Soil Stabilization for Road Construction: Comparative Analysis of a Three-Prong Approach

Abstract

The paper aim to assess and compare the stabilizing effect of three materials, cement, sodium chloride and brick dust on clay soil found at locations during road construction. To achieve this, the powder forms of samples of each of the three materials are mixed to clay soils in various percentages of 2%, 6%, 10% and 14%. The moisture content, specific gravity, sieve analysis, atterberg limit tests were carried out to classify the soil using the AASHTO classification system. Based on the results obtained the soil sample corresponds to group A-2-7 (Clayey Sand) and poorly graded sand with clay (SP-SC) soil type for use as drainage and subgrade material. According to the classification, this is acceptable for stabilization of soil. Specific gravity, sieve analysis, atterberg limit, compaction, California bearing ratio (CBR), swell index were carried out on the soil with and without the addition of (cement, sodium chloride, brick dust). The results showed improvement in the maximum dry density value on addition of cement, sodium chloride with gradual increase from 2% to 14%, the brick dust content showed gradual increase up to 6%and after which it started to decrease at 10% and 14%. The three materials are therefore recommended as stabilizing agents for use in road construction where clay soils play a significant part in early deterioration of this important fulcrum of Nigeria national development.