Stabilization of Lateritic Soil using Ground ‘Pure water’ Sachets

Abstract

This study assesses the effects of stabilizing lateritic soil with ground ‘pure water’ sachets and compares the results with effects obtained by using cement on the same soil. The basic properties of the lateritic soil were first obtained through moisture content, specific gravity, particle size distribution and Atterberg limits tests after which the stabilizers were mixed with the lateritic soil at varying percentages of 2%,4%, 6%, 8%,and 10% by weight of the soil samples. Thereafter, compaction and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were carried out on the sample mixes to determine the effects on the soil sample. The result of the compaction test showed that highest maximum dry densities obtained for the samples were 1.353 g/cm3 at 10% cement addition and 1.337 g/cm3 at 2% ground ‘pure water’ sachet addition. The UCS test showed that there was increase in unconfined compressive strength of the lateritic soil stabilized with ground pure water
sachet from 442.87 KN/m2 at 0% (untreated state) to 728.37 KN/m2 at 4% by weight of dry soil; and with cement from 442.87 KN/m2 at 0% (untreated state) to 1425.5 KN/m2 at 4% by weight of dry soil.