Stabilization of Weak Lateritic Soil using Bitumen for Road Construction

Abstract

This paper titled stabilization of weak lateritic soil using bitumen for road construction was prepared with the aim of improving the weak or unsuitable construction materials (laterite) to enable it usage thereby reducing wastage and keeping the balance of borrow pit. The index properties of the soil were measured to identify the soil type and a varying percentage of bitumen 0, 6, 8, and 10% were stabilized with the soil. Compaction, California bearing ratio (CBR), and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test were carried out and the results revealed that the CBR of the control was found to be 0.76%, and 0.92%, 0.2% and 0% for 6, 8, and 10% respectively. The maximum dry density (MDD) of the control was 1.761g/cm3 at 16.88% optimum moisture content. At 6, 8 and 10% bitumen, the MDD were respectively 1.864g/cm3, 1.823g/cm3 and 1.782g/cm3 and their corresponding OMC were 14.78, 12.14 and16.47% respectively. The UCS for the control was found to be 525 penetrations at 107.1kNm-2. At 6, 8 and 10% the UCS were 60.69, 44.268 and 7.14kNm-2 at 325, 450 and 50mm penetration. The coefficient of permeability of the control was found to be 1.77x10-5cms-. For the 6, 8 and 10% bitumen, the k values were respectively 7.49x10-6, 2.68x10-5 and 1.2x10-5