SUSTAINABLE USE OF CALCIUM CARBIDE RESIDUE TO ENHANCE THE STRENGTH OF CEMENT STABILIZED CLAY SOIL IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

Clayey soil collected along Gwagwalada – Garki road was characterized and classified as A-7-6 soil according to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) soil classification system. The clay was treated with 0, 2, 4 and 6% cement which was admixed with 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15% Calcium Carbide Residue (CCR). Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) test was used as evaluation criterion to measure the effect of CCR on the cement stabilized clayey soil. Results showed significant increase in UCS with increase in cement and CCR. In the absence of cement, the UCS was observed to increase from 71 kN/m2 at 0% CCR to 602 kN/m2 at 15% CCR and 90 day curing. At 6% cement, the UCS increased from 473 kN/m2 at 0% CCR to 3589 kN/m2 at 15% CCR and 90 day curing. This UCS strength has satisfied the strength required for a soil material to be used as base course for high trafficked road bases. It was also observed that 12 – 15% CCR is the optimal content required for efficient stabilization of clayey soils