Utilization of Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil as a Foundation Base for Structures (Roads and Buildings in the Oil-Polluted Region)

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the suitability of crude oil-contaminated laterite (soil) as foundation base for roads and buildings. The laterite was sourced and uniformly mixed with different proportions of crude oil (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) by weight. The geotechnical properties of the contaminated laterite were determined following British standard. The properties are Atterberg limits, compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and shear strength. The results obtained were compared with those of uncontaminated laterite (0% crude oil). The results showed an initial increase in the maximum dry density and CBR at 2% contamination and thereafter significantly decreased. The shear strength increased from 72.4kN/m2 at 0% to 78.6kN/m2 at 2% crude oil and thereafter decreased. Therefore, the presence of crude oil in a small proportion (not greater than 2% of soil weight) has no adverse effect on the soil’s geotechnical properties, and as such the soil can serve as a foundation base for roads and structures.