UTILIZATION OF CORN STALK ASH FOR THE STABILIZATION OF LATERITIC SOIL FOR SUSTAINABLE ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Abstract
Lateritic soils are widely used as subgrade materials in tropical regions; however, their engineering performance is often limited by high plasticity and low strength characteristics. This study evaluates the effectiveness of corn stalk ash (CSA) as a sustainable stabilizing agent for improving the geotechnical properties of lateritic soil obtained from Apir, Benue State, Nigeria. CSA was incorporated at 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, and 12% by dry weight of soil, and laboratory tests were conducted in accordance with BS 1377 (1990).
Results indicate that CSA addition significantly reduces the plasticity index and enhances compaction properties, while improving strength parameters such as California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS). Maximum dry density increased progressively with CSA content, reaching peak values at 12%, while optimum moisture content decreased. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) exhibited peak values at 4% CSA for both soaked and unsoaked conditions, indicating optimal performance for load-bearing applications at lower percentages. In contrast, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) increased consistently with CSA content, with maximum values observed at 10–12% after 28 days of curing.
These findings demonstrate that the optimum CSA content depends on the targeted engineering property: approximately 4% for CBR-based design and 10–12% for strength development. Overall, CSA addition proves to be an effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly stabilizer for lateritic soils in road construction.
Keywords: Lateritic soil; Corn stalk ash; Soil stabilization; CBR; UCS; Sustainable construction
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