EXPERIMENTAL STUDY EFFECT OF ZEOLITE GRADATION AND

VARIATION OF WATERGLASS ACTIVATION TO UNCONFINED

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF LATERITE SOIL STABILIZED BY
ZEOLITE
Achmad Bakri Muhiddin1, Marthen M.Tangkeallo2
1
Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi
2
Doctoral Study Program, Civil Engineering Departement, Faculty of Engineering, Hasanuddin University,
Makassar, South Sulawesi

Email : achmad_muhiddin@yahoo.com

Abstract
Soil improvements are commonly done in construction work to increase the bearing capacity of the
soil so that it can withstand the load of structure. This research was initiated by performing laterite
soil sampling and laboratory testing to determine the untreated soil properties using the unconfined
compression test. All test performed followed ASTM standard. The purpose of the test is to
determine the value of the unconfined compressive strength of laterite stabilized by zeolite material
passing sieve #10, #40 dan #100. The mixture then activated by adding waterglass with varied
amount and different curing time. The laterite soil dominated by iron oxide which is in brownish red
FeO. The stabilizing material zeolite dominantly contains alumina silicate SiO2 with four main
functions: ion exchange, adsorption, catalyst and molecular filtering. While waterglass is a
composition of sodium metasilicate. Stabilization conducted by mixing 16% natural zeolite passing
sieve #10, #40 #100 with waterglass variations of 2%, 4% dan 6% based on soil’s dry weight. The
samples were tested after 0, 7, 14 and 28 days of curing. The results of the test showed an increasing
value of the unconfined compressive strength of the laterite soil stabilized by zeolite activated by
waterglass and with the increasing presentation of the activator. The unconfined compressive
strength (qu) of untreated soil was 0,998 kg/cm2. The Unconfined compressive strength increasing
with higher content of finer zeolite in mixture. The unconfined compressive strength at 28 days of
curing time for mixture with zeolite passing sieve #10, #40, #100, with 6% waterglass, are higher as
much as 17 times, 20 times and 22 times than untreated laterite soil.

Kata kunci: Laterite Soil, Waterglass, Zeolite, UCT

1.Introduction

The need for building materials in some areas is often problematic as it is difficult to obtain, or it is
expensive and limited amount. One method that can be used to solve this problem is to use local soil
stabilization to improve soil performance or improve the geotechnical properties of the soil chemically, so
that the soil meets certain technical requirements. The soil that can be developed is a very potential laterite
soil in the Toraja North Regency area in Southern Sulawesi. Laterite soil is dominated by iron compound
FeO 59.96% [1], brownish red to yellowish red in colour, fine texture, nodular granular form and well
cemented.[2]. The physical properties of laterite soils vary considerably depending on the mineral
composition and particle size distribution of the soil particles. Granulometry can vary from fine grains
to gravel depending on the origin and formation process, so it will affect geotechnical properties such
as plasticity and compressive strength. One of the advantages of the soil is that it is not easy to dissolve
in water, it depends on the content of clay minerals it contains. [3]. The area of these soil in Indonesia is
estimated at 8,085 million hectares divided between Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Irian Jaya and
Java. [4]
 The stabilizing material zeolite has a crystalline mineral of SiO2 alumina silicate between 64.57%
and 81.83%. [1]. Sangkaropi Zeolite Potential in North Toraja Regency, in South Sulawesi Province,
has resources of approximately 168,480,000 tons over an area of 360,000 m². [5]. Zeolite is a hydrated
porous crystalline alumina mineral silicate that has a three-dimensional skeletal structure formed from
a tetrahedron [SiO4]4- and [AlO4]5-. The two above tetrahedra are connected by oxygen atoms, producing
an open and hollow three-dimensional structure inside which are filled with metal atoms. usually
alkaline or alkaline-earth metals and water molecules that can move freely [6]. Zeolite is particularly
used in the paper industry, food drying, oxygen purification, depollution (radioactive waste, household
waste, SO2 gas capture, feed additives, deodorants), release ammonia nitrogen from plants, release of
metal ions into water, fishing and ponds, agriculture and other industries. [7]
Waterglass or sodium silicate is a water-soluble salt with a sodium metasilicate composition
(Na2SiO3 or NaSiO39H2O). In solid form, it looks like a crystal, dissolves in hot water and melts at a
temperature of 1018 ° C. Waterglass with its form of liquid so that the soil pore can be filled by binding
it to become stronger. Even at room temperature, the form is in the form of a gel, but with the addition
of appropriate water, the movement to penetrate the pores of the soil becomes easier [8]. With particular
attention to local material potential, this study aims to analyze the physical and mechanical
characteristics of laterite soils and to determine the value of unconfined compressive strength on the
effect of curing time by comparing stabilization materials of the zeolite that passes through different
sieves.

2. Methodology
Location
Material used are examined from the location below:
 Laterite soil taken from Tallunglipu, North Toraja, South Sulawesi. zeolite taken from Sangkaropi
village, Sa’dan, North Toraja, about 355 km north Makassar Cityas The Capital City of South
Sulawesi Province. Coordinate 157o-158o15’ E dan 2o50’45”-2o52” S. Activator used are sodium
silica also known as waterglass.
 Basic Properties and Engineering properties of the soil are tested at Soil Mechanics Laboratory, Civil
Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Hasanuddin University, at Gowa Regency, South
Sulawesi.

Experimental Program
This research was initiated by conducting laterite soil sampling and laboratory tests to determine
the untreated soil propertis using the Unconfined Compression Test. This test is guided by ASTM for
each test. The natural zeolite stabilizing material used is filtered passing through sieve #10, #40 and
#100 cured for 0, 7, 14 and 28 days. The laterite soil is mixed with waterglass in the variation of 2%,
4% and 6% the weight of the laterite soil and the addition of a zeolite stabilization material 16% from
the weight of dry soil.
Laboratory test conducted to determine physical properties including water content, atterberg
limits, particle size distribution, while mechanical properties test includes compaction test and
unconfined compression test.
Table 1. Specimen Mix Design
Unconfined Compressive Strength Sample
Mix (%)
(kg/cm2) Qty
Num Zeolite Laterite
Zeolite Waterglass
Soil 0 Day 7 Days 14 Days 28 Days
100 0 0 3 3
S1 82 2 3 3 3 3 12
S2 #10 80 4 3 3 3 3 12
S3 78 6 3 3 3 3 12
S4 82 2 3 3 3 3 12
S5 #40 80 16 4 3 3 3 3 12
S6 78 6 3 3 3 3 12
S7 82 2 3 3 3 3 12
S8 #100 80 4 3 3 3 3 12
S9 78 6 3 3 3 3 12

3. Result and Discussion

X-RD and EDS Result on Laterite Soil and Zeolite

Figure 1. X-Ray Difraction of Laterite Soil

 Table 2. Chemical Composition of Laterite Soil

Substant Molecule %
Aluminium Al2O3 17,72
Silicon SiO2 19,15
Titanium TiO2 3,00
Iron FeO 59,96
Potassium K2O 0,05
Magnesium MgO 0,12
Source : Microstructure Laboratorium of Physics Departemen Makassar State
University
[2], d=3.3462(6), 2-theta=26.617(5)

59.96% iron dioxide and 19.72% silicon dioxide, followed by 17.72% aluminum, are the chemical [5], d=2.7105(4), 2-theta=33.020(6)

[9], d=1.63490(6), 2-theta=56.218(2)

components of the laterite soil.

[7], d=2.2134(3), 2-theta=40.731(6)

[6], d=2.4245(6), 2-theta=37.049(9)
[3], d=3.1304(11), 2-theta=28.489(10)

[8], d=1.9164(3), 2-theta=47.400(7)

[12], d=1.4487(3), 2-theta=64.240(17)

[11], d=1.5031(3), 2-theta=61.654(14)
[1], d=4.262(3), 2-theta=20.824(14)

8.0e+003

[10], d=1.543(2), 2-theta=59.89(9)

[4], d=3.040(3), 2-theta=29.35(3)

6.0e+003
Intensity (cps)

4.0e+003

2.0e+003

0.0e+000
10 20 30 40 50 60 70

1000
Intensity (cps)

-1000

10 20 30 40 50 60 70
2-theta (deg)

Figure 2. X-Ray Difraction of Natural Zeolite

Table 3. Chemical Components of Natural Zeolite

Substant Molecule %
Sodium Na2O 0,52
Magnesium MgO 0,63
Aluminium Al2O3 4,94
Silicon SiO2 78,54
Sulfur SO3 8,26
Potassium K2O 1,23
Calcium CaO 1,17
Iron FeO 4,65
Titanium TiO2 0,05
Source : Microstructure Laboratorium of Physics Departemen Makassar State
University
 The chemical component of the zeolite is dominated by 78.54% silicon dioxide and 8.26% sulfur
trioxide, followed by 4.94% aluminum.

The characteristics of the waterglass have a specific gravity of 1.54 with a chemical components
of sodium oxide (Na2O) at 12.18%, silicate oxide (SiO2) at 33.20% and the water (H2O) at 54.62%. The
similarity of the three laterite soil stabilization materials, zeolite and waterglas, which has the water
absorption properties, has a strong and resistant texture, both contains silica (SiO2) oxide, laterite soil
and zeolite contains ferrite (FeO)

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Laterite Soil

The results of the test can be used to determine soil type according to AASHTO soil
classification, Laterite Soil classified as A-5, which means that the soils comprising silt. Crushed
granules are dominated by silt fractions of 58.10%. The value of the unconfined compressive strength
of laterite soils is 0.998 kg / cm2 indicates that the laterite soil is classified in medium consistency.
Dry density (γdry max) = 1,512 gr/cm3 reached at optimum moisture content (ωopt) = 25,00%. The
purpose of the compaction tests is to increase the density of the soil, which means to increase the soil
resistance to bear the load, increase the stability and reduce settlements. The analysis of the particle size
distribution of the laterite soil grains was carried out by sieving analysis and hydrometer analysis. The
compaction test was carried out to obtain the characteristics of the maximum soil density and the
optimum water content, which was then used to determine the initial conditions of the soil and soil
strength test sample (load capacity of the soil).
The results of the test are shown in Table 4.

Table 4. Basic Properties and Mechanical Properties of Laterite Soil

No Test Result Testing Soil
Soil Characteristics Method Classification
Units Result
A. Basic Properties
1 Specific Gravity (Gs) - 2,68 D-126
2 Initial Water Content (w) % 32,42 D 2216-98
3 Sieve Analysis C-136-06
a. Gravel % 15,20 Laterite Soil
b. Sand % 10,20 Silty Soil A-
c. Silt % 58,10 5 according to
d. Clay % 16,50 AASHTO,
and MH
4 Atterberg Limits
according to
a. Liquid Limit (LL) % 59,75 D – 423-66
USCS
b. Plastic Limit (PL) % 47,35 D – 424-74
c. Plasticity Index (PI) % 12,40 D – 424-74
B. Mechanical Properties
1 Standard Proctor D – 698
a. Max Dry Density gr/cm 3 1.512
b. Optimum Moisture Content (wopt) % 25,00
 Unconfined Compressive Strength of Laterite Soil Stabilization using Zeolite Activated by
Waterglass

Changes in unconfined compressive strength after the specimen remolded in cylindrical shape
with diameter of 5,5 cm and 11 cm high. Specimen then tested according to each curing time to find out
whether the chemical reactions are completed.
The Mix between Laterite Soil and Zeolite based on standard proctor condition, at maximum dry
density and optimum water content. The unconfined compressive strength (qu) of the mix increasing
linear as the more waterglass added and the longer curing time given
.
Table 5. Unconfined Compressive Strength of Laterite Soil Stabilization Using Zeolite Activated by
Waterglass
Mixed Variations (%) Unconfined Compressive Strength
Zeolite Laterite (kg/cm2)
Zeolite Waterglass
Soil 0 Day 7 Days 14 Days 28 Days
82 2 4.44 14.13 15.26 15.72
#10 80 4 4.64 14.31 15.64 17.08
78 6 4.82 14.89 16.40 17.45
82 2 5.00 17.94 18.85 19.76
#40 80 16 4 5.19 18.33 19.60 20.90
78 6 5.24 18.89 20.15 21.48
82 2 5.56 18.13 19.08 20.15
#100 80 4 5.78 18.52 20.02 21.09
78 6 5.99 19.08 20.88 21.87

20a)WG2% b)WG4%
24
22
20
15 18
qu (kg/cm2
qu (kg/cm2

16
14
10 Untreated Soil 12 Untreated Soil
)

10
Z16%#10 8 Z16%#40
5 6
Z16%#10 4 Z16%#40
2
0 Z16%#10 0 Z16%#40
0 Day 7 Days 14 28 0 Day 7 Days 14 28
Days Days Days Days
Curing Time (days) Curing Time (days)
 24 c)WG6%
22
20
18
qu (kg/cm2
16
14 Untreated Soil
12
10 WG 2%#100
8
6 WG 4%#100
4
2 WG 6%#100
0
0 Day 7 Days 14 Days 28 Days
Curing Time (days

Figure 3. Relation Between Unconfined Compressive Strength and Curing Time on

Variation of Waterglass a) WG2%, b)WG4% dan WG6%

As shown in figure 3 at curing time 0 day to 7 days the unconfined compressive strength
increased significantly about 13 times, and slowly increase to 28 days. It shows that the reaction
effectively occurs for 7 days.

a) WG2%Z16%
24 24b)WG4%16%
22 22
20 20
18 18
16 0 Day 16
qu (kg/cm2

0 Day
qu (kg/cm2

14 14
12 7 Days 12 7 Days
10 10
14 Days 14 Days
8 8
6 28 Days 6 28 Days
4 4
2 2
0 0
#10 #40 #100 #10 #40 #100
 24 c)WG6%Z16%
22
20
18
16 0 Day
qu (kg/cm2 14
12 7 Days
10 14 Days
8
6 28 Days
4
2
0
#10 #40 #100

Figure 4. Relation Between Unconfined Compressive Strength and Zeolite Grains on

Variation of Waterglass a) Z16WG2%, b) Z16%WG4% danZ16% WG6%

Based on figure 4 the unconfined compressive strength of zeolite grains #10 to #40 increasing
about 4 times, while grains #40 to #100 it only increases about 1 time.
4. Conclusion
The characteristics of laterite soils being classified as silt with medium consistency. The gradation
difference of the zeolite affects the value of the unconfined compressive strength, the finer the gradation,
the higher unconfined compression strength. This may indicate that zeolite may be a proper filler that
stabilizes the soil well and that the waterglass can reduce the permeability of the soil. The highest
unconfined compressive strength reaches at zeolite passes sieve #100 with 28 days of curing time
namely 21,87 kg/cm2 or 22 times compared to untreated soil.

References

[1] Tangkeallo M.M, Samang L, Djmaluddin A.R and Muhiddin A.B. 2018. “Experimental Study Of
Laterite Soil Stabilized With Zeolite” ”The 4th ISID. Manado Indonesia October 12, 2018
[2] Achampong. F, R Adjetey R A, Boadu F, Boso N. D, L.P. Chegbele L.P. (2013) Chemical
Stabilization of Laterite Soils for Road construction, International Journal of Scientific &
Engineering Research, Volume 4, Issue 11, November-2013 ISSN 2229-5518
[3] Tardy, Yves (1997), Petrology of Laterites and Tropical Soils. ISBN90-5410-678-6. Retrieved
April 17,2010

[4] Torus, 2012, Distribution of Laterite land in Indonesia, http://allaboutpertanian.blogspot.com

[5] Kartawa W. Kusumh,D.K Zeolite Potential in Sangkaropi-Mendila Regions, Tana Toraja, South
Sulawesi, Geology Journal and Mineral Resources, 2010
[6] Demirbas.G (2009) Stabilization Of Expansive Soils Using Bigadic Zeolite, Thesis,
https://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12610671/index.pdf
[7] Bell, R.G. (2001), “What are Zeolite?”, http://www.bza.org/zeolites.html. January 15, 2007