Performance, Problems and Remedial Measures for the Structures Constructed on Expansive Soil in Malwa Region, India

The Present paper deals with the properties of expansive soil in Indore (Malwa region), Madhya Pradesh, India. The expansive soil here especially posses a problem to many Structures and National Highways constructed which is caused due to presence of mineral Montmorillionite. This paper presents the case study about the Performance, Problems, and Remedial measures for the Structures Constructed on expansive Soil. The swelling characteristics of expansive soil and its effects on the structures are being revealed. Expansive soil popularly known as Black Cotton Soil presents a very challenging task for construction work in Malwa region. The effect of adding Gypsum, Crude oil and Laying CNS (Cohesive Non-swelling) layer on expansive soil is studied. In areas with very less probability of seismic activities, vibratory ground improvement can reduce the potential for liquefaction and ground deformation due to lateral spreading. Various tests are performed on the expansive soil to determine its Swelling Pressure test, Tri- axial Compression Test, Optimum Moisture Content, Conducting Field Density, Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, Shrinkage Limit, Specific Gravity etc. The experimental results of this paper seeks to explore and explain the phenomena causing swelling and the attendant damage based on a local setting, and on the basis of this study various multiple remedial measures are given to overcome the swelling of expansive soils by different means and it is found that swelling pressure decreases with increase in bearing capacity of soil by addition of Gypsum, Crude oil, Laying CNS layer and use of Under-reamed piles (single bulb) under economical consideration.