Effect of compaction cycles on index properties of soils from Western Niger Delta,

Abstract

Lateritic soils of Western Niger Delta have been classified as immature laterites. Repeated vehicular loading on soils tends to result in deterioration of soil construction qualities. In this
study, lateritic soils from the Western Niger Delta were investigated to determine the effects of vehicular loading which was simulated by subjecting the soils to series of repeated laboratory compaction cycles. The engineering index properties were determined after the specified cycles. The results of the study on A-2 and A-7 soil types from the area revealed that there were different degrees of particle breakdown with increasing compaction cycles. The polynomial equation best explains the effects of compaction cycles on the percentage of fines and liquid limit. Different equations have been developed to relate the effects of compaction cycles on percent fines and liquid limit.