Evaluating the Geotechnical Properties of Lateritic Soils Stabilized Using Hybridized Organic- Inorganic Materials

Abstract

Structural failure is one of the major challenges in the construction industry. This study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of using agricultural waste materials, as stabilizing agents for weak lateritic soil. The soil was treated with various quantities of cement, yam peel ash (YPA), and coconut fibre ash (CFA), and left to cure for 28 days, after which the geotechnical properties of the soil samples, were tested in accordance with ASTM procedures. It was noted from the results that the stabilizing procedures have significant effects on the soil strength properties. The cement-based stabilization caused about a 60% increase in the soil CBR, as well as an increase in the MDD values; though the ashes caused an increase in the OMC and liquid limits. Overall, the results revealed that the hybridized organic ashes are a suitable material, which can be used as a replacement for cement in soil stabilization. This will help to curb the over-reliance on inorganic stabilizers, thereby reducing toxic gas emissions associated with inorganic compound production.