Investigation of the Geotechnical Properties of Laterite Soil Combined with Quarry Dust and Lime

Abstract

Soil stabilisation is vital in foundation and
roadway building because it enhances soil
engineering qualities. The volumetric change
of expanding soil is seen as a challenge in
geotechnical engineering practice. The
stabilization method has to be safe. In this
study quarry dust (QD) in proportions of 5%,
10%, 15%, and 20% and lime in proportions
of 1%, 3%, and 5% were used to improve the
engineering qualities of laterite. The tests
carried out in this study were specific gravity,
proctor compaction, consolidation, particle
size distribution, Atterberg limits, and triaxial
and consolidation tests. The lateritic soil was
classified as A-3, A-2-4 and A-2-6 and was
found to be acceptable for sub-grade, good fill
subbase and base materials. The result
showed the highest CBR occurred at 5%
quarry dust and 5% lime. Results also
showed that the higher the percentage of
quarry dust, the strength of the soil. The
liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL) and
plasticity index (PI) of the natural soil
samples were 41.1%, 27.96%, and 13.14%
respectively. LL of the soil samples falls
between intermediate plasticity. The
experimental results in general, showed that
the admixtures (quarry dust and hydrated
lime) improved the engineering properties of
the soil.