Effect of Compactive Efforts on Cement-Sugarcane Bagasse Ash-Laterite Mixture

Abstract

Laterite classified as A-7-6 and CL according to AASHTO and Unified Soil Classification Systems, respectively, was treated with cement and sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) admixture. Specimens were compacted at three energy levels – British Standard Light (BSL), West African Standard (WAS) and British Standard Heavy (BSH) – which simulates the various compaction energies that can be encountered under field conditions. The effect of compaction energy levels on geotechnical properties of the stabilized soil was studied. The maximum dry densities (MDD), California bearing ratio (CBR) and unconfined compressive stress (UCS) of the treated soil generally increased with higher compaction energy and dosages of additives. The durability of the soil-cement-bagasse ash specimen which was accessed by immersion in water to determine resistance to loose in strength improved with the addition of up to 6% bagasse ash contents. For the optimal treatment of the deficient soil additive combinations of 2% cement/6% bagasse ash and 6% cement/6% bagasse ash are recommended for mixtures compacted with the BSL effort for lightly (CB2) and heavily (CB1) trafficked roads, respectively. However, higher compaction energies can be employed in order to reduce the quantities of additives and still achieve the same strength and durability.