Application of Taguchi Method for Optimization of Various Factors in Improving the Shear Modulus of Enzyme Treated Soil

摘要

In this study, the effect of dosage of enzyme (50 to 400 ml/m(3)), curing period (7 to 28 days) and cyclic triaxial loading test parameters such as confining pressure (50 to 200 kPa), loading frequency (0.25 to 1 Hz) and loading rate (0.3 to 0.9%) on the shear modulus of enzyme stabilized soil is investigated. Taguchi method has been applied to the cyclic triaxial tests, and L16 orthogonal array with five factors and four levels was selected. Analysis of variance was carried out to study the significant factors affecting the response. Among the selected factors considered for the study, curing period is found to be the most effective parameter on the shear modulus of the enzyme treated soil. With the increase in dosage of the stabilizer, there is a significant improvement in the shear modulus of the treated soil. The increase in shear strain amplitude and loading frequency decreases the shear modulus. The higher value of shear modulus was obtained for the specimen with dosage of enzyme 400 ml/m(3) after a curing period of 28 days under a confining pressure of 200 kPa, loading frequency of 0.25 Hz and cyclic shear strain amplitude of 0.3%.