SOIL ERROSION CONTROLLED BY USING DIFFERENT ADDITIVE MATERIALS

Abstract

Soil erosion is a critical environmental and geotechnical problem that significantly affects construction activities, agricultural productivity, and overall land sustainability. The present study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of low-cost soil stabilization techniques using additives such as fly ash, Robo sand, and jute fiber to control soil erosion. Laboratory and field investigations were conducted to assess the performance of stabilized red soil under simulated rainfall conditions. Initially, soil samples were mixed with varying percentages of additives, and their engineering properties were determined through Atterberg limits and Standard Proctor compaction tests to obtain Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) and Maximum Dry Density (MDD). The soil classification improved from highly plastic to low plastic categories, indicating enhanced stability. In the laboratory phase, a novel plastic bottle setup was used to simulate rainfall and measure soil erosion. Modified soil samples were subjected to uniform water flow, and eroded soil was quantified using filtration and drying techniques. In the field phase, an artificial embankment with a 20° slope was constructed, and erosion was measured under controlled water application. Results from both studies consistently showed that stabilized soils significantly reduced erosion compared to untreated soil. Among the additives, fly ash demonstrated the highest effectiveness, followed by Robo sand and jute fiber. The study concludes that the inclusion of suitable additives enhances soil resistance to erosion by improving particle bonding and reducing runoff effects. Fly ash, in particular, proved to be the most efficient stabilizer due to its cementitious properties. This research highlights the potential of using economical and sustainable materials for erosion control in construction sites and embankments. The findings contribute to environmentally friendly engineering practices and offer practical solutions for minimizing soil degradation.