Chemical Stabilization of Deltaic Lateritic Soil Using Cement and Superplasticizer

Abstract

In this study, two chemical stabilization techniques were used to
stabilize deltaic lateritic soils obtained from Ujevwu in Delta State,
Nigeria. The two chemical stabilization techniques involved the use
of only cement and a combination of cement and superplasticizer.
Compaction and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were
conducted on the soil samples before and after stabilization. From
the results obtained, it was observed that the natural soil only
satisfied the requirements for use as a subgrade material, based on
the specifications for road pavement materials prescribed by the
Nigerian Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMWH) Highway
Design Manual. Stabilization by addition of only cement to the
natural soils gave CBR values of 30% and 80% with cement contents
of 6.2% and 10% respectively. However, when superplasticizer
contents of 1.2% and 1.8% were added alongside the cement, CBR
values of 30% and 80% were achieved with cement contents of 4%
and 6% respectively. Based on the results, it was seen that combining
cement with superplasticizers as stabilizing materials, can lead to
significant reduction in the amount of cement required for soil
stabilization.