Effects of Cement and Lime Stabilization on Geotechnical Properties of Expansive Soils in Awka and Environs, Southeastern Nigeria

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Effects of Cement and Lime Stabilization on Geotechnical Properties of Expansive Soils in Awka and Environs, Southeastern Nigeria

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Abstract

Failures of engineering structures, superficially expressed as cracks on roads and buildings in Awka and environs, are believed to be caused by expansive soils on which the engineering structures were erected in the area. This study investigated the use of cement and lime as additives in the modification of the geotechnical properties of expansive soils in the study area (Awka and Environs) so as to reduce their swelling potentials. Two expansive soil samples were collected from different locations in the study area to represent soils derived from different geologic formations (Nibo, representing soils derived from Ameki Formation and Akpugoeze, representing soils derived from Imo Shale). The geotechnical properties of the soils including Atterberg limits (liquid limit and plasticity index), linear shrinkage, Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) were determined in the laboratory. The soil samples were later stabilized with various percentages of cement and lime (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10). The geotechnical tests earlier performed on the soils were repeated (after stabilization) to evaluate the effects of cement and lime stabilization on the geotechnical properties of the soils. Results of the study indicate that lime and cement stabilization of expansive soils in Awka and the environs have the general effects of reducing the swelling indicators (liquid limits, plasticity index and linear shrinkage) thereby reducing the swelling potential of the soil or tendency of the soil to swell in the presence of water. Stabilization with cement and lime also have the effect of increasing the strength characteristics (MDD and CBR) of the soils. Cement stabilization increases the MDD and CBR while lime stabilization increases the CBR but reduces the MDD. Optimum stabilization, that is, minimum values of swelling indicators were achieved with 6% lime stabilization and 8% cement stabilization. On the basis of actual values achieved from stabilization of the two soils derived from different geologic formations (Ameki Formation and Imo Shale), lime stabilization of expansive soils is more effective than cement stabilization in terms of reduction of swelling indicators. The two materials (cement and lime) are generally good, though, and any of them may be used in field operations depending on availability.


Publication Info:

Author: Ogbuchukwu, P.O. and Okeke, O.C.

Volume: 57

Issue: September

Published By: Journal of Mining and Geology, 2024-09-01

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