Hard Soil Research Articles

Statistical correlation between HSS model parameters and the method of parameter valuation

Small-strain hardened soil model is suitable for fine numerical simulation because it considers the compression and shear hardening of soil. However, setting the parameters of the model is difficult. Based on the analysis of the physical meaning of each parameter and the statistical analysis of parameter values of the small strain model reported by researchers, the empirical relationship between several parameters is obtained in this study. Accordingly, valuation methods of parameters are discussed.

Increasing Unconfined Compressive Strength of Soft Clay Stabilized with Coir Fiber and Bagasse Ash Mix

Increasing coir fiber and bagasse ash waste can cause environmental degradation. Utilization of this waste in construction work is still rarely done. Coir fiber is a natural material with the highest coefficient of friction and tensile strength. Bagasse ash has a high silica content and is suitable for use as pozzolan. Soil stabilization with a combination of both is expected to improve the geotechnical properties of soft soil. This research aims to analyze the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and secant modulus of soft clay stabilized with coir fiber-bagasse ash mix. Coir fiber as much as 0.75% and ash with varying contents: 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of the total weight of the mixture. The specimens were cured for 28 days. UCS tests were conducted according to ASTM D2166-16 with the axial stress and strain relationship curve results to determine the UCS and secant modulus. The results showed that the UCS value and secant modulus value increased along with increasing bagasse ash content. The maximum value was achieved at 8% ash variation with a UCS value of 472.45 kPa (an increase of 382% from a soil-coir fiber mix) and a secant modulus value of 21.94 MPa (an increase of 571% from a mixture of soil and coir fiber). The research results show that this mixed soil is classified as hard soil, which can withstand high loads. It is hoped that the results of this research can become a reference for stabilizing soft soil in the field.

Penyelidikan Tanah Menggunakan Metode Uji Sondir Di Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya

Cone Penetration Test (CPT) is a method designed to determine and test the strength of soil layers quickly and is one of the most widely used testing methods. The aim of this research is to determine the resulting bearing capacity and determine the hard soil layers on the Padhang-Padhang campus of West Sulawesi University using the Cone Penetration Test (CPT) or Sondir field testing tool. The method used in this research is the literature study method and direct testing in the field. From the results of this test, the Cone Penetration Test (CPT) data from 1 test point was processed and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019 software. The results of data processing and analysis were the maximum cone pressure (qc) value and the maximum number of sticking resistances (JHP), namely 650 kg/cm at a depth of 12.60 meters and 2496.00 kg/cm² at a depth of 15.00 meters. The maximum friction ratio (Rf) of 0.11% is at a depth of 14.00 meters, while the maximum Sticking Resistance Pressure (fs) value of 110 kg/cm² is at a depth of 14.00 meters.

Analysis of Landslide Handling With Mini Pile Reinforcement Using Plaxis Software on The “X” Toll Road Project

The Semarang-Demak Toll Road faces geotechnical problems due to geological conditions that include hilly areas and basins, with bedrock such as claystone, shale, and lignite that are prone to weakening. A landslide occurred at the Semarang-Demak Toll Road site between Sta. 1+250 and Sta. 2+715, despite various methods of embankment work that were not entirely successful, therefore causing damage. The analysis showed a discrepancy between the theoretical factor of safety and the actual landslide condition, requiring slope reinforcement technology such as mini piles that effectively inhibit soil movement. Mini piles, in the form of reinforced concrete with a length of 7 to 10 meters and a spacing of 2 meters between piles, plus the use of geotextiles, analyzed using the Plaxis 2D program showed an increase in the factor of safety. Although there were slight differences between the reinforcement models, the combination of mini piles and geotextiles proved effective, especially when placed in hard soil layers or over soft soil at a depth of 7 meters from the surface, overcoming the embankment loads at the site.

Determination of the geophysical signature of soft-clay and hard lateritic soils and the implications on geotechnical works using electrical resistivity imaging

Understanding the geophysical signature of subsurface is quite essential in mapping site conditions for geotechnical engineering and simulating geophysical surveys, especially in coastal areas. This article presents a comparative geophysical study of topsoil (often refer as engineering layer) of soft clay deposit and hard lateritic soil to evaluate the implications on geotechnical work using electrical resistivity imaging (ERI). The results of the 2D ERI show that the hard lateritic soil produces three distinctive geological layers with the topsoil having high apparent electrical resistivity (AER) values varying between 300 Ωm–1000 Ωm and a thickness between 2.0 m – 10.0 m. The layer between the unsaturated and saturated regions has a moderate layer AER and thickness values ranging from 100 Ωm–300 Ωm and 2.5 m–9.5 m, respectively. In contrast, the saturated (weathered) layer has a low AER value (< 100Ω m), which represents the regional groundwater unit, located beneath the subsurface of a depth > 6.0 m. However, the soft clay soil shows no distinctive subsurface layers, as it is characterized by a nearly homogeneity subsurface of poor AER variability. The top-soft clay deposit has very AER values ranging from 11.0 Ωm–80 Ωm, which extends beyond 6.5 m. Higher and lower AER values noted within the overburdened topsoil of lateritic and clay extractions, respectively, were due to the accumulations of compacted clay and lateritic soil, which are very essential for geotechnical works. In addition, the geophysical signal was conspicuously attenuated in soft clay soil, which shows that soft clay soil is not a favourite target of geophysical investigation. However, the geophysical signals in hard lateritic generate a fine geo-electrical layer pattern. It was also noted that the existence of soft clay and lateritic soil decreases with depth. This kind of information is very essential in geotechnical works.

The pore-rhizosheath shapes maize root architecture by enhancing root distribution in macropores.

Pores and old root-channels are preferentially used by roots to allow them to penetrate hard soils. However, there are few studies that have accounted for the effects of pore-rhizosheath on root growth. In this study, we developed an approach by adding the synthetic root exudates using a porous stainless tube with 0.1-mm micropores through a peristaltic pump to reproduce the rhizosheath around the artificial pore, and investigated the effects of pores with and without rhizosheaths on maize root growth in a dense soil. The results indicated that the artificial rhizosheath was about 2.69 mm wide in the region surrounding the pores. The rhizosheath had a higher content of organic carbon, total nitrogen, and abundance of Actinobacteria than that of the bulk soil. Compared with the artificial macropores, the artificial root-pores with a rhizosheath increased the opportunities for root utilisation of the pores space, promoting steeper and deeper root growth. It is concluded that the pore-rhizosheath has a significant impact on root architecture by enhancing root distribution in macropores.

Investigating the Constitutive Model of Frozen Supersulfate Saline Soil: Insights from Fractional Calculus

The study of the mechanical properties of frozen saline soil is one of the key issues in addressing the design of infrastructure in cold regions. This research focuses on the supersulfated saline soil of the Ningxia Yellow River Irrigation Area in China, conducting triaxial tests under negative temperatures (−5, −10, −15 °C, and − 20 °C) with varying water contents (12%, 16%, 20%). Based on fractional calculus theory and incorporating an exponential decay factor, this study proposes a novel fractional-order constitutive model for a unified description of the softening and hardening behaviors in frozen saline soil. The model treats frozen saline soil as a composite blend of ideal solids and ideal fluids in varying proportions, taking into account the material's inherent time-dependency and non-linear stress-strain relationships. Finally, the validity of the model is verified by the calculated values of the model and the triaxial tests. The results indicate that, based on preliminary judgment, due to the presence of salt solutes, a large amount of liquid water remains in the supersulfated saline soil at temperatures ranging from 0 to −10 °C, forming an unstable state called “warm frozen saline soil”. The mechanical properties of frozen saline soil depend on the relative content of unfrozen water, ice crystals, and salt crystals and the formation of ice and salt crystals significantly enhances the strength of frozen saline soil. The computational results of the improved fractional constitutive model align well with experimental results, effectively describing the stress-strain relationship of frozen supersulfate saline soil. In the model, the parameter κ functions analogously to an elastic modulus and exhibits a linear relationship with temperature, and the parameter α characterizes the strain hardening of saline soil, while β describes its softening behavior. The proposed fractional constitutive model, with only three parameters having clear physical significance, is convenient for practical engineering applications.

New insights into morphological adaptation in common mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus) along an aridity gradient.

Morphological adaptation is the change in the form of an organism that benefits the individual in its current habitat. Mole-rats (family Bathyergidae), despite being subterranean, are impacted by both local and broad-scale environmental conditions that occur above ground. Common mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus) present an ideal mammalian model system for the study of morphological variation in response to ecology, as this species is found along an aridity gradient and thus can be sampled from geographically non-overlapping populations of the same species along an environmental longitudinal cline. Using the mass of five internal organs, ten skeletal measurements and 3D morphometric analyses of skulls, we assessed the morphology of wild non-breeding individuals from five common mole-rat populations in South Africa. We found that the body mass and mean relative mass of the spleen and kidneys in arid populations was larger, and individuals from arid regions possessed shorter legs and larger inter-shoulder widths compared to individuals from mesic regions. Additionally, arid populations demonstrated greater skull depth, and shape change of features such as angular processes of the lower jaw than mesic individuals, indicating that these distinct geographic populations show differences corresponding to the aridity gradient, potentially in response to environmental factors such as the variation in food sources found between different habitats, in addition to different soil compositions found in the different regions. Arid populations potentially require a stronger jaw and neck musculature associated with mastication to chew xeric-adapted plants and to dig through hard soil types, whereas mesic populations excavate through soft, looser soil and may make use of their front limbs to aid the movement of soils when digging. Aridity influences the morphology of this species and could indicate the impact of environmental changes on speciation and mammalian skull morphology.

Current state and long-term changes in the taxocene of marine polychaetes of the Karadag Nature Reserve (Republic of Crimea, Russian Federation)

Taxonomic and trophic structure and quantitative development of polychaetes are examined in the marine coastal areas of the Karadag Nature Reserve in 2021–2022. 40 species belonging to 30 genera and 15 families are discovered. From 1938 to 2022, 75 species have been recorded in this area. According to the nutritional spectrum, polyphages are the most represented, phytophages are the least represented. The average number of polychaetes in 2021–2022 is 100 ± 53 ind./m2, the average biomass is 3.55 ± 0.023 g/m2; S. papillocercusthe prevails in the total abundance and biomass, 98 and 99%, respectively. The change in the species composition, abundance and biomass of marine polychaetes of the Karadag Nature Reserve, inhabiting hard bottom substrates (1984–2022) and soft soils (1938–2021), is considered. From 1984 to 2021, 29 species of polychaetes have been recorded on soft substrates, and only two species in 2021–2022: Namanereis littoralis and Saccocirrus papillocercus. In underwater rock assemblages, on the contrary, the largest number of species (38) has been found in 2021–2022, and the smallest (14) in 1938–1940 (a total of 65 species found during 1938–2022). A transformation of the species composition and trophic structure of polychaetes occurred in the coastal biotopes of soft and hard bottom substrates in the marine area of the Karadag Nature Reserve from 1938 to 2022, with a decrease in the number of phytophages, as well as a decrease in quantitative characteristics. Presumably, the de crease in the number and diversity of polychaete worms on soft substrates is associated with a decrease in the macrophyte algae biomass. The results obtained, supplemented by data on the structure of phytocenoses and characteristic of bottom substrates, can be used in environmental monitoring of protected water areas of the Black Sea.

Investigating the Displacement of a Structure Equipped with Rotational Friction Damper: Considering the Structure-soil Interaction Effect

In this research, the effect of soil and structure interaction is investigated in a structure equipped with rotational friction dampers, with several earthquake records and two types of soil. It was modeled in SAP 2000 software and analyzed under the nonlinear dynamic analysis of the time history with the records of the San Fernando, Northridge, and Imperial Valley earthquakes. The used soil was considered relatively "hard" and relatively "soft" soil based on two types of two and three soil groups based on the 2800 regulation.&#x0D; In this research, the soil and structure complex was subjected to the effect of three earthquake records, and after the vibration, the parameter, and the lateral displacement on the desired structure were investigated. Based on the obtained results, it can be said that the displacements in the structure with the damper have been significantly reduced and also the soil interaction effect is minor in type two or hard soils, while the analysis with the interaction effect in a soft soil It has a significant effect on the displacement of the structure, also the rotational friction dampers were able to reduce the displacement of floors and drift in both types of soil. For this reason, the structure was analyzed in two different soil types with damper and with interaction effect, with damper and without interaction effect, without damper and with interaction effect and without damper and interaction effect, in general, it can be said in soft soil. Damping of the soil has a significant role in reducing the forces and deformations of the frame. The effect of the interaction between the soil and the structure in the structures whose underlying soil is soft should be subjected to nonlinear dynamic analysis.

Salinity-Driven Interface Self-Assembly of a Biological Amphiphilic Emulsifier to Form Stable Janus Core-Shell Emulsion for Enhancing Agrichemical Delivery.

Agrichemical losses are a severe threat to the ecological environment. Additionally, some agrichemical compounds contain abundant salt, which increases the instability of formulations, leading to a lower agrichemical utilization and soil hardening. Fortunately, the biological amphiphilic emulsifier sodium deoxycholate alleviates these problems by forming stable Janus core-shell emulsions through salinity-driven interfacial self-assembly. According to the interfacial behavior, dilational rheology, and molecular dynamics simulations, Janus-emulsion molecules are more closely arranged than traditional-emulsion molecules and generate an oil-water interfacial film that transforms into a gel film. In addition, at the same spray volume, the deposition area of the Janus emulsion increased by 37.70% compared with that of the traditional emulsion. Owing to the topology effect and deformation, the Janus emulsion adheres to rice micropapillae, achieving better flush resistance. Meanwhile, based on response of the Janus emulsion to stimulation by carbon dioxide (CO2), the emulsion lost to the soil can form a rigid shell for inhibiting the release of pesticides and metal ions from harming the soil. The pyraclostrobin release rate decreased by 50.89% at 4 h after the Janus emulsion was exposed to CO2. The Chao1 index of the Janus emulsion was increased by 12.49% as compared to coconut oil delivery in soil microbial community. The Janus emulsion ingested by harmful organisms can be effectively absorbed in the intestine to achieve better control effects. This study provides a simple and effective strategy, which turns waste into treasure, by combining metal ions in agrichemicals with natural amphiphilic molecules to prepare stable emulsions for enhancing agrichemical rainfastness and weakening environmental risk.

Effects of Source Directivity and Nonlinear Soil Behavior During the January, 1 2024 Noto Earthquake (Mw = 7.5)

The earthquake of January 1, 2024 with the epicenter at Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, and the moment magnitude Mw = 7.5 obviously represents an intermediate case between weaker earthquakes with relatively small sources, like the 1995 Kobe and 2000 Tottori earthquakes (Mw ~ 6.7-6.8), showing nonlinear soil response and soil softening (reduction of shear moduli) and stronger earthquakes, like the 2003 Tokachi-Oki and Tohoku earthquakes (Mw ~ 8.3-9.0) with extended sources and source directivity effects, accompanied by soil hardening and generation of high peak ground accelerations (PGA) &gt; 1 g. In this research, based on KiK-net vertical array records (11 sites), models of soil behavior in the near-fault zones of the 2024 Noto earthquake are constructed, i.e. vertical distributions of stresses and strains in soil layers changing with time during strong motion, which showed nonlinear soil response and reduction of shear moduli in the near-fault zones. At the same time, the waveforms of acceleration time histories indicate the effects of source directivity, when seismic waves, radiated by the crack tip propagated along a~rather long section of the fault plane, arrived to remote sites almost simultaneously, overlap, harden subsurface soils and generate high accelerations on the surface, PGA ~ 2828 Gal at remote ISK006 station.

Geotechnical information system employs spatial analysis to utilize information gathered from Cone Penetration Testing (CPT)

Surakarta has diverse structures, including malls, shopping centers, hotels, offices, markets, hospitals, colleges, and schools. However, the Regional Government lacks a comprehensive data information system about the Cone Penetration Test (CPT). Such a system benefits investors seeking to develop new infrastructure in Surakarta. In order to tackle this problem, a research study was carried out to develop an Information System based on CPT data regarding the depth of hard soil throughout the city. The investigation analyzed pre-existing CPT data, its compilation, and cartographic representation. However, the arbitrary allocation of CPT data presents a challenge. Results of the study indicate that the most predominant depth of compacted soil qc 250 kg/cm2 in Surakarta is 3-5 meters below the surface. Moreover, comparing the depth of CPT soil in the field with GIS at multiple observation points indicates findings that mostly conform to GIS predictions and those of in situ tests. Combining CPT data with ArcGIS software has been a highly successful approach in identifying projects and providing robust geotechnical information.

Determining The Depth of Hard Soil Layers Using Geoelectric Resistivity and Cone Penetration Test Methods (Case Study: Kelurahan Bontoramba Kecamatan Somba Opu Kabupaten Gowa)

Hard soil layers can impact the loading, stability, and behavior of structures in the geotechnical field. Comprehensive understanding of the depth and properties of hard soil layers can aid in designing suitable structures. Therefore, this study employed the resistivity geoelectric and Cone Penetration Test (CPT) methods to map the features of hard soil layers. Resistivity data were acquired through measurements utilizing the geoelectric method, while data on cone resistance, shear resistance, and friction ratio were gathered through field measurements using the CPT tool. The collected data was analyzed comprehensively to obtain a complete understanding of soil conditions. Based on resistivity values, the results indicated the research site comprises alluvium, very dry clay, and dry sandy soil. Based on the CPT test, it is determined that the layers contain mixtures of fine-grained soils, clay, silt, and sand. Therefore, it can be inferred that the dense sand lithology constitutes the hard soil layer geologically. The employment of both approaches delivers supplementary details on soil features and depth.

Site classification Based on Shear Wave Velocity Inversion in The Jlantah Dam Construction Project using the HVSR (Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio) Analysis Method

This research was conducted with the aim to test whether the results of the inversion of the HVSR curve can be used as complementary data for N-SPT values in classifying areas according to site classification. The inversion result in the form of shear wave velocity (VS ) is then compared directly with the N-SPT data in several boreholes. Ellipticity curve method is used for inversion. The data generated in this study are dominant frequency, Amplitude Peak, and H/V curve as a result of the HVSR analysis performed on microtremor data. Furthermore, an inversion was carried out on the H/V curve by taking into account secondary data in the form of borehole, shear wave velocity, density and poisson ratio for each type of lithology. The dominant frequency value obtained has a value range of 0.33 to 17.15 Hz. The Amplitude Peak obtained in the study area has a value range of 1.81 – 11.4. The inversion (VS ) value has a range of 110.5 m/s – 400 m/s, so it is included in the classification of Soft Soil, Medium Soil, and Hard Soil and Soft Rock. The correlation of and N-SPT show that inversion method with HVSR analysis of microtremor data is quite reliable as supporting data for N-SPT. Considering cons of drilling, the method used in this study can be a new alternative for use in construction projects because it can be carried out at a relatively low cost, and is quite simple in terms of data acquisition and processing.

Implementation of Mini Piles and Retaining Wall in the Construction of the North Kalimantan Provincial DPRD Building in Bulungan Regency

Piles are used as the foundation for a building's construction when the underlying soil beneath the structure lacks sufficient bearing capacity to support the weight of the construction and its load, or when hard soil with enough bearing capacity lies at a significant depth. Retaining walls are a type of civil construction built to withstand the lateral active pressure of soil or water. Therefore, the construction of a retaining wall must be planned and designed to safely counter potential forces that could cause structural failure. The purpose of this writing is to understand the implementation of mini pile foundations and retaining walls concerning the stability control of the retaining wall against sliding, overturning, and soil-bearing capacity. The observational method used involves collecting secondary and primary data. The mini pile foundations are driven to a specified depth, with each pile segment being 4.0 meters long, and this piling activity aligns with the plan. The retaining wall used is a cantilever retaining wall with concrete quality K-300 f’c 25 MPa, where the successive heights, upper width, and bottom width of the retaining wall are 4.5 m, 0.3 m, and 2.7 m, respectively.

Comparative Study of R.C.C. and Composite Structures Under Different Soil Conditions

Abstract: The need for multi-storey buildings arises from a fact that it offers vertical expansion, making them an ideal choice for maximizing available urban space without influencing valuable land resources. A thorough literature review has conducted for comparative study of RCC and Composite buildings and its various advancements conducted before. This paper is based on regular and irregular plan area under different soil conditions. Total 18 cases have taken for consideration (6- square shape, 6 – L shape and 6 – T shape plan) with 3 cases each of RCC and 3 cases for Composite building and method selected - Response Spectrum Method. Results for Square shape plan shows that SCPH case i.e. Square plan with Composite structure over hard soil performs well in most of the output parameters. Results for L shape plan shows that LCPH case i.e. L shape plan with Composite structure over hard soil performs well in most of the output parameters while in case of story displacement and drift LRCCH i.e. L shape plan with RCC structure over hard soil performs better but the values of LCPH are also within the limits of IS codes. Results for T shape plan shows that in case of story displacement and drift TRCCH i.e. T shape plan with RCC structure over hard soil performs better because of the higher stiffness of RCC structure while in all other output parameters TCPH i.e. T shape plan with composite structure over hard soil performs well. Concluding the research work, use of composite structure performs well and can be used with building stability techniques so that the displacement factors can be minimized for composite structures.

Study of the Impact Irregular Concrete Facilities with the Shear Walls Based: The Effect of Soil-Structure Interaction with ABAQUS Software

In the present study, the effect of irregularity of structures of the concrete with special shear walls has been analyzed and modeled by considering the effect of soil-structure interaction by dynamic analysis method with ABAQUS software. The results are presented in the form of diagrams with different soil interaction conditions, the effect of the number of layers was investigated for different soils. The results showed that the bearing system of the flexural frame and the concrete shear wall under the lateral load of the earthquake have good strength and ductility, which makes this issue. This structural system should be used for cities with very high earthquake risk. As the number of floors increases, the effect of the shear walls on increasing the bearing capacity decreases. As the number of floors increases, the final displacement of the frame increases. The results showed that for soil type 1(hard soil which Vs=1000 m/s, v=0.15, q=50000 Kg/m2, P=2000 Kg/m3, r=0.5 m) structural system of concrete shear walls with better displacement, maximum structural stiffness, better behavior was observed in the structure. Three-story frame with concrete shear wall has a significant increase compared to similar frames with more floors, which shows the good performance of this system in structures with fewer floors.

Failure Probability and Economic Loss Assessment of a High-Rise Frame Structure under Synthetic Multi-Dimensional Long-Period Ground Motions

Multiple research studies and seismic data analyses have shown that multi-directional long-period ground motion affects crucial and intricate large-scale structures like oil storage containers, long-span bridges, and high-rise buildings. Seismic damage data show a 3–55% chance of long-period ground motion. To clarify, the chance of occurrence is 3% in hard soil and 83% in soft soil. Due of the above characteristics, the aseismic engineering field requires a realistic stochastic model that accounts for long-period multi-directional ground motion. A weighted average seismic amplification coefficient selected NGA database multi-directional long-period ground motion recordings for this study. Due to the significant low-frequency component in the long-period ground motion, this research uses empirical mode decomposition (EMD) to efficiently decompose it into a composite structure with high- and low-frequency components. Given the above, further investigation is needed on the evolutionary power spectrum density (EPSD) functions of high- and low-frequency components. Analyzing the recorded data will reveal these functions and their corresponding parameters. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) is needed to simulate samples of high- and low-frequency components in different directions. These samples can be combined to illustrate multi-directional long-period ground motion. Representative samples exhibit the seismic characteristics of long-period multi-directional ground motion, as shown by numerical examples. This proves the method’s engineering accuracy and usefulness. Moreover, this study used incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) to apply seismic vulnerability theory. This study investigated whether long-period ground motions in both x and multi-directional directions could enhance the seismic response of a high-rise frame structure. By using this method, a comprehensive seismic economic loss rate curve was created, making economic loss assessment clearer. This study shows that multi-directional impacts should be included when studying seismic events and calculating structure economic damages.

Acute Oral Toxicity Study of Lepidagathis keralensis Madhus. &amp; N.P.Singh

Systematic documentation of local health tradition related knowledge is important for validating and preserving medicinal heritage of any place. Lepidagathis keralensis Madhus. &amp; NP Singh. is a species belonging to Acanthaceae family It is a perennial, prostrate, woody herb tenaciously attached to hard laterite soil. It is used by traditional practitioners of North Malabar for various ailments. Safety is of primary importance as far as any drug is concerned. No scientific data is available on the safety profile of this drug. Acute Oral toxicity study is the foremost step among toxicity studies. Hence this study was taken up. Aim &amp; objective: To assess the Acute Oral Toxicity of water extract of Lepidagathis keralensis Madhus. &amp; NP Singh. Materials and methods: Aqueous extract of the drug was orally administered in Wistar albino rats at different dose levels and various parameters for signs and symptoms of gross behavioural and physical changes starting from 30 minutes to 48 hours at various intervals were observed. Results and observations: The drug did not produce any signs of toxicity and mortality upto the dose of 2000 mg/kg in rats. Hence this drug which is extensively in use among traditional practitioners can be further studied and brought forward to main stream.