Analysis of Bioenzyme Stabilization for Soil Improvement Project

This civil engineering project focuses on the stabilization of black cotton soil using the bioenzyme Terrazyme. The project involved a comprehensive study of soil properties, experimental design, and laboratory testing, including CBR and unconfined compression tests. The student investigated the effects of Terrazyme on soil strength, compaction, and bearing capacity, aiming to optimize the dosage of the bioenzyme for effective soil stabilization. The research included an analysis of the impact of Terrazyme on CBR values, pavement design thickness, and overall soil improvement. The student identified and mitigated issues related to test accuracy and developed plans for innovative project execution, collaborating with a supervisor to ensure project alignment. The project's findings demonstrated the successful enhancement of soil properties through bioenzyme stabilization, leading to increased CBR values and improved foundation performance, with potential for reducing pavement design thickness. The project provides valuable insights into the application of bioenzymes in civil engineering for soil stabilization and infrastructure development.

CE 1.1 Information of Project
Name of this Project: Understanding the effect of Bioenzyme with Stabilization
Tests
Project’s Location: [Please fill]
Duration of the Project: [Please fill]
Organization Involved: [Please fill]
Position within Project: Developer of the project
CE 1.2 Background
CE 1.2.1 Characteristics of the Project
Enzymes are protein particles, which act as catalysts in different living cells. The
catalysts increment the rate at which different chemical reactions take place without getting
consumed or altered. This type of chemical reaction is the procedure, which is responsible for
converting 1 or more substances like reactants, substrates or reagents to any other type of
substance. Bio enzyme are safer for the human health and environment, as compared to other
chemical products. In this project, I have studied the effect of bio enzyme over the quality of
sub grade or base course layers as well as its major influence on the pavement system.
Moreover, I even have optimized the quantity of bio enzyme only to be utilized as a
stabilising agent, by doing stabilization tests. Hence, in this work, I have successfully
executed a stabilization test, after identification of mechanics of soil stabilization and
different parameters and features related to Terrazyme.

CE 1.2.2 Objectives of the project
I understood that the main objective of stabilization test is reduction of expenses and
also utilize the locally available materials efficiently. Most of the common applications of
soil stabilization is observed in the road construction and airfield pavement designing. These
enzymes are responsible for enhancing the soil properties and also altering geo technical soil
properties. I have used Terrazyme for the project work. The few developed objectives of the
project are:
 To study the experimental output by completing stabilization tests.
 To study the overall effect of Bio enzyme on the quality of sub grade or base course
layers as well as its major influence on the pavement system.
 To select Terrazyme as the main element or Bio enzyme for this project work.
 To optimize the quantity of bio enzyme to be utilized as the major stabilizing agent as
well as the extent of stabilization of strength gain with time.
 To analyze the effect of addition of Terrazyme for improvement of CBR value of soil.
 To find future scope for the study and check if the absorbed layer thickness is
reduced.
CE 1.2.3 My work area
I was chosen as the significant project developer for this particular work of bio
enzyme. Before starting the work, I decided to clear my doubts related to bio enzyme by
accessing Internet and scholarly articles. I researched properly and then I was successful in
clearing my doubts and as a result, it led to the development of soil stabilization techniques. I
had to choose a suitable and appropriate technique for stabilization for the work, after I
considered the major soil properties. I did not include any other team member in my work as
I was confident enough to complete the work, all by myself.

CE 1.2.4 Project chart
Figure 1: Structure of the team
CE 1.2.5 My responsibilities
To finish this specified work of testing of bio enzyme with stabilization test, my first
duty was to research about different types of bio enzymes. After significant testing, I selected
Terrazyme for the work as it is being utilized as a soil stabilizer in road construction
infrastructure. As a result, it helps in improving the soil properties. I have checked and
analysed the effect of addition of Terrazyme to improve CBR value of the soil. I even had to
study the experimental output after completing different stabilization tests and also study the
effect of bio enzyme over the quality of sub grade or base course layers as well as its major
influence on the pavement system. I even had to optimize the quantity of Terrazyme that was
to be utilized as the main stabilizing agent and also check the extent of gain of strength
stabilization with time.

CE 1.3 Personal Engineering Activity
CE 1.3.1 Theory of Project
I had taken up the theoretic understanding of bio enzymes and stabilization testing. I
understood that the mechanics of soil stabilization include different parameters, such as
evaluation of the soil properties, designing of the stabilized soil mixture for obtaining
expected stability value, consideration of a construction process with sufficient compaction of
different stabilized layer, increment of the drain capability of the soil, reduction of volume
changes, increasing shearing resistance and many more. Chemical stabilization is being
executed with the help of cement, fly ash, lime, bituminous materials as well as any other
stabilization of chemical admixtures. I have used Terrazyme in this work for stabilization of 5
types of soil with varying index properties. Moreover, I have also carried out several
laboratory tests for ascertaining advantages, in respect to the decrease in design thickness.
The properties of Terrazyme are as follows:
Table 1: Properties of Terrazyme
CE 1.3.2 Engineering knowledge and application of skills in the Project
For executing this work, I had applied familiarity related to stabilization tests and bio
enzyme. These tests were needed for executing the work properly and also ensure that the

project outcomes are proper and accurate, as compared to the rest of the bio enzyme related
experiments.
CE 1.3.3 Tasks performed by me
A proper methodology for this particular work was used. Two stages were carried out
in this process. During the 1st stage, I have completed the soil characterization and during the
2nd stage, I have added Terrazyme to the soil in 2 dosages of 0.05% and 0.1%.
I have used two vital materials of black cotton soil and Terrazyme for the work.
Different laboratory tests conducted by me in this project work, include grain size
distribution by sieve analysis, unconfined compressive strengths, compaction test, CBR test
and permeability test.

Table 2: Observations of CBR Test
Table 3: Standard load and penetration of CBR Test

Figure 2: Graph between Penetration and Load
Similarly, I also got results from the other 4 tests and was finally capable to obtain
proper outcome for this project work. I checked that the addition of Terrazyme had increased
CBR test from 6.1667% to 8.809% and the maximum CBR test value is being gained at
0.5ml was high with the value of 8.809%. After completion of soil stabilization, I checked
that the bearing capacity of the structure foundation was increased and the strength, resistance
to washout and water tightness were improved. With the help of CBR and unconfined
compression strength test, the pavement design thickness has decreased to the range of 25-
40%.
CE 1.3.4 Issue identified and mitigated
1.3.4.1 Issue
The major issue that I have faced was while execution of unconfined compression
test. I had selected different dosages of Terrazyme of 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% with seven and

fourteen day’s period. Although, the 7 day’s period result was accurate, I was unable to gain
proper knowledge of 14 days. As a result, the project work was getting delayed.
1.3.4.2 Mitigation
After checking this issue, I understood that the calculation of 1% dosage of 14 days
curing was erroneous. Finally, I could obtain accurate results.
Table 3: UCC of 14 days curing (1%)
CE 1.3.5 Plan for innovation
The main plan, which I have made for this work was to ensure that the every step is
being executed sequentially. I segregated the work into different steps and was finally able to
execute it successfully.

CE 1.3.6 Collaborated work
For work collaboration, I have ensured that my project supervisor is checking the
work progress and it is getting completed as per our planning.
CE 1.4 Overall Project Summary
CE 1.4.1 Overview of the Project
I successfully increased the CBR test value from 6.1667% to 8.809%, after obtaining
the maximum CBR test value of 0.5 ml. I completed the soil stabilization technique to ensure
that the bearing capacity of the foundation structure is getting increased and the respective
negative attributes of the work are getting reduced.
CE 1.4.2 My Contributions
My main contribution to the work included studying the overall effect of Terrazyme
with the help of soil stabilization technique. I have conducted five tests for this purpose, such
as CBR and UCC.