Stabilization of Niger Deltaic Expansive Clay Soils Using Composite Materials

Abstract

The study examined the hybridization effect of irvinga gabonesis fibre (Bush Mango) ash and cement as composite materials in the modification of weak expansive clay soils found in Iwofe, Chokocho, Ndoni, and Ogbele town roads in the Niger Delta region of South-South part of Nigeria. Preliminary test carried out classified as A – 7 – 6 /CH on the AASHTO classification schemes / Unified Soil Classification System. The soils are dark grey in color with the plastic index of 31.10%, 24.55%, 31.05%, and 32.17% respectively. Experimental results analyzed showed increased in compaction test parameters of MDD and OMC with the increase in additives corresponding percentage ratio to clay soils. Results of unstabilized and stabilized results showed increased values with respect to corresponding percentages with the optimum inclusion of 7.5% + 7.5% to soils ratio. Results showed decreased in plastic index parameters with additives inclusion to soils. Comparative results showed increased in the unconfined compressive strength of stabilized clay soils with respect to the percentage. Entire results showed the use of irvinga gabonesis fibre (Bush Mango) ash and cement as soil stabilizer products.