Soil Stabilization of Expansive Soil: A Civil Engineering Report

This report presents an experimental investigation into the stabilization of expansive soil using pond ash. The study covers the application of various engineering principles, including soil mechanics and material science, to address the challenges posed by expansive soil. The research involves a comprehensive analysis of soil properties, such as liquid limit, plasticity index, and swelling potential, along with the application of different percentages of pond ash to the soil. The experimental methodology includes conducting tests like CBR, sieve analysis, direct shear, and compaction tests to evaluate the effectiveness of pond ash in improving soil characteristics. The report details the methodologies, results, and analysis of these tests, demonstrating the impact of pond ash on soil strength, compressibility, and durability. The findings provide valuable insights into the potential of pond ash as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for soil stabilization in construction projects, contributing to improved infrastructure performance and environmental benefits.

Summary Statement for Professional
Engineers
Competency Element A brief summary of how you have applied
the
element
Paragraph number in
the career episode(s)
where the element is
addressed
PE1 KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL BASE
PE1.1 Comprehensive, theory based understanding
of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and
the engineering fundamentals applicable to the
engineering discipline.
I have done this project with the
objective of stabilization of expansive soil
with pond ash
CE 1.1, CE 1.2.1, CE 1.2.2
PE1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics,
numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and
information sciences which underpin the engineering
discipline.
At first, I decided to clear my doubts on
soil stabilization technique and gain a
conceptual understanding, before
initiating my work.
CE 1.2.1, CE 1.2.2
PE1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of
knowledge within the engineering discipline. I had to apply my in depth knowledge
and skills for soil stabilization and ensure
soil durability is tested with different
experiments with my team.
CE 1.2.3, CE 1.2.4
PE1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and
research directions within the engineering discipline. Since it was a group work, our
supervisor divided the work and I got
different responsibilities like
understanding soil stabilization, selecting
pond ash material and doing two tests.
CE 1.2.3, CE 1.2.5
PE1.5 Knowledge of contextual
factors impacting the engineering
discipline.
I have chosen pond ash in the work as it
has the ability of identifying the
advantages of soil stabilization and then
apply them successfully.
CE 1.2.5
PE1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms,
accountabilities and bounds of contemporary
engineering practice in the specific discipline.
I made a set of objectives that are
needed to be executed in the work after
understanding the project scope
properly.
CE 1.2.2
PE2 ENGINEERING APPLICATION ABILITY
PE2.1 Application of established engineering methods
to complex engineering problem solving. I had few distinct responsibilities in the
work and amongst them, I conducted
two tests of CBR and sieve analysis. It
was done by applying different
engineering methodologies.
CE 1.2.5, CE 1.3.1
PE2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques,
tools and resources. I had to identify the swelling soil
properties with proper application of the
techniques and testing.
CE 1.3.1, CE 1.3.2
PE2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis
and design processes. The soil bearing capacity was being
noted by me with the help of Terazaghi
bearing capacity factors and CBR tests
CE 1.3.1, CE 1.3.2

and sieve analysis.
PE2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the
conduct and management of engineering projects. I have used a proper methodology for
doing several tests like swelling, sieve
analysis, CBR, direct shear, liquid limit
and many more.
CE 1.3.1, CE 1.3.3
PE3 PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
PE3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. I have maintained professional and
ethical attributes by successfully
mitigating the issue, faced by us in CBR
testing.
CE 1.3.4.1, CE 1.3.4.2
PE3.2 Effective oral and written communication in
professional and lay domains. With an effective communication, I was
able to communicate with my team
members and complete project
documentation.
CE 1.3.6
PE3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. The minute details for the project work
were focused in the work to ensure
innovativeness.
CE 1.3.5
PE3.4 Professional use and management of
information. The information was shared and
managed by all the team members with
a collaborative and innovative manner.
CE 1.3.6, CE 1.4.1
PE3.5 Orderly management of self and professional
conduct. A proper management of professional
conduct was executed by all us and each
of us completed our assigned
responsibilities.
CE 1.3.6, CE 1.4.2
PE3.6 Effective team membership and team
leadership. Quality was kept on top priority and we
ensured that no employee is working
excessively, hence team membership
was considered on top priority.
CE 1.3.5, CE 1.3.6