Analysis of California bearing ratio values of lime and wood ash stabilized lateritic soil

Abstract

This study was meant to analyse the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of lateritic soils when stabilized with lime and wood ash. The aim was to evaluate and provide information for adequate and economical design during stabilization procedures. Classification, compaction and CBR tests were carried out to establish the parameters needed for this study. Lime and wood ash were added in 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% contents by weight of sample. Controls were made at 0% lime and wood ash contents and another at 2% content each of lime and wood ash. The optimum percentage of stabilization was obtained at 6% content for both stabilizers, while results also indicated that 10% lime content sample had the highest optimum moisture content at Maximum Dry Density (MDD). The value of CBR at 2% lime content+ 2% wood ash content was found to be lower than stabilizations at 4% lime content and 4% wood ash content, and soaking was found to generally lower the CBR values for all the samples. The results revealed that the CBR values of the soil samples were generally better when stabilized with lime as against wood ash, while MDD of the samples were better with wood ash stabilization as against lime.

Keywords: California Bearing Ratio, lime, wood ash, stabilization, lateritic soil.