. Guptha

SIEVE ANALYSIS
90

80

70
Cumulative % Passing

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
0.01 0.1 1 10
Sieve Size

Fig. 2 Particle gradation curve

6.2.4 Determination of CBR for Various Dosages of Terrasil

CBR tests were conducted on the trial mixes designed. Table 8 presents a com-
parison between the control and test samples treated with varying dosages of
Terrasil. The unsoaked and soaked CBR values were determined. Maximum CBR
values are obtained by using 0.08% Terrasil.
Table 9 gives an overview of the comparison between the soil with varying
dosages of Terrasil and their corresponding CBR values, OMC and MDD. Thus,
from the above study, it is evident that the optimum dosage of Terrasil is 0.08% by
weight of soil. Maximum CBR value, unsoaked as well as soaked, is obtained for
this dosage of Terrasil.

Table 8 Comparison of S. No. Soil sample CBR (%)

CBR (Unsoaked and soaked)
Unsoaked Soaked
values
1 Control 29.5 8.6
2 Soil + 0.04% Terrasil 15.2 12.22
3 Soil + 0.08% Terrasil 39.64 25.25
4 Soil + 0.10% Terrasil 26.06 20.9
5 Soil + 0.10% Terrasil 14.12 2.7
Comparative Study and Laboratory Investigation of Soil … 767

Table 9 Comparative summary

Dosage of Optimum moisture Maximum CBR CBR
Terrasil content (%) Dry density (unsoaked) (soaked) (%)
(kN/m3) (%)
Control— 22 21.50 29.50 8.60
0%
0.04% 16 24.87 15.20 12.22
0.08% 18 22.12 39.64 25.25
0.10% 18 21.48 26.06 20.90
0.80% 22 22.39 14.12 2.70

6.2.5 Comparison of Physical Properties of Control and Treated

(Terrasil + Zycobond + Cement) Soil

The geotechnical properties of the soil can be further enhanced with the use of
another admixture Zycobond and Cement, along with the optimum dosage of
Terrasil. Upon addition of Terrasil, Zycobond and cement the soil showed a mar-
ginal difference with regard to physical properties. These are represented in
Table 10.

6.2.6 Comparison of Engineering Properties of Control and Treated

Soil (Terrasil + Zycobond + Cement)

The soil is mixed with 1% cement and treated with 0.075% Terrasil along with
0.075% Zycobond. The Atterberg’s Limits, OMC, MDD, and CBR value of the
treated soil is carried out. The results are compared with the control in Table 11.
The addition of cement, Terrasil and Zycobond drastically improved the geotech-
nical properties of the soil. The results indicate that 0.75% Terrasil, 0.075%

Table 10 Physical properties—comparison

Parameters Control soil Treated soil
Colour Brown Dark brown
Texture Very fine The soil becomes soft after stabilization due to adsorption of
the chemical on the surface of the soil particles
Temperature Moderate The temperature decreases after stabilization
Integrity Normal The temperature decreases after stabilization
OMC 22% Further reduction in the Optimum Moisture Content
MDD 21.50 kN/m3 Further increase in Maximum Dry Density
768 A. A. Mulla and K. G. Guptha

Table 11 Comparison of geotechnical properties: control and stabilized soil

S. No. Properties Soil + 0% Optimized BIS recommended
Terrasil combination values for roads
1 Plastic limit (%) 18.26 14.08 13.8–28
2 Liquid limit (%) 21 18.54 18.5–49.6
3 Shrinkage limit (%) 33.24 19.4 >17
4 Plasticity index (%) 2.74 4.46 2.0–5.0
5 Cohesion (kN/m2) 7.848 98.1 Should not be high
6 Angle of internal friction 31 21.8 18–32
(degree)
7 CBR (%), soaked 8.60 131.44 As high as possible
8 Optimum moisture 21.5 12.12 NA
content (%)
9 Maximum dry density 21.50 24.21 1780–2330
(kN/m3)
10 Permeability (m/s) 4.3 10−8 1.48 10−8 As low as possible
11 Free swell index (%) 14.29 8.43 <20
12 Unconfined compression – 0.55 Mpa
strength test (UCS)

Zycobond and 1% OPC Grade 43 is the optimum and economical proportion to be

used for stabilizing soil and improving its geotechnical properties.

7 Conclusions

Referring to the literature, methodology of the tests, actual experiments conducted

and the results obtained prompted to make the following conclusions.
1. The mixture of soil and Terrasil requires 72 h as a reaction time for its
stabilization.
2. The optimum dosage of Terrasil for treating soil is 0.08%.
3. Soil treated with Terrasil + Zycobond + Cement gives an improved CBR value
131.44%, as compared to CBR value 25.25% of soil treated with 0.08% Terrasil
alone. Thus, it can be concluded that addition of Zycobond and cement increases
the CBR by 6 times.
4. Combination of Terrasil + Zycobond + Cement improved the plasticity value of
soil of the soil by 1.72% decreasing the shrinkage by 60%.
5. The free swell index of soil decreased by 41% after treatment.
6. The permeability of treated soil was decreased by three folds in comparison to
control.
7. The Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) of control soil reduced by 39% after the
treatment and the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) increased by 12.6%.
Comparative Study and Laboratory Investigation of Soil … 769

8. Addition of 0.075% Terrasil and Zycobond and 1% cement in soil improved

soaked CBR value significantly to 131.44%. The effect of Terrasil on the
improvement of CBR is much effective in presence of cement and Zycobond.
9. The unconfined cube strength is 0.55 MPa for stabilized soil against control,
which has hardly any UCS value.

References

1. Zydex Industries. www.zydexindustries.com.

2. Patel, N. A., Mishra, C. B., & Pancholi, V. V. (2015). Scientifically surveying the usage of
Terrasil chemical for soil stabilization.
3. Srivastava, R., Kushwaha, P., & Swami, B. L. (2016). Suitability of nano-chemical stabilizer in
black cotton soil.
4. Rathod, R. G. (2017). Efficient way to improve subgrade property of pavement by chemical
stabilization.