Abstract:
The quality of cricket pitches significantly impacts the game, with bounce being a
crucial attribute influencing play. This study targets the enhancement of Nandipur soil,
traditionally used for pitch construction in Pakistan, to achieve bounce characteristics
comparable to high-performance Australian pitches. The technical approach began with
detailed video analysis of Perth ground pitches and subsequent simulations using
Simulink software to determine a key value (k value) relevant to soil performance.
Guided by the k value, laboratory experiments were conducted to improve the soil using
specific admixtures. Molasses and bentonite were selected for their potential to enhance
soil properties. Through systematic experimentation, an optimal mix was developed,
consisting of 74.42% Nandipur soil, 18.60% bentonite, and 6.98% molasses. The
addition of these admixtures resulted in a significant increase in the liquid limit from
49.2 to 60.1 and the plastic limit from 22.6 to 28.1, with a corresponding rise in the
plasticity index from 26.6 to 32. Additionally, the unconfined compressive strength
more than doubled, increasing from 238.4 kPa to 497.6 kPa. Laboratory tests, which
included preparing a soil model with dimensions of 1 by 1 foot and 8 inches in depth,
simulating real pitch conditions, demonstrated a marked improvement in the bounce
and stiffness of the treated Nandipur soil, with stiffness values increasing from 3.93
million (N/m²/m) to 5.3 million (N/m²/m). This study's findings suggest that targeted
admixture applications can effectively modify local soil properties, aligning them with
international cricket pitch standards and enhancing the overall playing experience. This
thesis provides a detailed account of the methodology, experimental outcomes, and the
technical basis for soil improvement techniques aimed at optimizing cricket pitch
performance.
