GEOTECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LATERITIC SOIL STABILIZED WITH SAWDUST ASH-LIME MIXTURES

This study assesses the geotechnical characteristics of lateritic soil and sawdust ash lime (SDAL) mixtures. Preliminary tests were carried out on the natural soil sample for identification and classification purposes. The sawdust was mixed with lime for stabilization in the ratio 2:1. This mixture was thereafter added to the lateritic soil in varying proportions of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% by weight of soil. Addition of SDAL increased values of Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) from 17.0% at 0% SDAL to 26.5% at 10% SDAL by weight of soil, also, values of Maximum Dry Density (MDD) decreased from 2040 kg/m at 0% SDAL to 1415 kg/m at 10% SDAL. Values of Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) increased from 38.58 kN/m at 0% SDAL to highest value of 129.63 kN/m at 6% SDAL. The values of liquid limits and plasticity index of the soil were effectively reduced with the addition of the SDAL, from 54.0% at 0% SDAL to 49.0% at 10% SDAL and from 13.7% at 0% SDAL to 12.5% at 10% SDAL respectively. It was therefore concluded that the sawdust ash lime (SDAL) mixture can serve as a cheap soil stabilizing agent for poor lateritic soil.