Evaluation of Index Properties of DuneSand and Clays from All over the Indian
Desert by Laboratory Investigation
Er. Pratibha Panwar
Department of Civil Engineering, Government College of Engineering and
technology Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
[email protected]
Dr. Ameta N. K.
Professor, M. B. M. Engineering College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
[email protected]
ABSTRACT
The Thar Desert, also known as ‘The Great Indian Desert,’ is the seventh largest desert in the
whole world. It covers the northwest part of India, mostly in the state of Rajasthan (340,000
km2 area), and southeast Pakistan. Rajasthan the ‘land of kings’ is the largest state of the
Republic of India in regards to its’ area. Geographically, the Thar Desert extends from Sutlej
River, surrounded by the Aravalli ranges on the east, on the south by salt marsh known as the
great Rann of Kutch and on the west by Indus River. Its’ boundary to the large thorny steppe
to the north is ill defined. Topographically the larger portion of the state is dry region, faces
inadequate and indecisive rains. The nature of soil present in this region enlarges the difficulty
in almost all of the areas of livelihood. Dune sand is in general cohesionless soil and non
plastic with the major setback that it is having a very high hydraulic conductivity of the range
1×10-2 m/sec to 1×10-4 m/sec. The sand of Thar region is almost uniform in particle size and
shape which is generally rounded. Thus, to consider this sand dune functional, it is essential to
blend it with such an admixture which can augment the sand of this region. The best suited
admixture for use is clay that is natural, easily available, non-toxic, inexpensive, workable and
weather resistant. This paper focuses on the index properties which are mandatory to be
known before they can be put for work. An elaborate lab testing was done to determine these
properties.
KEYWORDS:
Sand, desert, India, Thar Desert
INTRODUCTION
The north western part of the country engages the well known desert as “The Great Indian
desert known as Thar Desert”. Due to lack of water, seepage through the sandy soil, and absence
of impermeable nature of soil, Dune sand is a soil that is difficult to be handled. Large seepage is
reported through sandy soil in channel etc. Water logging is a reason of high seepage. Another
problem is salination. Infiltration of moisture is also one of its’ bad features. Many researchers
have attempted to control this problem of seepage by chemicals, gaur gum, cements, water
proofing compounds, etc. Unfortunately, researchers could not achieve the desirable character of
the material. This desired character consists of a material that is inexpensive, non toxic, whether
resistant, natural, workable and would require less maintenance.
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Vol. 18 [2013], Bund. P
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For this research an attempt has been made after a thorough survey of the Thar Desert to
ascertain the material that can produce impervious soil as dune sand. For this intention clay from
all over the Thar Desert was collected and examined.
Figure 1: Map showing places of collection of samples of dune sand and clay.
Figure 2: Flow chart showing Places considered in the study from the Thar Desert
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MATERIALS USED FOR STUDY
Dune Sand
Dune sand is a local material available almost everywhere in the Thar region. The Dune sand
is windblown with uniform grading. Dune Sand from four places was collected as stated below
such that they cover the entire Thar Desert and they possess more or less similar characteristics.
1. Bikaner
2. Suratgarh
3. Jaisalmer
4. Sanchor
The physical properties of the dune sand samples were determined by the following standard
methods with their prevailing IS codes:

Water content was determined by oven- drying method (Standard Method) as per IS
2720: Part 2: 1973

Specific gravity for dune sand was determined by Density Bottle method as per IS
2720(part II 1980).

The samples were tested for particle Size Distribution (Grain size analysis) by Sieve
analysis as per IS 2720(Part IV)-1965.

For determination of liquid and plastic limit, IS 2720: Part V: 1985 was used.

Dune sand samples under considered are uniformly graded fine dune sand and as per
unified soil classification system symbolised as SP.
Table 1.1 to 1.4 enlists the physical properties of each sample (i.e. Dune Sand) from different
chosen places of Thar Desert as mentioned above.
Table 1: Physical Properties: Dune Sand (Suratgarh)
No.
Property
Value
1.
Specific gravity
2.652
2.
Natural moisture content (%)
0.98
3.
Size fractions
Coarse sand (2-4.75mm) (%)
Medium sand (0.425- 2mm) (%)
Fine sand (0.075-0.425mm) (%)
Silt & Clay< 0.075mm (%)
0
0.80
98.40
0.70
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4.
Effective particle size (D10)
0.144
5.
Coefficient of uniformity,(Cu)
1.523
6.
Coefficient of curvature, (Cc)
1.003
7.
Plasticity index
0.90
8.
Maximum dry density g/cc
1.675
9.
O.M.C (%)
14.56
10.
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec.)
4.456x10-4
Table 2: Physical Properties: Dune Sand (Bikaner)
No.
Property
Value
1.
Specific gravity
2.667
2.
Natural moisture content (%)
0.99
3.
Size fractions
Coarse sand (2-4.75mm) (%)
Medium sand (0.425- 2mm) (%)
Fine sand (0.075-0.425mm) (%)
Silt & Clay< 0.075mm (%)
0
0.90
98.30
0.80
4.
Effective particle size (D10)
0.142
5.
Coefficient of uniformity,(Cu)
1.527
6.
Coefficient of curvature, (Cc)
1.001
7
Plasticity index
1.00
8
Maximum dry density g/cc
1.652
9
O.M.C (%)
14.90
10.
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec.)
5.650x10-4
Table 3: Physical Properties: Dune Sand (Jaisalmer)
No.
Property
1.
Specific gravity
2.662
2.
Natural moisture content (%)
0.97
3.
Value
Size fractions
Coarse sand (2-4.75mm) (%)
0
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Medium sand (0.425- 2mm) (%)
0.90
Fine sand (0.075-0.425mm) (%)
98.10
Silt & Clay< 0.075mm (%)
0.70
4.
Effective particle size (D10)
0.143
5.
Coefficient of uniformity,(Cu)
1.525
6.
Coefficient of curvature, (Cc)
1.000
7.
Plasticity index
0.98
8.
Maximum dry density g/cc
1.655
9.
O.M.C (%)
15.05
10.
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec.)
4.345x10-4
Table 4: Physical Properties-Dune Sand (Sanchor)
S.No.
Property
Value
1.
Specific gravity
2.599
2.
Natural moisture content (%)
0.98
3.
Size fractions
Coarse sand (2-4.75mm) (%)
0
Medium sand (0.425- 2mm) (%)
0.7
Fine sand (0.075-0.425mm) (%)
98.15
Silt & Clay< 0.075mm (%)
0.76
4.
Effective particle size (D10)
0.144
5.
Coefficient of uniformity,(Cu)
1.529
6.
Coefficient of curvature, (Cc)
1.003
7.
Plasticity index
1.10
8.
Maximum dry density g/cc
1.685
9.
O.M.C (%)
15.05
10.
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec.)
4.728x10-4
Clay
Clay is a general term including many combinations of one or more clay minerals with traces
of metal oxides and organic matter, with Montmorillonite as key clay mineral (Wikipedia).
Samples of clay were collected keeping in mind the place of the collection of Dune sand
so as to make the work economical. Clays from nearby areas were collected.
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Five spots were collected as stated below:
1. Hanumangarh
2. Kolayat
3. Bap
4. Palanpur
5. Bhuj
Table 1.5 to 1.14 enlists the physical properties of sample i.e. Clay from different places
The physical properties of the clay samples were determined by the following below
mentioned methods:

The samples were tested for particle Size Distribution (Grain size analysis) by Sieve analysis
as per IS 2720(Part IV)-1965.

For determination of Atterbergs limit (liquid and plastic limit), IS 2720: Part V: 1985 was
used.

Water content was determined by oven- drying method (Standard Method) as per IS 2720:
Part 2: 1973
Specific gravity for dune sand was determined by Density Bottle method as per IS 2720(part
II 1980).
As per Unified soil classification system (USCS) the clay samples lie under fine grained soil.
The Casagrande’s plasticity chart symbolises the clays samples used as CH i.e. inorganic clays of
high plasticity, liquid limit greater than 50% and impervious in nature. The Casagrande’s
plasticity chart shows the clays used as CH i.e. inorganic clays of high plasticity, liquid limit
greater than 50% and impermeable in nature. For heavy clay plasticity index is > 150 and for light
clay plasticity index is < 150.
Table 5: Physical properties of light clay (Hanumangarh)
No.
Property
Value
1.
Specific gravity
2.115
2.
Natural moisture Content (%)
12.00
3.
Atterberg limits
Liquid
119.00
Plastic
27.00
Plasticity index
92.00
4.
Volumetric shrinkage (%)
271.00
5.
Shrinkage limit (%)
35.51
6.
Maximum dry density g/cc
1.72
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7.
O.M.C (%)
26.73
8.
Cohesion (undrained)(kg/cm2)
0.22
9.
Angle of internal friction ø (undrained)
90
10.
Cohesion (drained)(kg/cm2)
0
11.
Angle of internal friction ø (drained)
130
12.
2
Unconfined compression test (kg/cm )
1.49
13.
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec.)
X 10-7
Table 6: Physical properties of heavy clay (Hanumangarh)
No.
Property
Value
1.
Specific gravity
2.297
2.
Natural moisture Content (%)
13.00
3.
Atterberg limits
Liquid
Plastic
Plasticity index
189.00
32.00
157.00
4.
Volumetric shrinkage (%)
272.00
5.
Shrinkage limit (%)
37.25
6.
Maximum dry density g/cc
1.75
7.
O.M.C. (%)
27.53
2
8.
Cohesion (undrained)(kg/cm )
0.23
9.
Angle of internal friction ø (undrained)
80
10.
Cohesion (drained)(kg/cm2)
0
11.
Angle of internal friction ø (drained)
140
12.
2
Unconfined compression test (kg/cm )
1.52
13.
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec.)
10-9
Table 7: Physical properties of light clay (Kolayat)
No.
Property
Value
1.
Specific gravity
2.123
2.
Natural moisture Content (%)
10.00
3.
Atterberg limits
Liquid
154
Plastic
45
Plasticity index
109
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4.
Volumetric shrinkage (%)
270
5.
Shrinkage limit (%)
36.16
6.
Maximum dry density g/cc
1.713
7.
O.M.C (%)
26.75
2
8.
Cohesion (undrained)(kg/cm )
.21
9.
Angle of internal friction ø (undrained)
905’
10.
Cohesion (drained)(kg/cm2)
0
11.
Angle of internal friction ø (drained)
100
12.
2
Unconfined compression test (kg/cm )
1.51
13.
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec.)
10-7
Table 8: Physical properties of heavy clay (Kolayat)
No.
Property
Value
1.
Specific gravity
2.324
2.
Natural moisture Content (%)
11
3.
Atterberg limits
Liquid
292
Plastic
52
Plasticity index
240
4.
Volumetric shrinkage (%)
271
5.
Shrinkage limit (%)
37.26
6.
Maximum dry density g/cc
1.72
7.
O.M.C (%)
27.57
2
8.
Cohesion (undrained)(kg/cm )
.23
9.
Angle of internal friction ø (undrained)
907’
2
10.
Cohesion (drained)(kg/cm )
0
11.
Angle of internal friction ø (drained)
110
12.
2
Unconfined compression test (kg/cm )
1.54
13.
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec.)
10-9
Table 9: Physical properties of light clay: Bap
No.
Property
Value
1.
Specific gravity
2.134
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Natural moisture Content (%)
3.
12
Atterberg limits
Liquid
153
Plastic
20
Plasticity index
133
4.
Volumetric shrinkage (%)
270
5.
Shrinkage limit (%)
36.25
6.
Maximum dry density g/cc
1.71
7.
O.M.C (%)
26.45
2
8.
Cohesion (undrained)(kg/cm )
0.22
9.
Angle of internal friction ø (undrained)
806’
10.
Cohesion (drained)(kg/cm2)
0
11.
Angle of internal friction ø (drained)
110
12.
Unconfined compression test (kg/cm2)
1.51
13.
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec.)
5.637 x 10-7
Table 10: Physical properties of heavy clay: Bap
No.
Property
Value
1.
Specific gravity
2.333
2.
Natural moisture Content (%)
14
3.
Atterberg limits
Liquid
285
Plastic
47
Plasticity index
238
4.
Volumetric shrinkage (%)
274
5.
Shrinkage limit (%)
37.29
6.
Maximum dry density g/cc
1.73
7.
O.M.C (%)
27.52
2
8.
Cohesion (undrained)(kg/cm )
0.24
9.
Angle of internal friction ø (undrained)
901’
2
10.
Cohesion (drained)(kg/cm )
0
11.
Angle of internal friction ø (drained)
130
12.
2
Unconfined compression test (kg/cm )
1.52
13.
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec.)
10-9
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Table 11: Physical properties of light clay (Palanpur)
No.
Property
Value
1.
Specific gravity
2.212
2.
Natural moisture Content (%)
9
3.
Atterberg limits
Liquid
182
Plastic
37
Plasticity index
147
4.
Volumetric shrinkage (%)
291
5.
Shrinkage limit (%)
36.10
6.
Maximum dry density g/cc
1.55
7.
O.M.C (%)
24.86
8.
Cohesion (undrained)(kg/cm2)
0.21
9.
Angle of internal friction ø (undrained)
70
10.
Cohesion (drained)(kg/cm2)
0
11.
Angle of internal friction ø (drained)
110
12.
Unconfined compression test (kg/cm2)
1.72
13.
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec.)
x 10-7
Table 12: Physical properties of heavy clay (Palanpur)
No.
Property
Value
1.
Specific gravity
2.373
2.
Natural moisture Content (%)
11
3.
Atterberg limits
Liquid
254
Plastic
40
Plasticity index
217
4.
Volumetric shrinkage (%)
295
5.
Shrinkage limit (%)
36.38
6.
Maximum dry density g/cc
1.57
7.
O.M.C (%)
25.92
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8.
Cohesion (undrained)(kg/cm2)
0.24
9.
Angle of internal friction ø (undrained)
80
10.
Cohesion (drained)(kg/cm2)
0
11.
Angle of internal friction ø (drained)
120
12.
2
Unconfined compression test (kg/cm )
1.75
13.
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec.)
x10-9
Table 13: Physical properties of light clay (Bhuj)
No.
Property
Value
1.
Specific gravity
2.152
2.
Natural moisture Content (%)
11
3.
Atterberg limits
Liquid
155
Plastic
21
Plasticity index
133
4.
Volumetric shrinkage (%)
270
5.
Shrinkage limit (%)
36.75
6.
Maximum dry density g/cc
1.71
7.
O.M.C (%)
27.25
2
8.
Cohesion (undrained)(kg/cm )
0.21
9.
Angle of internal friction ø (undrained)
901’
2
10.
Cohesion (drained)(kg/cm )
0
11.
Angle of internal friction ø (drained)
100
12.
2
Unconfined compression test (kg/cm )
1.52
13.
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec.)
3.575 x 10-7
Table 14: Physical properties of heavy clay (Bhuj)
No.
Property
Value
1.
Specific gravity
2.434
2.
Natural moisture Content (%)
13
3.
Atterbergs limit
Liquid
277
Plastic
35
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Plasticity index
242
4.
Volumetric shrinkage (%)
272
5.
Shrinkage limit (%)
37.25
6.
Maximum dry density g/cc
1.74
7.
O.M.C (%)
27.55
2
8.
Cohesion (undrained)(kg/cm )
0.22
9.
Angle of internal friction ø (undrained)
902’
2
10.
Cohesion (drained)(kg/cm )
0
11.
Angle of internal friction ø (drained)
110
12.
Unconfined compression test (kg/cm2)
1.53
13.
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec.)
1.930 X 10-9
The tables (1.15 & 1.16) enlisted below show the chemical properties of sample i.e. Clay,
from different places as mentioned above. It can be seen that the percentage of SiO2 is larger;
whereas the percentage of Fe2O3 seems to be comparatively smaller. Other parameters vary.
Table 15: Chemical properties of light clay (Hanumangarh)
No.
Analyte
%
1.
SiO2
58
2.
Al2O3
12.50
3.
Fe2O3
4.86
4.
CaO
5.2
5.
MgO
1.6
6.
Na2O
1.4
7.
TiO2
0.60
8.
P2O5
0.2
9.
K 2O
0.13
10.
Loss of ignition
15
Table 16: Chemical properties of heavy clay (Hanumangarh)
No.
Analyte
%
1.
SiO2
59
2.
Al2O3
11.80
3.
Fe2O3
4.73
4.
Cao
4.43
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5.
MgO
1.51
6.
Na2O
2.06
7.
TiO2
0.58
8.
P2O5
0.2
9.
K2O
0.15
10.
Loss of ignition
15
RESULT
The results express that clay may be mixed with dune sand to make sand soils and impervious
material due to its very low hydraulic conductivity range from 1x10-7 to 1x 10-9 cm/sec and other
index properties. As a result, the mix of dune sand and clay can be used to solve various
engineering problems.
CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION
Dune sand is in general cohesionless soil and non-plastic with the major setback that it is
having a very high hydraulic conductivity of the range 1X10-2 m/sec to 1X10-4 m/sec. The sand
of the Thar region is almost uniform in particle size and shape (generally rounded). Hence to
formulate this dune sand functional it is essential to blend it with such an admixture that can
augment the sand of this region and in addition should be natural, easily available, non-toxic,
inexpensive, workable and weather resistant; therefore, clay as an admixture was chosen to be
supplemented to existing sand. From the tables above it may be concluded that the dune sand
throughout the entire Thar region posses similar properties and nature. The clay from the Thar
region has an excellent permeability of range from 1x10-7 to 1x 10-9 cm/sec, which shows that the
clay found in the region is impervious in its’ character. The clay has a very high plasticity index,
which again supports the fact that the clay is impervious and may be used for augmentation of
dune sand for this desert.
Vol. 18 [2013], Bund. P
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REFERENCES
1. Ameta N.K., et.al. Characteristics, Problems and Remedies of Expansive Soils of
Rajasthan, India. EJGE,(2007)
2. Clelyi A.G., et.al. Industrial Applications of Bentonite. Soil Science (1990), 150(4).
3.
Grim, R.E. and Guven, N. (1978). “Bentonite: geology, mineralogy, properties and
uses.” Developments in sedimentology 24. Elsevier Amsterdam.
4. Green, W.H. and Ampt, G.A. (1911). “Studies in soil physics.” Journal Agri. Sci., 4:
1-24.
5. Saravanakumar A., et.al. Seasonal Variations in Physico-Chemical Characteristics of
Water, Sediment and Soil Texture in Arid Zone Mangroves of Kachchh-Gujarat.
Journal of Environmental Biology September 2008, 29(5) 725-732 (2008).
6. Singh Alam (1967). “Soil Engineering in Theory and Practice.” Asia Publishing
House, Bombay.
© 2013, EJGE
Vol. 18 [2013], Bund. P
3261
Evaluation of Index Properties of Dune-Sand and Clays from All over
the Indian Desert by Laboratory Investigation
By
Assistant Professor Er. Pratibha Panwar
Department of Civil Engineering, Government College of Engineering and
Technology Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
(Co-Author by Prof. (Dr.) Ameta N.K.)
Er. Pratibha Panwar is an Assistant Professor in Department of Civil
Engineering, Government College of Engineering and Technology Bikaner,
Rajasthan, India. She has done her Masters degree in Geotechnical
Engineering from MBM, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, INDIA. She has more than of
eight years’ experience in teaching field. Till date she has guided more than
35 projects on various fields of Civil Engineering and especially in
Geotechnical Engineering. Other than teaching she has organized various
Seminars and Conferences in her specialized areas and has attended as well.
Mailing Address:
Er. Pratibha Panwar (Assistant Professor)
Department of Civil Engineering, Government
College of Engineering and Technology Bikaner,
Rajasthan, India
[email protected]
+91-0-9414293426