Lateritic Research Articles

Geotechnical Stabilization Potential of Cement Admixed with Rice Husk Ash on the Crude Oil Polluted Laterite Soil: A Case Study of Ebendo, Delta State, Nigeria

Crude oil pollution of the environment is one of the greatest concerns to Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta and most oil producing regions of the world, with far-reaching effects on the ecosystems. In this study, the influence of oil pollution on geotechnical properties of laterite soil and possibility of stabilization with rice husk ash (RHA) and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) were investigated. Soil sample categorized as A-2-6 and CL was artificially contaminated with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% crude oil. The consistency limits, specific gravity (SG), Compaction, Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were carried out on both uncontaminated and contaminated soil samples. The 10% contaminated specimen was further stabilized with admixture of OPC and RHA using different percentages (0-10%) by mass of soil. A significant decrease in SG, maximum dry density (MDD), CBR and UCS was revealed but with an increase in consistency limits and optimum moisture content (OMC) as the volume of crude oil increased from 0 to 10%. However, stabilization of the contaminated soil with OPC and RHA improved the soaked CBR and UCS. The addition of OPC (0-10%) enhanced the UCS and CBR of the 10% polluted soil from 25-119 kN/m2 and 2-18.3%, respectively, while the treatment with RHA increased the UCS and CBR values from 25-60 kN/m2 and 2-4.4%. The results of research clearly show that oil contamination had considerable influence on soil properties but addition of 10% RHA or 8% OPC can be adopted to restore and enhance the geotechnical properties of the polluted laterite soil.

Compaction Verification of Lateritic Soil Using Electrical Resistivity: A Laboratory Study

Compaction Verification of Lateritic Soil Using Electrical Resistivity: A Laboratory Study

An Evaluation of the Performance of Lateritic Soil Stabilized with Cement and Biochars to be Used in Road Bases of Low-Volume Sealed Roads

The study investigated the effects of adding Saw Dust Ash (SDA) and Sugar Cane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) on the strength of cement with stabilized lateritic soil. The experiments carried out in both the lateritic soil and stabilized lateritic soil considered Atterberg limits, sieve/hydrometer analysis, compaction, soaked California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) at various curing periods. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) was introduced into the soil with varying content (0%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%) by weight of the soil sample. The results showed that CBR and UCS increased to 175.7% and 1.999 MPa, respectively, as the OPC content increased to 7%. The optimal OPC content to meet the 1.5MPa UCS requirement for road bases on low-volume sealed roads in Kenya was 7%. The next treatment involved partially replacing the OPC content with SDA and SCBA in different doses (7-0-0%, 5-1-1%, 3-2-2%, 1-3-3%, and 0-3.5-3.5%, respectively) for various curing periods. The results showed that CBR and UCS decreased as the OPC content decreased and SCBA and SDA increased. At a content of 5% OPC, 1% SDA, and 1% SCBA, UCS and CBR were 1.877 MPa and 149%, respectively, suggesting that it was the optimal dosage to meet the 1.5MPa UCS requirement for road bases on low-volume sealed roads in Kenya. The durability test indicated that the specimens treated with 5% OPC, 1% SDA, and 1% SCBA met the 80% durability index mark, as recommended for cement-stabilized soils. Previous studies used SDA and SCBA separately with cement or lime to stabilize the subgrade or subbase of roads, but this study focused on using these materials together as a partial OPC replacement to stabilize lateritic road bases for use in low-volume sealed roads. The goal was to use local agricultural and industrial waste materials in road construction and improve the strength characteristics of road bases while preserving the environment through waste utilization.

Bio-formulation in combination with inorganic fertilizer improves crop growth, productivity and economics of kharif groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Red and Laterite soils

ABSTRACT Indiscriminate application of inorganic chemicals has resulted in soil health deterioration and decline in crop produce in nutrient poor Alfisols of India. We conducted an experiment to find out the influence of different level of inorganic fertilizer and bio-formulations on nutrient uptake, crop growth and productivity of kharif groundnut in the Red and Laterite soils during 2018, 2019 and 2020. It was hypothesized that judicious application of inorganic fertilizer and bio-formulation would result in better nutrient uptake, improving nut yield and net income. We found that higher dose of inorganic fertilizer along with liquid bio-formulations yielded better results in terms of nutrient uptake, crop growth, yield and quality in groundnut. An increase of 43.2% and 57.5% in haulm and kernel N uptake; 67.6 and 98.1% in haulm and kernel P uptake; 47.4% and 57.6% in haulm and kernel K uptake was recorded, respectively, when 100% recommended dose of NPK (F4) was coupled with liquid NPK bio-formulation + Zn-solubilizing bacteria (B2) over control and was most economical (higher B:C ratio, 2.73). Groundnut being an exhaustive crop, responded well to higher levels of inorganic fertilizer and bio-formulations.

Mechanical and Structural Correlation of Lateritic Soil Road Base Stabilized with Cement and Selected Biochars

The study considers the strength and structural characterization of lateritic soil road base in order to increase the strength of low-volume sealed road construction. Sugar Cane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) and Saw Dust Ash (SDA), mixed with soil and in combination with different percentages of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), were utilized in the current study. Structural and mechanical characterization of the investigated samples was performed by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Standard Proctor Test (SPT), Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS) Test, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test. The observed increase in strength may be due to the reduction of mica, quartz, and calcite in the investigated samples. CaO and SiO2 contribute to the development of strength in cement, while SCBA, and SDA-stabilized lateritic soils. The microstructural study revealed that the mica, quartz, and calcite phases play a very important role in maintaining the strength and stability of the investigated samples.

Analysis of the geotechnical behavior of a piled raft in tropical lateritic soil based on long-term monitoring of columns, piles, and raft–soil interface

This paper aims to analyze and describe the geotechnical behavior of a piled raft foundation of a tall building (53 floors, 172.4 m high) through the monitoring of strains in the building’s columns and piles, the stresses at the raft–soil interface, and the foundation settlements. Field and laboratory tests were performed, and associated with axisymmetric and three-dimensional finite element analysis to the assessment of the measured data. The monitoring of the pile strains suggests the occurrence of soil expansion, caused by the raft excavation process, up to approximately 6 months after the excavation was completed. The presence of different soil profiles under the raft, with different mechanical properties, affected the distribution of the foundation settlements and the pile loads. Initially, the average pile loads were concentrated in the perimeter elements, but, as the construction of the building evolved, they tended to become more uniform. The effect of the superstructure stiffness caused successive load redistributions in the columns, which contributed to the maintenance of the maximum angular distortion of the building within the allowable values and reduced the load difference between the piles positioned in opposite soil profiles.

SOURCES OF SUBSTANCE AND GENETIC RELATION OF SOIL AND BAUXITE BEARING HORIZONS IN THE LATERITE PROFILE OF THE WEATHERING CRUST (OF THE FUTA JALLON-MANDINGO PROVINCE, REPUBLIC OF GUINEA)

For the first time, a granulometric analysis of lateritic soils was carried out and the sources of the substance involved in the formation of the degradation zone in the bauxite-bearing laterite profile of the bauxite-bearing province of Futa Jallon-Mandingo were identified. Throughout the province, on the stony rocks of the lateritic covers, the soil horizon occurs everywhere - the uppermost element of the vertical profile of the weathering crust. In the soil horizon, most of the components become mobile, leaching processes predominate, and laterites are mobilized and redistributed. The study of these continental formations made it possible to establish the genetic relationship between the soil horizon of the weathering crust and the underlying bauxite ores, and to determine the degree of influence of soil composition on the processes of bauxite formation.

Assessing the Impact of Zinc and Boron Supplementation on Oats Grown under Red and Lateritic Soil of West Bengal

Background: Avena sativa L. (common oat) is the most important among the cultivated oat belongs to the Poaceae family and is known as Jai or Javi in Indian subcontinent. It is important winter forage in many parts of the world and is grown as multipurpose crop for grain, pasture, forage or as a rotation crop. Methods: A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of Zinc Sulphate and Borax on growth, yield components, yield and economics of oats seed production in red and lateritic soil of West Bengal during rabi seasons of 2015-16 and 2016-17 at agricultural farm, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design having two factors each with four levels (Zinc Sulphate with 0, 15, 20 and 25 kg/ha as well as Borax with 0, 5, 10 and 15 kg/ha). Result: Pooled data over two years of experiments showed that soil application with Zinc Sulphate and Borax at various levels significantly influenced growth attributes (dry matter accumulation, leaf area index and crop growth rate), yield components (no. of panicles/m2, no. of filled grains/panicle and test weight), yield (seed yield, straw yield and biological yield) and economics of oats seed production. With increasing levels of ZnSO4 application, highest number of panicles/m2 (196.27), seed yield (3.00 t/ha), straw yield (6.94 t/ha) and biological yield (9.85 t/ha) were obtained at 25 kg/ha though these were at par with 20 kg ZnSO4 /ha. Higher number of filled grains/panicle (76.47), test weight (29.93 g), seed yield (2.95 t/ha), straw yield (6.70 t/ha) and biological yield (9.63 t/ha) were found with application of borax @ 10 kg/ha. The highest gross return, net return and return per rupee investment was achieved with application of ZnSO4 @ 20 kg/ha (₹ 1,17,257/ha, ₹ 68,997/ha and 2.65, respectively) which was significantly higher than both of 25 kg ZnSO4/ha (₹ 1,15,051/ha, ₹ 64,489/ha, and 2.52, respectively) and 15 kg ZnSO4/ha (₹ 1,05,198/ha, ₹ 59,240/ha and 2.44, respectively). Similarly, highest gross return, net return and return per rupee investment was obtained with application of borax @ 10 kg/ha (₹ 1,15,537/ha, ₹ 69,070/ha and 2.67, respectively). A significant interaction between Zinc Sulphate and borax was found towards seed yield, biological yield, gross return, net return and return per rupee investment in oats seed production. Use of ZnSO4 at 20 kg/ha and borax at 10 kg/ha conjunctively achieved highest seed yield (3.28 t/ha), biological yield (10.81 t/ha), gross return (₹ 1, 27, 530/ha), net return (₹78,760/ha) and return per rupee investment (₹3.78) in oats seed production.

Scheffe's Polynomial Optimisation of Laterite Concrete Incorporating Periwinkle Shells and Coir

Recent emphases on minimising the carbon footprint of concrete have focused on the use of non-conventional materials for the production of low-cost concrete. Such materials include laterite, periwinkle shells and coir which have been reported as suitable for use as fine and coarse aggregate replacements in specified proportions. However, the use of two or more unconventional materials in a concrete mix would require significant experimental effort that is time- and resource-consuming and usually performed by trial and error to determine the optimum mix design. A popular optimisation technique used for concrete mix design is Scheffe's second-degree polynomial modelling. However, the application of a more accurate Scheffe's third-degree polynomial optimisation technique in designing cementitious composites incorporating unconventional aggregates is rare. This study, therefore, presents the use of Scheffe's third-degree model to determine the optimum proportions of coir, laterite and periwinkle shell aggregates in a concrete mix in order to obtain the best mechanical properties of the hardened concrete. The constituents of the concrete were optimised for seven components of water, cement, fine-aggregate, laterite soil, coarse aggregate, periwinkle shell and coir on an N(7, 3) Sheffe's factor space. The optimal mix ratio for compressive and flexural strengths of 11.33 and 1.20 MPa, respectively, was 0.5149, 1.044, 3.009, 0.126, 3.934, 0.054, and 0.0046 for pseudo-components Xi: {∀i = 1, 2 3, 4, 4, 6, 7}. The coefficients of determination (R2) were 98.74% and 98.53% for the compressive and flexural response models, respectively, while the p-values obtained for the response coefficient fit parameters βi, βij, βijk for (i = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) were 96.77% and 91.49% for the compressive and flexural strength models, respectively. The optimised Low-Performance Concrete (LPC) is about 4% cheaper than LPC made from conventional aggregates and is adequate for patio slabs, pedestrian footpaths, kerbs, and floorings in residential buildings. The use of Sheffe's third-degree model eliminates the significant experimental efforts needed in the design of concrete mixes incorporating unconventional aggregates.

Correlation of Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Geotechnical Field Data for Soil Profile Characterization

This study looked at the effects of compaction on resistivity values as well as the relationship between different degrees of compaction. The material used in this experiment was laterite soil. The sample was tested into a standard proctor mould. The model has 10.20cm diameter and 11.6 cm for height of the mould. Each sample's resistivity was measured entirely compacted.The resistivity testing in this study were conducted using the Miller 400A. ASTM D 422 Standards were used, and for electrical resistivity testing, ASTM G57 is used. This research emphasises the impact of moisture content on resistivity value, as soil reduces resistivity value when the soil has higher moisture content which is 120 Ωm at 37%, and 190 Ωm at 25%. By comparing the results of different moisture content of soil samples under varied degrees of compaction, better resistivity interpretation tables may be generated.

Effect of Zinc and Boron on Yield, Quality and Nutritional Value of Broccoli Head (Brassica oleracea var. italica) with Different Application Methods in Red and Lateritic Soils of Birbhum District, India

The aim of the study was to improve yield, quality and nutritional value of broccoli head with different dose and application methods of zinc and boron and also decide the best possible treatment combination. The experiment was conducted in Palli sikhsha bhavana, agriculture farm, Visva Bharati (Sriniketan) during rabi seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 from October to January. It was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design consisting of 9 treatments of zinc and boron combination with different doses and application method replicated thrice. Three treatments of Zinc viz. Z0 (no zinc), Zf (foliar application @0.5% ZnSO4), Zs (soil application @25 kg/ha ZnSO4) and three treatments of Boron viz. B0 (no boron), Bf (foliar application @0.5% borax), Bs (soil application @2 kg/ha borax) randomized among themselves The crop was planted (spacing of 50 cm X 40 cm), fertilized (N: P2O5: K2O::150:100:100) and irrigated as per recommended practices. Five plants from each plot were randomly selected and tagged for data collection. Treatment (T8) combined application of boron soil @2 kg/ha and zinc as foliar @0.5% was found superior for total yield (28.9 ton/ha) and head weight per plot (695.4 gms). Vitamin C and total chlorophyll of broccoli head significantly improved with combined application of zinc in soil @25 kg/ha and boron as foliar @0.5% with highest value of 1117.5mg/g and 0.77mg/g respectively. Highest Total sugar and reducing content was recorded for combined application of boron in soil @2 kg/ha as well as foliar @0.5% with value of 1.7% and 1.62%. Crude protein content in broccoli head was significantly improved with zinc foliar application @0.5% with a value of 14.34%. Zinc concentration and zinc uptake by broccoli head was significantly increased by zinc foliar application @0.5% recording highest value of 0.041% and 6.67 kg/ha whereas boron concentration and uptake was improved by combined application of boron soil @2 kg/ha and zinc as foliar @0.5% with a value of 0.0049% and 2.26 kg/ha respectively. The combined application of boron in soil @2 kg/ha and zinc as foliar @0.5% would be the best treatment to impact on yield, quality and nutritional values of broccoli head in red and lateritic soils of Birbhum district.

Effect of Biochar Produced from Paddy Husk and Coconut Frond on Soil Physical Properties and Productivity of Ginger in a Laterite Soil

The effect of biochar produced from paddy husk and coconut frond on soil physical properties and yield of ginger crop was studied in a laterite soil of Kerala, India. The treatments included paddy husk biochar (PHB) and coconut frond biochar (CFB) each @ 10, 20 and 30 t ha-1 + NPK as per KAU package of practices (KAU POP) recommendation, KAU POP alone (30 t FYM + 75: 50: 50 kg NPK ha-1) and absolute control. The recovery of paddy husk biochar (PHB) was 50% and that of coconut frond biochar (CFB) was 40%. Physical properties of the soil were significantly improved by the application of biochar compared to FYM as per KAU POP application. Specific surface area (68.74 and 2.56 m2 g-1 respectively) and water holding capacity (276.33 and 256.51% respectively) were higher for PHB compared to CFB whereas bulk density was lower for PHB (0.27Mg m-3) than CFB (0.35 Mg m-3). Biochar application reduced the bulk density, increased the water holding capacity and water stable aggregates of soil. Plant height, rhizome spread, and ginger yield were calculated towards interpreting the direct influence of biochar on growth of ginger. All these parameters were positively influenced by the incorporation of biochar at different rates. The highest ginger yield was obtained for PHB @ 30 t ha-1 (13964.2 kg ha-1) which was on par with CFB @ 30 t ha-1 (13418.3 kg ha-1). From the investigations, it can be concluded that application of PHB or CFB @ 30 or 20 t ha-1 along with NPK as per KAU POP produced significantly higher yield than FYM treatment as per KAU POP can be considered as the economically viable treatments in laterite soil.

Characterization of basaltic rock laterites in Dschang, West-Cameroon: Compressed Earth Bricks (CEB) for low-cost buildings

This study reports on the geotechnical characterization of lateritic soils upon basaltic rocks in Dschang, West-Cameroon. Six (06) soil samples from six (06) sites were taken for assessing their suitability in good quality CEB manufacturing. An analytical approach was adopted and consisted of standard physical and mechanical properties including water content, absolute density, Atterberg limits, grain size distribution and Optimum Proctor Modified (OPM). Mineralogical and geochemical contents of the materials were obtained by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) respectively. In addition, density, water absorption, abrasion resistance, and dry and wet compressive strengths were determined for manufactured brick specimens. Results indicate that the materials are rich in kaolinite (33–38%), gibbsite (21–27%) and goethite (22–26%) associated to low proportions of smectites (2–7%) and oxides such as hematite, ilmenite, anatase and bohmite. SiO2 (29.57–35.8%), Al2O3 (22.72–26.93%) and Fe2O3 (20.67–27.95%) are the most abundant oxides while basic cations are generally low in the materials (WIP: 2.25–5.89). The absolute density varies from 2.26 to 2.57 t/m3 and could be indicative of higher Fe2O3 contents. The plasticity index (7.80–18.95%) and the liquidity limit (57.80–64.50%) of materials allow their classification as inorganic silt and organic clay with high plasticity and compressibility that are not suitable for the production of CEB. Furthermore, these materials fall out the preferential plasticity domain recommended by Cameroonian standard for CEB. Based on grain size distribution, the studied materials also fall out the sprindle reference of the Cameroonian standard. For improving the characteristics of studied materials, a grain size correction was performed and provided an optimal mixture made up of 75% natural materials and 25% medium sand (0.05–0.5 mm) that is locally available. This is accompanied by considerable variations of consistency parameters allowing to pass from inorganic silt and organic clay to inorganic clay that display appropriate compressibility and plasticity for good quality CEB production. The using of cement at 4%, 6% and 8% revealed a progressive increase of the MDD (1.40–1.77%) and Wopt (12.60–28.39%). Moreover, the density and mechanical parameters of the manufactured specimens increase with the cement content. The density, physical and mechanical properties of the manufactured specimens fall within the Cameroonian standard of compressed earth bricks (CEB). Globally, the lateritic materials of Dschang improved with sand (25%) and Cement (8%) can be suitable for the production of good and low-cost CEB especially as the two additional materials are locally available and accessible.

Assessment of the Impact of Inundation on the Strength of a Lateritic and Collapsible Soil

Assessment of the Impact of Inundation on the Strength of a Lateritic and Collapsible Soil

Stabilization of Lateritic Soil for Road Application Using Lime and Cow Bone Ash

Stabilization of Lateritic Soil for Road Application Using Lime and Cow Bone Ash

Sources of Substance and Genetic Relation of Soil and Bauxite-Bearing Horizons in the Laterite Profile of the Weathering Crust (of the Fouta Jallon–Mandingo Province, Republic of Guinea)

For the first time, a granulometric analysis of lateritic soils was carried out and the sources of the substance involved in the formation of the degradation zone in the bauxite-bearing laterite profile of the bauxite-bearing province of Futa Jallon-Mandingo were identified. Throughout the province, on the stony rocks of the lateritic covers, the soil horizon occurs everywhere—the uppermost element of the vertical profile of the weathering crust. In the soil horizon, most of the components become mobile, leaching processes predominate, and laterites are mobilized and redistributed. The study of these continental formations made it possible to establish the genetic relationship between the soil horizon of the weathering crust and the underlying bauxite ores, and to determine the degree of influence of soil composition on the processes of bauxite formation.

Vertical Distribution of Forms of Sulphur in Relation to Physicochemical Properties of Lateritic Soils of Eastern India

Sulphur (S) deficiency is widespread in Indian soils, and it has been emerging as a major problem in rice-growing lateritic soils of West Bengal. The vertical distribution of S forms and their relationships with soil physicochemical properties were examined in 50 rice-growing locations of lateritic soils of West Bengal, India, for the current study. For this a total of one hundred fifty representative soil samples were collected from three depths and fifty representative locations of rice-based cropping systems of lateritic belt of West Bengal and analyzed for different fractions of S and important physicochemical properties using standard methodology. Most soils were sandy clay loam to clay loam, with low to medium levels of organic carbon, and strongly acidic to moderately acidic. A decrease in organic carbon across the depths was evident. Among the sulphur forms, organic S was dominant, and the contribution of water-soluble S was least throughout the soil profile. The studied sulphur forms followed the order: total S > organic S > heat soluble S > adsorbed S > sulphate S > water soluble S. Except for adsorbed S, most forms decreased with soil depth. The correlation study revealed that soil pH was positively and significantly correlated with water soluble (r = 0.431**) and sulphate S (r = 0.325*) in surface soils, with sulphate S both in mid-surface (r = 0.450**) and subsurface soils (r = 0.423**). Organic carbon showed a positive correlation with all the S forms throughout the profile. Both clay and silt content positively affected S forms, while sand content showed a negative relationship. Positive correlation among all the S forms observed along soil depth, except for a negative correlation between adsorbed S and sulphate S. This investigation will be helpful for sulphur management to optimize crop yields in lateritic soils.

Vertical Distribution of Water Soluble Boron and Its Correlation with Physicochemical Properties in Lateritic Soils of West Bengal, India: A Comprehensive Study

The vertical distribution of water soluble boron and its relationship to certain soil properties was investigated from soil samples collected at various locations of lateritic soils of West Bengal during 2020-2021. In the lateritic zone of West Bengal, India, a total of 150 soil samples have been collected from 50 sites within two blocks: Bolpur and Illambazar. According to the study, the majority of soils have a clay loam to sandy clay loam texture. The soil pH of the surface soils of the study area ranged from 4.33 to 6.69 with an average value of 5.62, indicating that the majority of soils are strongly acidic to moderately acidic in reaction. The organic carbon content (%) of the surface soils (0–20 cm) of Bolpur and Illambazar blocks varied from 0.32 to 0.58 and 0.33 to 0.99 respectively, and it was found that most of the soils have low to medium organic matter content. With depth, the soil pH increased and the organic matter content decreased in the study area. In the surface soils of the Bolpur block, the water soluble boron content ranged from 0.16 to 0.33 mg kg-1 with its mean content of 0.24 ± 0.046 mg kg-1, whereas in the soils of the Illambazar block, it ranged from 0.15 to 0.33 mg kg-1 with a mean content of 0.25 ± 0.051 mg kg-1. From the results, it is understandable that water soluble B status decreased across the depth and that most of the soils under study were deficient in water soluble B content. From the correlation study, it was found that, water soluble boron significantly and positively correlated with clay content, pH, OC content, CEC and amorphous Fe and Al, indicating the importance of managing these parameters to enhance the availability of soil B. The results of the study would be very helpful to the scientists in advising B application for fruitful crop development in the lateritic soils of the region.

Load capacity evaluation of different typologies of short and small diameter piles

It is common to observe residences with a high number of pathologies related to differential settlements in the municipality of Cruz Alta, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Motivated by this perspective the first Geotechnical Engineering Experimental Field was implemented in the municipality. Standard penetration test and cone penetration test was conducted to characterize the subsoil and execute 17 excavated piles: nine compression piles and eight reaction piles. This technical note presents and discusses the results of the geotechnical load capacity obtained with the static load test in three different pile conditions: conventional piles, floating piles, and reinforced piles by inserting a crushed stone layer compacted at the bottom of the drilling. The piles evaluated have a length of 3 m and a diameter of 30 cm. The piles are immersed in a layer of unsaturated laterite soil. Conventional piles are extensively executed in the municipality due to the limited equipment of the companies offering this service. In summary, the piles presented low bearing capacity, however, the reinforced piles proved to be a viable alternative in terms of increased resistance. The conventional piles presented low load capacity and significant settlements. The insertion of the reinforcement at the tip of the pile resulted in a resistance gain in the range of 31%. The study of floating piles was important to understand the behavior of the pile base. This technical note will enable the geotechnical understanding for future researchers or designers who will work with this soil condition in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Investigation of mechanical and micro-structural properties of weak laterite soil treated by bischofite

Investigation of mechanical and micro-structural properties of weak laterite soil treated by bischofite