NORTH EASTERN REGIONAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

BITUMINOUS STABILIZATION OF SOIL

(CE 24035 – GROUND IMPROVEMENT TECHNIQUES)

PRESENTED BY
1. Kago Tayung (D/21/CE/33)
2. Khoda Naku (D/21/CE/38)
Dr. Ajanta Kalita 3. Papung Diri (D/21/CE/41)
(Associate Professor) 4. Kobom Ronya (D/21/CE/43)
5. Gegong Leriak Tamin (D/21/CE/44)
. 6. Dug Niting (D/22/CE/210)
CONTENTS
 INTRODUNCTION
 BITUMINOUS STABLIZATION
 TYPES
1. Soil Bituminous
2. Sand Bituminous
3. Water Proofed Bituminous
4. Clay Concrete Bituminous
5. Oiled Earth Bituminous
 FACTORS
 CONSTRUCTION METHOD
 ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGE
 CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION
 Bituminous materials are non-aqueous hydrocarbons soluble in carbon
disulfide (CS₂). Tars are produced through the destructive distillation of
organic materials like coal, while asphalts mainly consist of bitumen, either
naturally occurring or refined from petroleum. Both are used in construction,
with asphalts preferred for road paving and waterproofing due to their
durability and adhesive properties.
 Examples of bituminous materials include:
1. Asphalt 4. Petroleum Bitumen
2. Tar 5. Pitch
3. Natural Bitumen
BITUMINOUS
STABILIZATION

Bituminous stabilization is a
method of improving the
strength, durability, and load-
bearing capacity of soil by
mixing it with bitumen.
.

 It is especially used in areas with weak or moisture-sensitive soils.

The bitumen acts as a binder, coating soil particles to provide stability
and resistance to water penetration.
 Applications:

 1.)Road bases and sub-bases

 2.)Airport runways

 3.)Parking lots and industrial yards

PURPOSE OF BITUMINOUS
STABILIZATION

1.)Improve soil strength and durability

2.)Reduce water infiltration and increase water resistance

3.)Provide a dust-free surface

4.)Enhance load-bearing capacity

5.)Minimize maintenance needs

TYPES OF BITUMEN
STABILIZATION

According to the Highway

Research Board of USA, there are
four types of soil-bitumen.

(1)Soil-bitumen (proper).

(2)Sand-bitumen.
Fig.- Bitumen stabilization
(3)Water-Proofed Clay Concrete Source (https://rahabitumen.com/bitumen-
emulsion-mulching/)
(4)Oiled earth
Soil-Bitumen
Stabilization
A method of soil stabilization
using bitumen to Create a
waterproof, cohesive soil
system which Enhances
strength, durability, and
resistance to weathering ,
impermeability of soil. Its
Commonly used in road bases,
sub-bases, and airport Fig. – bitumen stabilization
pavements. Source(https://
www.vimpo.com.tr/en/blog/
bitumen-emulsion)
Soil Requirements for Effective Stabilization

 1) The soil should satisfy the following sieve analysis criteria:

• Passing No. 4 sieve (4.76 mm): ≥ 50%.
• Passing No. 40 sieve (0.425 mm): 35–100%.
• Passing No. 200 sieve (0.074 mm): 10–50%.

 2) Plasticity requirements:
• Plastic limit: < 18%.
• Liquid limit: < 40%.

 3) Maximum particle size:

• Should not exceed 1/3rd of the compacted thickness of the soil-bitumen layer
2. Sand-Bitumen Stabilization

 Sand-bitumen stabilization is a technique used to enhance the

strength, cohesion, and durability of sandy soils by mixing them with
bitumen. Since sand is cohesionless and lacks binding properties,
bitumen acts as a stabilizer, creating a semi-flexible pavement layer
that is resistant to water infiltration and environmental degradation.
Properties of Sandy soil for bitumen
stabilization
 a) Free from vegetation, organic matter, or clay lumps.
b) May require filler (e.g., cement, lime) for mechanical stability.
c) it should not contain more than 25% minus the material finer
than 200 micron Sieve for dune sands and not more than 12% in
case in other types of sand.
3. Water-Proofed Clay Concrete:
 Water-proof clay concrete stabilization involves mixing clay, cement,
and bitumen to create a durable and water-resistant soil structure.
 A soil possessing a good gradation is waterproofed by a uniform
distribution of 1% to 3% bitumen.
 The sieve sizes for waterproofed clay concrete stabilization depend on
the required soil gradation and the materials used in the mix. Generally,
a well-graded mix of clay, sand, and aggregates is recommended to
achieve good compaction, strength, and waterproofing properties
.

Soils of three different gradations

have been recommended.

For the three gradations, the

percentage passing No. 200 sieve
varies between

1. 8 to 12 U.S. Sieve tables

https://uta.pressbooks.pub/soilmechanics/chapter/sieve-
2. 10 to 16 and analysis/

3. 13 to 30
Oiled Earth Stabilization
Oiled earth stabilization is a method of improving the strength, durability,
and water resistance of soil by mixing or spraying it with bituminous
materials such as cutback bitumen, asphalt emulsion, or crude oil. This
technique is commonly used for low-cost road construction, dust
control, and erosion prevention.
In this system, a soil surface consisting of silt-clay material is made

waterproof by spraying bitumen in two or three applications.

.

 Slow or medium-curing bitumen or emulsions are used. The

bitumen penetrates only a short depth into the soil.
 The amount of bitumen required is about 5 liters per square metre
of the soil surface.
Factors affecting the bituminous stabilization:
1. Type of Soil
2. Bitumen Content
3. Moisture Content of the Soil
4. Compaction and Density
5. Curing Time
6. Temperature
7. Additives and Modifiers
8. Mixing and Application Method
.

1. Type of Soil:
 Clay soils typically require more bitumen for effective stabilization.

 Coarse-grained soils may require less bitumen, whereas fine-grained

soils require more for adequate stabilization.

2. Bitumen Content:
 Too little bitumen will not effectively bind the soil, while too much
bitumen can result in excess binder, leading to weakening or instability.
.

3. Moisture Content of the Soil:

 Excess moisture can hinder bitumen’s ability to coat the soil
effectively, leading to poor stabilization and soil too dry can cause
bitumen to be absorbed too quickly, leading to insufficient
stabilization.

4. Compaction and Density:

 Soil must be compacted to a specific density to ensure the bitumen
forms a uniform bond with the soil particles and under-compaction
may lead to weak spots
.

Curing Time:
 Bituminous stabilization requires proper curing to allow the
bitumen to harden and bond effectively with the soil particles.
 Curing time may vary depending on environmental conditions.

6. Temperature:
 Higher temperatures can improve the penetration and bonding of
bitumen with soil particles. In colder conditions, the viscosity of
bitumen increases, making it more difficult to apply effectively.
.

7. Additives and Modifiers:

 Additives like fibers and modifiers like lime, cement etc… help
improve the strength, reduce the need for excessive bitumen, and
provide better resistance to environmental conditions.

8. Mixing and Application Method:

 The method of mixing bitumen with the soil and the application
technique can affect the final outcome.
 A uniform mix and application process are essential for optimal
stabilization.
Construction Methods
1. Site Preparation:
Clear the area of vegetation, debris, and organic matter. Level and grade the surface
to ensure uniform stabilization. Identify drainage requirements to prevent water
accumulation.
2. Soil Testing and Selection of Bitumen:
Conduct soil tests to determine properties such as grain size, plasticity index, and
moisture content. Choose a suitable bituminous material based on soil type and
environmental conditions:
• Cutback Bitumen – Suitable for cold regions.
• Bitumen Emulsion – Ideal for wet conditions.
• Asphalt Cement – Used for high-strength applications
3. Application of Bitumen
• Surface Treatment Method:
Spray hot bitumen (60–70% concentration) over the soil surface. Mix the bitumen with
the topsoil using mechanical graders or mixers.
• Bitumen-Mixed Stabilization Method:
Bitumen is mixed with the soil in a pug mill (plant mixing) or on-site using a stabilizer
machine. The amount of bitumen is usually 3-7% of the soil weight, depending on soil
type.
• Bitumen-Emulsion Stabilization Method:
Bitumen emulsion (50–60% concentration) is sprayed over the soil. The soil is mixed
thoroughly until a homogeneous mixture is achieved.
4. Compaction
Compact the stabilized soil using rollers (pneumatic, vibratory, or sheep-foot rollers).
Maintain the optimum moisture content during compaction to achieve maximum density.
5. Curing and Setting
• Allow the stabilized layer to cure for 24–48 hours to enable proper bonding.
• The curing time depends on temperature, humidity, and type of bitumen used.
6. Final Surfacing
• Apply a wearing course, such as an asphalt layer or seal coat, to protect the
stabilized base.
• Ensure proper drainage to enhance the longevity of the stabilized soil.

 However, the following points should be noted.

1. The optimum volatile content for compaction is generally much greater than that
for stability. The volatile content required for thorough mixing may be even greater,
especially for clayey soils. It is, therefore, necessary to aerate the mix between mixing
and compaction and between compaction and application.
2. To obtain a high stability, the layer method of construction is preferred. Each layer
is kept about 5 cm thick. When the lower layer has dried up, the subsequent layer is
laid. The total thickness for bases is kept between 10 to 20 cm.

3. In the mix-in-place method, the bitumen is sprayed in several passes. Each layer is
partially mixed before the next pass. This method prevents the saturation of the
surface of the subgrade.

4. Climatic conditions influence the amount of bitumen that can be applied, as the
amount of fluid (moisture) already present is the soil depends upon the climatic
conditions.
Advantages:

 Improved Soil Stability

 Reduced Water Absorption

 Cost-Effectiveness

 Ease of Construction and Repair

 Smooth Riding Surface

 Flexibility
Disadvantages:
 Environmental Concerns

 Brittleness

 Susceptibility to Weather

 Potential for Raveling

 Short Service Life

Conclusion
 Bituminous stabilization is an effective method for enhancing the strength, durability,
and moisture resistance of soil, making it suitable for road construction and other
infrastructure projects. By incorporating bitumen, the treated soil exhibits improved
load-bearing capacity, reduced susceptibility to water infiltration, and enhanced
resistance to deformation under traffic loads.
 This method is particularly useful in areas where conventional stabilization techniques
may not be viable due to high moisture content or weak soil conditions. However, the
success of bituminous stabilization depends on factors such as proper material selection,
appropriate mixing techniques, and adequate curing time.
 While it offers advantages such as cost-effectiveness and long-term performance,
challenges like environmental concerns and the need for specialized equipment should
be addressed. Overall, bituminous stabilization is a reliable technique for soil
improvement, contributing to the sustainability and longevity of road infrastructure.
References
 Afrin Habiba, (2016): A review on different types soil stabilization techniques.

 Udaya MSri, (2016): Study of Laterite Soil Stabilization using Bitumen

Emulsion.

 Kota Prudhvi Teja, (2011): Improvement of silty soil as subgrade material by

stabilizing with bituminous emulsion.

 E.L. Jhones, (2012): Experimental study on bitumen soil stabilization.

 Vijender Kumar, R.K. Bansal, (2019): An experimental study on the behaviour

of a sandy soil by using cutback Bitumen.
THANK YOU