DefinePK

Abstract

This research was carried out to investigate the effects of locust bean ash on the compaction characteristics of some selected lateritic soils with a view to discovering a cheaper and effective replacement for the conventional soil stabilizers. The necessity for improving the compaction characteristics of soil to enhance construction procedures has been recognized for a long time. Preliminary tests were performed on the natural soil samples for identification and classification purposes followed by the consistency limit tests. This was followed by compaction test carried out on the natural soil samples and when stabilized with 2, 4 and 6% locust beans ash (LBA). The results of the research showed that the Optimum Moisture Contents (OMC) of Samples A, B and C at their natural states were 25.0, 26.5 and 28.0% respectively while Maximum Dry Densities (MDD) were also 1396.3, 1523.0 and 1626.5 kg/m3 respectively. However, only at 6% LBA addition was a consistent pattern observed in all the samples where they all experienced reductions in both OMC and MDD values. It is therefore reasonable to conclude that 6% LBA addition will reduce the water absorption properties of the lateritic soil samples in these areas to provide for improved shear strength, decreased compressibility, reduced swell potential and shrinkage properties. However, reductions in MDD increase the susceptibility of these soils to settlement. Therefore, LBA is not considered an effective stabilizer for these soil samples in terms of construction works.