Engineering Behavior of Soft Soil Stabilized with Quarry Dust and Cement

Abstract

The poor geotechnical characteristics of soft
clay soils are worldwide problems that pose
several challenges for extensive damage to
structures if not adequately treated. The
purpose of this investigation was to evaluate
the suitability of quarry dust and cement for
stabilization of Niger Deltaic Marine clay. The
soil sample was classified in the laboratory,
and initial findings indicate that the soil falls
under the AASHTO classification system's A-
7-5 class. The Moisture Content test, Sieve
Analysis test, Atterberg limit test, Specific
Gravity test, Proctor Compaction test, CBR
test, and Triaxial test are a few geotechnical
laboratory tests used to assess the
geotechnical characteristics of the soil. A
concentration of 1% to 5% cement and 0% to
20% quarry dust was used to stabilize the
soil. The analysis showed that the Quarry
Dust and cement increased the maximum dry
density (MDD) of the soil and decreased the
optimum moisture content (OMC). The
additives also improved the CBR but did meet
the minimum requirement for CBR for the
soil in Nigeria. When the additives were
combined, the soil geotechnical properties
improved further. The highest value for CBR
was (14.15%) and cohesion (88kPa) occurred
at 20% quarry dust and 5% cement. The
highest MDD occurred at 20% Quarry Dust
and 5% cement with an MDD value of
1410kg/