GEOTECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF LATERITIC SOIL STABILIZED WITH PULVERIZED COW BONE ASH @700°C

This research investigates the geotechnical properties of lateritic soil stabilized with pulverized cow bone ash (PCBA) at a calcination temperature of 700°C. Lateritic soils, commonly found in tropical regions, often suffer from high clay content and plasticity, leading to structural challenges in construction. The study aims to explore the potential of PCBA as a sustainable and cost-effective stabilizer to enhance the engineering properties of lateritic soil. The soil samples, taken from Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria, were combined with cow bone ash calcined at 700°C, mixed in varying proportions (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) to assess the impact on the soil’s Chemical analysis was performed using XRF and XRD methods to determine the composition of the lateritic soil and cow bone ash, providing a foundation for understanding its stabilizing effects. The Atterberg limits results of stabilized soil using (Addictive) shows the liquid limits ranges from (35 to 19) %, plastic limits ranges from (27 to 16.9) % and the plasticity index ranges from (9.35 to 1) %. The Plasticity index of the soil reduces as compared with the natural soil. The results showed a reduction in the plasticity index, indicating improved stability of the soil for construction purposes. The compaction test results for the natural soil samples which produced Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content OMC are (1.68g/cm3 and 27.88%) respectively. For stabilized soil with Addictive, MDD and OMC varied from (1.68 to 1.44) g/cm3 and (27.88 to 12.95) %, respectively. There is an increase in MDD and decrease in OMC throughout the stabilization processes when compared with natural soil. The CBR for the natural soil sample is 10% and 56% for unsoaked and soaked conditions, respectively. The values of the stabilized CBR varied from (3 to 13) % unsoaked (65 to 37) % for soaked respectively.. The results showed improvement in CBR values with the addition of cow bone ash, supporting the soil’s potential use as a subgrade material in road construction.