Effect of Gum Arabic Content on Maximum Dry Density and Optimum Moisture Content of Laterite Soil

Abstract

Soil is a material that has been used in construction for centuries and nowadays represents one third of the world's construction. In order to make earth-based blocks durable, several means are used, mainly the stabilization of these blocks based on cement or lime, and the firing of bricks. Unfortunately, these means contribute to the destruction of the environment. Therefore, finding environmentally friendly materials, such as organic materials or waste, as a substitute for cement and firing is of vital importance. In Africa, gum Arabic is a widely available organic material (a biopolymer). In this study, the effects of gum Arabic on maximum dry density and optimal moisture content of laterite soil were evaluated. Gum Arabic was used as a binder in the stabilization of blocks. Compaction tests (Proctor test) were carried out for the mixture of laterite soil, sand and gum Arabic. The proportion of sand was 20% by mass weight of laterite soil in this mixture; the gum Arabic was varied from 0 to 10% with a step of 2, by mass weight of laterite soil. The results showed that the maximum dry density decreases with increasing gum Arabic content in laterite soil, whereas the optimal moisture content increases.