A CHEMICAL AND MICROSTRUCTURAL APPROACH IN ASSESSING THE BEHAVIOR OF LATERITIC SOILS TREATED WITH ALMOND POD ASH, LIME AND CEMENT
Abstract
ABSTRACT : Lateritic soils are widely used in geotechnical and transportation infrastructure across tropical regions; however, their natural engineering properties—particularly low strength, high plasticity, and susceptibility to moisture—often fall short of construction requirements. Traditional stabilizers such as cement and lime improve soil performance but pose environmental concerns due to high carbon emissions and escalating production costs. This study explores the combined use of almond pod ash (APA), lime, and cement to enhance the engineering behavior of lateritic soils in a more sustainable manner. Lateritic soil samples were characterized through XRF, XRD, and SEM-EDS analyses to determine mineral composition and microstructural behavior. Laboratory tests, including Atterberg limits, compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and California Bearing Ratio (CBR), were conducted on both natural and stabilized soil samples. APA was incorporated at varying percentages (2–10%), while cement was introduced at 2–8% with a fixed 10% APA. Results reveal that APA significantly reduces soil plasticity, enhances maximum dry density at optimal proportions, and improves strength performance—especially when blended with cement. The combination of 10% APA and 6–8% cement produced the highest gains in UCS and soaked CBR, indicating strong pozzolanic synergy. These findings suggest that APA can partially replace cement in soil stabilization, promoting cost efficiency and environmental sustainability. Overall, this study demonstrates that almond pod ash is a promising supplementary stabilizer for lateritic soils, offering a sustainable pathway for infrastructure development in regions facing material scarcity and environmental challenges.
KEYWORDS: Lateritic Soil Stabilization, Almond Pod Ash (APA), Cement and Lime Treatment, Geotechnical Strength Enhancement, Sustainable Construction Materials.
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