Potential of snail shell and palm kernel shell powders in improving engineering properties of clay

F.O Ayodele,O.O Popoola

doi:10.4314/jasem.v23i8.5

Abstract

This research is aimed at using Snail Shell Powder (SSP) and Palm Kernel Shell Powder (PKSP) in stabilizing clay. Elemental and oxide compositions of the powders were determined and they revealed SSP is richer in CaO than PKSP. Sieve Analysis, Compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Atterberg Limit were conducted on natural and stabilized soil mixture. The natural soil (A-7-6) was blended with SSP and PKSP at varying proportion of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% by dry weight of soil respectively and also combined at ratios not more than 10% total . Inclusion of additives increase the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) while it predominantly the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) values of the stabilized soil mixture. Plasticity Index (PI) decrease with the addition of the powders with the best performance observed mostly with SSP blended soil. It was also found that the CBR values of soil increase with corresponding increase in dosage of the powders. Soil blended with 8% SSP offered the best result with increase in MDD from 1198 to 1300kg/m3 while the combined additives gave the best result at 2%SSP+8%PKSP addition with MDD increasing to 1266 kg/m3 and further reduction of OMC to 21%. The best results in PI were from Soil blended with 2% SSP and also 2%SSP+8PKSP with 6.25% and 9.2% respectively. For CBR, soil blended with 8% SSP and 2%SSP+8PKSP of combined ratio gave peak performances. The potential of these additives in improving soil properties and reducing construction cost of road are presented.Keywords: Palm kernel shell Powder, Snail shell powder, Clay stabilization, Geotechnical properties

Highlights

Clay soil is available almost everywhere in the world and depending on its intended use; its geotechnical properties may need to be improved
The need for soil stabilization arises whenever the engineering properties of natural soil is poor or when a section of the land is found not suitable to support the foundation in its natural state as well as when there is need to reduce the cost of construction especially in road pavement (Ogundipe,2013)
There use in construction industry in Nigeria is low compared to cement as most of the products used for its production is sourced from abroad

Summary

Introduction

Clay soil is available almost everywhere in the world and depending on its intended use; its geotechnical properties may need to be improved. Portland cement, lime and sometimes bitumen are the most commonly used stabilizers of soils (Basha et al, 2005; Hossain et al, 2007; Vilane 2010) Their production releases harmful gases to the environment which in turn contributes to global warming. Consequent upon the increasingly environmental impacts such as carbon emission associated with the production of cement and lime, there is a serious global focus on the utilization of locally available materials, agricultural waste and by-products in the construction industry. Large quantities of wastes generated in Nigeria are from agriculture (Edewor and Jemni 1990); while materials including palm kernel shell are largely available in the southern zone of the country (Olanipekun et al, 2006). Reports and investigations has shown that these waste products can be adapted for use as soil stabilizer or other construction materials if suitably applied. Potable water was used in mixing the powders with the soil

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