Silane-Based Compounds for Enhancing Black Cotton Soil Stability

Abstract

Black cotton soils contain minerals which attracts water and which in turn reduces the strength. Hence it is necessary to blend these soils with suitable stabilizer which can enhance the strength properties of soil and to establish hydrophobic in nature in soils. With this connection, current research is proposed to use silane-based compound (Silica and Hydrogen based compound) as stabilizing agent.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The field of invention pertains to geotechnical engineering and soil stabilization technologies, specifically focusing on the enhancement of problematic soils, such as black cotton soil, through chemical stabilization methods.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
[002] Black cotton soil, characterized by its high clay content and significant shrink-swell behaviour, poses considerable challenges in construction and civil engineering. This type of soil, prevalent in regions like India, is known for its expansive properties, which can lead to structural damage if not adequately managed. Traditional methods of stabilization often involve mechanical compaction, the addition of lime, cement, or other additives, which can improve soil properties but may not fully mitigate the issues related to plasticity and volume change.
[003] The stabilization of black cotton soil is essential for Improving load-bearing capacity, reducing plasticity index, minimizing shrink-swell potential, Enhancing overall durability and lifespan of infrastructure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[004] The invention focuses on the use of silane-based compounds as an innovative approach to stabilize black cotton soil, which is known for its problematic expansive properties. This method aims to enhance the engineering characteristics of the soil, making it more suitable for construction applications.
[005] Silane-based compounds interact at the molecular level with soil particles, improving bonding and reducing plasticity. This helps mitigate the soil's shrink-swell behavior.
[006] The addition of silane enhances the load-bearing capacity of black cotton soil, leading to higher unconfined compressive strength and better overall stability.
[007] Treated soils exhibit a significant decrease in plasticity index, which is crucial for reducing potential structural damage due to soil movement.
[008] The hydrophobic nature of silanes reduces water absorption and improves resistance to moisture-related issues, thereby prolonging the lifespan of structures built on the treated soil.
[009] This stabilization method is more environmentally sustainable compared to traditional techniques, minimizing the carbon footprint associated with lime or cement stabilization.
[010] Analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that silane treatment leads to a denser soil matrix, contributing to improved mechanical interlocking and overall stability.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[011] This invention involves using silane-based compounds to improve the stability and engineering performance of black cotton soil, a type of expansive soil with high clay content that exhibits significant shrink-swell behaviour in response to moisture changes. Black cotton soil poses challenges for construction and infrastructure due to its tendency to expand when wet and contract when dry, leading to structural instability. By enhancing its stability, this invention aims to make black cotton soil a more suitable and reliable foundation material for construction.
[012] The primary objective of this invention is to stabilize black cotton soil by modifying its physical and mechanical properties, especially its tendency to expand and contract. By reducing its water absorption and enhancing its load-bearing capabilities, the silane-based treatment transforms black cotton soil into a more predictable and manageable construction material. This stability minimizes soil movement, leading to a safer foundation for buildings, roads, and other infrastructure projects.
[013] The detailed description of this invention outlines a novel approach to stabilize black cotton soil using silane-based compounds. This method effectively addresses the challenges associated with expansive soils, enhancing their physical and mechanical properties, which is crucial for safe and durable construction. Future research may focus on long-term performance assessments and field applications to further validate the efficacy of this stabilization technique. , C , Claims:[014] 1. A method for stabilizing black cotton soil, comprising: applying a silane-based compound selected from alkyl silanes, amino silanes, or epoxy silanes to the black cotton soil; Wherein the silane-based compound is mixed in an amount of 1% to 4% by weight of the dry soil.
[015] 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the silane-based compound is dissolved in a solvent selected from ethanol or water before application to the soil.
[016] 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of preparing the black cotton soil by air-drying and sieving to achieve uniformity in particle size prior to application of the silane-based compound.
[017] 4. A composition for stabilizing black cotton soil, comprising: A silane-based compound; a solvent; Optional additives selected from surfactants and polymeric agents.
[018] 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the silane-based compound reduces the plasticity index of the black cotton soil, thereby enhancing its load-bearing capacity.
[019] 6. A method of enhancing the load-bearing capacity of black cotton soil, comprising: treating the soil with a silane-based compound; Curing the treated soil for a period of 7 to 28 days.
[020] 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the treated black cotton soil exhibits an increase in unconfined compressive strength compared to untreated soil.
[021] 8. A stabilized black cotton soil composition, obtained by treating black cotton soil with a silane-based compound as claimed in any of claims 1-7, characterized by reduced plasticity and improved mechanical strength.
[022] 9. A method of improving the durability of structures built on black cotton soil, comprising: Applying a silane-based compound to the soil; Enhancing moisture resistance through chemical stabilization.
[023] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the application of the silane-based compound is conducted through spraying or mixing techniques to ensure even distribution.

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