Effect of Density and Moisture on the Properties of Cohesive Soil

An experimental study has been carried out to observe the effect of density and moisture on property of cohesive (expansive) soil. At a constant grading of a soil its effect on strength, swelling pressure, permeability and CBR value has been undertaken, as soils are to be used for making road pavement, embankments, dams etc. In such case compaction of soil becomes very important. The stability of an embankment will greatly be influence by the shear parameters which are depend upon the degree of compaction. Similarly resistance to penetration, swelling pressure and permeability also depends upon the degree of compaction i.e. the density achieved at the site. In the present study the effect of varying the density and moisture has been studied to determine the properties of cohesive soil namely expansive black cotton soil. It has been concluded that by increasing the dry density, the undrained shear parameters (C & Φ) are improved; CBR is increased while swelling pressure and permeability are decreased. By increasing the moisture content, the undrained shear parameters & CBR have decreased while swelling pressure increased and permeability remain unaffected.