SUDDA SOIL – A STABILISING MATERIAL FOR BLACK COTTON SOIL

Abstract

The black cotton soil, are widely distributed in many parts of the world and are well-known for their problematic engineering behaviour. These soils exhibit excessive swelling when wet and significant shrinkage when dry, leading to severe damage to foundations, pavements, and other civil infrastructure. Their low bearing capacity, poor shear strength, and high plasticity make them unsuitable for construction unless properly stabilized. In this context, soil stabilization becomes a crucial technique to improve the performance of such soils. This project investigates the potential of using Sudda soil, a naturally occurring material, as a stabilizing agent for black cotton soil. Sudda soil is locally available and has shown promising results in traditional construction practices due to its binding and strengthening characteristics. The main objective of this study is to analyse how the addition of Sudda soil affects the geotechnical properties of black cotton soil and whether it can serve as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional stabilizers like lime or cement. A series of laboratory tests were conducted on both untreated and treated soil samples. These tests include determination of Atterberg limits (liquid limit, plastic limit), standard Proctor compaction. Various proportions of Sudda soil were mixed with black cotton soil to identify the optimum content that provides maximum strength and stability. The experimental results shows a significant improvement in soil properties, such as reduced plasticity, increased maximum dry density, improved bearing capacity. This study contributes to sustainable construction practices, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where access to industrial stabilizers is limited.