Dissertations Guided

Name: Mr M Ashok Kumar (Roll No: 21CEREP04)

Thesis Title: Effect of Cross-linked Biopolymer Inclusion on the Geotechnical Behaviour of Soils Exhibiting Different Plasticity Characteristics

Digital Identifier: NA

Thesis Submission Date: 05 December 2025 

Brief Abstract: The current study investigates the effect of Guar gum (G) and Xanthan gum (X) inclusion along with their combined effect in enhancing the geotechnical properties of three different soils exhibiting different distinct plasticity characteristics. The effectiveness of crosslinked biopolymer inclusion in soils has been investigated by assessing alterations in consistency limits, compaction characteristics, shear strength, erosion and compressibility characteristics. Microstructural analyses such as SEM and FTIR have been used to elucidate the probable interaction mechanism responsible for the observed changes in biopolymer-treated soils. 

Select Publications

1. M. Ashok Kumar, Arif Ali Baig Moghal, Romana Mariyam Rasheed and Ateekh Ur Rehman (2025). Enhancing Durability and Erosion Resistance of Soils with Varying Plasticity using Crosslinked Biopolymers. Scientific Reports. Vol. 15, Article No. 12572. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-96977-6     

2. M Ashok Kumar, Arif Ali Baig Moghal, Kopparthi Venkata Vydehi and Abdullah Almajed (2023). Embodied Energy in the Production of Guar and Xanthan Biopolymers and their Cross-linking Effect in Enhancing the Geotechnical Properties of Cohesive Soil. Buildings. Vol. 13, No. 9. Article No. 2304. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092304 

Links:

Orcid:  https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7432-3214 

Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=58380336200 

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=WfikQx0AAAAJ   

Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/M-Ashok-Kumar-3 

Sci Profile: https://sciprofiles.com/profile/MAshokKumar    

Name: Dr Romana Mariyam Rasheed (Roll No: 21CEPJ020)

Thesis Title: Geotechnical Behavioural Studies on Low Organic Soil Treated with Chitosan and Casein Biopolymers

Digital Identifier: NA

Degree Award Date: 30 November 2024 

Brief Abstract: The current study investigates the influence of two hydrophobic biopolymers, namely chitosan and casein, on the modification of strength, compressibility, and stability under saturated conditions of low organic soil. The effect of dosage and curing period on the efficacy of biopolymer-treated soil is also evaluated. The multivariate non-linear regression models were developed to predict strength and compressibility parameters, displaying an R2 value of 0.99 and establishing a perfect correlation between the dependent and independent variables. From reliability analysis, Chitosan outperformed casein and attained a reliability index of 3 at 1.2% and 2.25% dosages for application as an embankment and subgrade material. The current study demonstrates the applicability of biopolymer-treated low organic soil for bulk civil engineering applications and also aids practising engineers in adopting suitable dosages and mixing criteria to be adopted in the field.

Select Publications

1. Romana Mariyam Rasheed, Arif Ali Baig Moghal, B. Munwar Basha and Abdullah Almajed (2025). Effect of Chitosan and Casein on the CBR behavior of silty clay for low volume roads: Reliability-based design optimization approach. Construction and Building Materials. Vol. 473, No. 2025, pp. 141014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.141014  

2. Romana Mariyam Rasheed, Arif Ali Baig Moghal, Munwar B Basha and Abdullah Almajed (2024). Target Reliability-Based Design Optimization Studies on Cohesive Soil amended with Chitosan and Casein for Liner Applications. Scientific Reports. Vol. 14, Article No. 14202. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-64408-7 

3. Romana Mariyam Rasheed and Arif Ali Baig Moghal (2024). Efficacy of Crustacean and Protein-based Biopolymer Inclusion on the Strength Characteristics of Organic Soil. International Journal of Geomechanics. Vol. 24, No. 11, pp.  04024249 https://doi.org/10.1061/IJGNAI.GMENG-10012 

4. Romana Mariyam Rasheed and Arif Ali Baig Moghal (2024). Compressibility and Durability Characteristics of Protein-based Biopolymer Amended Organic Soil. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering. Vol. 36, No. 7, pp. 04024154. https://doi.org/10.1061/JMCEE7.MTENG-17285     

5. Romana Mariyam Rasheed, Arif Ali Baig Moghal, Sai Sampreeth Reddy Jannepally, Ateekh Ur Rehman and Bhaskar C. S. Chittoori (2023). Consolidation and Shrinkage Characteristics of Chitosan Amended Soft Soil - A Sustainable Alternate Landfill Liner Material. Buildings. Vol. 13, No. 9, Article No. 2230. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092230 

6. Romana Mariyam Rasheed, Arif Ali Baig Moghal, Rambabu S and Abdullah Almajed (2023). Sustainable Assessment and Carbon Footprint Analysis of Polysaccharide Biopolymer-Amended Soft Soil as an Alternate Material to Canal Lining. Frontiers in Environmental Science. Vol. 11, Article No. 1214988. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1214988  

7. Romana Mariyam Rasheed and Arif Ali Baig Moghal (2022). Critical Appraisal of the Behavioral Geo-mechanisms of Peats/Organic Soils. Arabian Journal of Geosciences. Vol. 15, No. 12, Article No. 1123. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-10396-9  

Links:

Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6504-3517  

Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57482331800 

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=z5zkSZ4AAAAJ&hl=en  

Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Romana-Mariyam-Rasheed 

Sci Profile: https://sciprofiles.com/profile/romanamrasheed    

Name: Dr G Amulya (Roll No: 719015)

Thesis Title: Behavioural Studies on Cohesive Soil Amended with Granite Sand and Calcium Lignosulphonate

Digital Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10603/489550

Degree Award Date: 16 September 2023 

Brief Abstract: This work concentrated on the sustainable blending of Granite Sand (GS) along with Calcium Lignosulphonate (CLS) at varying dosages in enhancing the geotechnical properties of an intermediate compressible clay. The performance indicators chosen were unconfined compressive strength, hydraulic conductivity, and California bearing ratio behaviour. The interaction mechanism between soil and GS blended with CLS was established by relying on micro-level studies. The carbon footprint analysis carried out for a 3.75m wide and 2 km long stretch low-volume road with 30% GS and 0.5% CLS addition to clay as a subgrade layer, revealed that there are significant savings in terms of carbon emission factors when the subgrade layer is prepared using lime (6%) and cement (4%) at their respective optimum dosages. 

Select Publications

1. Gudla Amulya, Arif Ali Baig Moghal and Abdullah Almajed (2023). Sustainable Binary blending for Low Volume Roads - Reliability-Based Design Approach and Carbon Footprint Analysis. Materials. Vol. 16, No. 5, Article No. 2065. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16052065  

2. Gudla Amulya, Arif Ali Baig Moghal, B Munwar Basha and Abdullah Almajed (2022). Coupled Effect of Granite Sand and Calcium Lignosulphonate on the Strength Behavior of Cohesive Soil. Buildings. Vol. 12, No. 10, Article No. 1687. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101687 

3. Amulya G, Arif Ali Baig Moghal and Abdullah Almajed (2021). A State-of-the-Art Review on Suitability of Granite Dust as a Sustainable Additive for Geotechnical Applications. Crystals. Vol. 11, No. 12, Article No. 1526. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst11121526   

Links:

Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5099-5972  

Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57383258500 

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=2n_YhuEAAAAJ  

Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amulya-Gudla 

Sci Profile: https://sciprofiles.com/profile/Amoolya  

Name: Dr K Venkata Vydehi (Roll No: 718004)

Thesis Title: Effect of Biopolymer Inclusion on the Geotechnical Behaviour of Cohesive Soil

Digital Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10603/439608 

Degree Award Date: 04 September 2022

Brief Abstract: This work concentrated on the use of biopolymers (‘Guar gum’, a non-ionic polysaccharide and ‘Xanthan gum’, an anionic polysaccharide) having low embodied energy levels compared to conventional stabilizers, in modifying the geotechnical properties of an intermediate plastic clay. The performance indicators chosen were unconfined compressive strength, compressibility characteristics and the stability of biopolymer treated soil under saturated conditions. The soil-biopolymer interaction mechanisms were established relying on microlevel studies. In addition, CO2 emissions associated with these biopolymers at the production stage were evaluated. This thesis corroborated the fact that, biopolymer treatment can be a sustainable alternative to conventional soil stabilization methods.

Select Publications

1. Vydehi KV, Arif Ali Baig Moghal and Munwar B Basha (2022). Target Reliability-Based Design of Embankments using Biopolymer Modified Cohesive Soil. International Journal of Geomechanics. Vol. 22, No. 8, pp. 04022115. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0002429 

2. Vydehi KV, Arif Ali Baig Moghal and Munwar B Basha (2022). Reliability-based Design Optimization of Biopolymer-Amended Soil as an Alternative Landfill Liner Material. Journal of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste. Vol. 26, No. 3, pp. 04022011. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)HZ.2153-5515.0000697    

3. Vydehi KV and Arif Ali Baig Moghal (2022). Effect of Biopolymeric Stabilization on the Strength and Compressibility Characteristics of Cohesive Soil. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering. Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 04021428. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0004068      

4. Arif Ali Baig Moghal and Vydehi KV (2021). State-of-the-art Review on Efficacy of Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum Inclusion on the Engineering Behavior of Soils. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions. Vol. 6, Article No. 108, pp.1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-021-00462-8   

5. Arif Ali Baig Moghal, Vydehi K V, Moulali Baig Moghal, Rayan Almatrudi, Abdullah Almajed and Mosleh Ali Al-Shamrani (2020). Effect of Calcium Based Derivatives on the Consolidation, Strength and Lime Leachability Behavior of Expansive Soil. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering. Vol. 32, No. 4, pp. 04020048. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0003088 

Links:

Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3110-3163 

Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57215817203 

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=xF2AedQAAAAJ&hl 

Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kopparthi-Vydehi 

Sci Profile: https://sciprofiles.com/profile/Vydehi 

Name: Dr Mohammed Abdul Lateef (Roll Number: 1HK17PCA01)

Thesis Title: Efficacy of EICP (Enzyme Induced Carbonate Precipitation) Techniques for Tropical Soils – Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Applications

Digital Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10603/421178 

Degree Award Date: 10 March 2022

Brief Abstract: This work concentrated on the use of Urease Enzyme sourced from Jack beans, in improving the geotechnical and geoenvironmental performance of two native Indian soils. Sorption and desorption tests were conducted on artificially metal spiked (Cd+2, Ni+2 and Pb+2) soils to quantify the contaminant remediation potential of enzyme treatment. Enzyme treatment proved to be an effective way of improving the contaminant remediation potential, enhance the shear strength of soils and reduce the swell and permeability characteristics of selected soils through carbonate precipitation. This thesis corroborated the fact that, enzyme treatment can be a sustainable alternative to conventional soil stabilization methods.

Select Publications

1. Abdullah Almajed, Mohammed Abdul Lateef, Arif Ali Baig Moghal and K. K. Lemboye (2021). State-of-the-Art Review of the Applicability and Challenges of Microbial-Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) and Enzyme-Induced Calcite Precipitation (EICP) Techniques for Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Applications. Crystals. Vol. 11, No. 4, Article No. 370. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst11040370 

2. Arif Ali Baig Moghal, Mohammed Abdul Lateef, Syed Abu Sayeed Mohammed, Munir Ahmad, Adel R.A. Usman and Abdullah Almajed (2020). Heavy Metal Immobilization Studies and Enhancement in Geotechnical Properties of Cohesive Soils by EICP Technique. Applied Sciences. Vol. 10, No. 21, Article No. 7568. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10217568 

3. Arif Ali Baig Moghal, Mohammed Abdul Lateef, Syed Abu Sayeed Mohammed, K. K. Lemboye, Bhaskar C. S. Chittoori, Abdullah Almajed (2020). Efficacy of Enzymatically Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation in the Retention of Heavy Metal Ions. Sustainability. Vol. 12, No. 17, Article No. 7019. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12177019 

Links: 

Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1079-4193 

Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57202607010 

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?hl=en&user=xxFv7FsAAAAJ 

Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mohammed-Lateef-10 

Sci Profile: https://sciprofiles.com/profile/1204882