EFFECTIVENESS OF GROUNDNUT SHELL ASH IN THE STABILIZATION OF LATERITIC SOILS FOR SUSTAINABLE ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Abstract
This research investigates the effectiveness of Groundnut Shell Ash (GSA) as a sustainable stabilizing material for improving the geotechnical properties of lateritic soil used in road construction. Lateritic soils, although abundant and widely used across Nigeria, often exhibit high plasticity, low strength, and moisture susceptibility, which undermine pavement performance. The study seeks to address these deficiencies through GSA stabilization as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional binders such as cement and lime. Laboratory-based tests, conducted in accordance with BS 1377 (1975), were performed on lateritic soil samples obtained from Ikpayongu, Gwer East Local Government Area, Benue State in Nigeria. The investigation assessed parameters including Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) at varying GSA contents of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by dry weight of lateritic soil. The results revealed a general improvement in the engineering properties of the soil with increasing GSA content up to an optimum of 6%. At this level, the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) increased from 1.88 Mg/m3 to 2.15 Mg/m3, while the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) decreased from 10.5% to 7.8%. The Plasticity Index (PI) reduced from 25% to 20%, and the unsoaked and soaked CBR values rose to 30.17% and 26.40%, respectively representing a strength enhancement of about 25-29% over the untreated soil. These findings demonstrate that GSA significantly improves the strength, compaction efficiency, and moisture resistance of lateritic soils, making it a viable, eco-friendly stabilizer for subgrade applications. The study recommends the adoption of 6% GSA content for low- to medium-traffic road subgrades in tropical regions and emphasizes its potential for sustainable infrastructure development through agricultural waste valorisation.
Key words: Lateritic soil, Groundnut shell ash, Soil stabilization, Subgrade improvement, California Bearing Ratio, Sustainable construction.E
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