Stabilization of Laterite Soil Using Quarry Dust and Limestone Powder

Abstract

Lateritic soil is a soil layer that is rich in high iron content, derived from the weathering of rocks formed under high temperature and heavy rainfall conditions and having reddish to yellow color. It has been used extensively inroad construction, backfilling, and foundation works. This study investigates the effect of stabilizing laterite using quarry dust and limestone powder to improve the geotechnical properties. The soil sample was tested through preliminary laboratory tests, Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial test, Proctor Compaction, and California Bearing  Ratio Tests. The additives (Quarry dust and Limestone powder) were combined in 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 1%, 3%, and 5% respectively. The deviator stress at failure was determined and the shear strength parameters were obtained. From the results obtained, the natural soil was classified as A- 7-6 of fair to poor plasticity. Results obtained show an increase in the cohesion and angle of internal friction, as the ratio of the combination of the laterite and stabilizers increases. In addition, the maximum dry density, optimum moisture content as well as penetration increased with a corresponding increase in the percentage mixture of quarry dust and lime. The optimum results were however obtained at 10% quarry dust to 3%
limestone mixture.