International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering Research ISSN 2348-7607 (Online)

Vol. 6, Issue 2, pp: (27-34), Month: October 2018 - March 2019, Available at: www.researchpublish.com

Improvement of Expansive Soils with Blended

Composite Materials as Stabilizers
Terence Temilade Tam Wokoma1, Charles Kennedy2, Tobi Derebebeapade Stanisslous3
1,2
School of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, Rivers State,
Nigeria
3
Department of Architecture, School of Environmental Technology, Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori,
Rivers State, Nigeria.
Authors E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Abstract: The study observed the application of waste extracted bagasse fibre ash of costaceae lacerus blended with
lime to improve the engineering geotechnical properties of an expansive soil subgrade for road pavement
materials. Preliminary investigations proved the sampled soils poor and fell below the minimum requirement for
such application. The soils are classified as A-7-6 of American Association of State and Transport Officials
(AASHTO) soil classification system with plastic index properties of 20.33%, 20.35%, 21.85%, 26.30%, and
21.35% respectively of sampled roads. Compaction test results obtained showed increased values in both
maximum dry density and optimum moisture content relatively to ratio percentage additives. Comparatively,
stabilized clay soils California bearing ratio increased with increase in additives inclusion with optimum mix
proportion of 7.5% + 7.5%. Cracks occurred beyond optimum mixed level. Unconfined compressive strength test
results increased with varying additive percentages. Costaceae lacerus bagasse fibre ash and lime proved to be
good composite materials combination in soil stabilization.
Keywords: Clay soils, costaceae lacerus bagasse ash, Lime CBR, UCS, Consistency, Compaction.

1. INTRODUCTION
The desirable requirement of widely used soils (lateritic and clay) for materials for road earthworks can be achieved with
the use of soil stabilizers of fibre , lime, cement, fly- ash and others, either in single or in combined actions. Except in
very rare and exceptional cases, soils (including deltaic lateritic soils) in their natural states hardly possess characteristics
suitable for desired engineering applications, particularly for road works. The minimum requirements for soils or soil-
based materials usable in road pavement structures have been indicated by the FMW Specifications [1]. Soil Stabilization
has proved to be very economical as it provides cheap materials for the construction of low cost roads. Numerous kinds of
stabilizers were used as soil additives to improve its engineering properties. A number of stabilizers, such as lime, cement
and fly ash, depend on their chemical reactions with the soil elements in the presence of water (Azadegan et al. [2];
Mallela et al. [3];).
Other additives, such as geofiber and geogrid, depend on their physical effects to improve soil properties (Alawaji, [4];
Viswanadham et al. [5]). In addition, it can be combined both of chemical and physical stabilization, for example, by
using lime and geofiber or geotextile together (Yang et al. [6]; Chong and Kassim, [7]). Lime is the oldest traditional
chemical stabilizer used for soil stabilization (Mallela et al. [3]).
Rao et al. [8] studied the effects of RHA, lime and gypsum on engineering properties of expansive soil and found that
UCS increased by 548 % at 28 days of curing and CBR increased by 1350 % at 14 days curing at RHA- 20%, lime -5 %
and gypsum -3%.
Charles et al. [9] investigated and evaluated the engineering properties of an expansive lateritic soil with the inclusion of
cement / lime and costus afer bagasse fibre ash ( locally known as bush sugarcane fibre ash(BSBFA ) with ratios of
laterite to cement, lime and BSBFA of 2.5% 2.5%, 5.0% 5.0%, 7.5% 7.5% and 10% 10% to improve the values of CBR
of less than 10% and termed poor on remarks required subgrade and strength fo constructional works. At 8% of both

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cement and lime, CBR values reached optimum, beyond this range, cracks exist and 7.5% cement and lime 7.5% BSBFA,
and 7.25% cement and lime 0. 7.5% BSBF, optimum value are reached. The entire results showed the potential of using
bagasse, BSBFA as admixtures in cement and lime treated soils of laterite.
Sabat [10] studied the effect of lime sludge (from paper manufacturing industry) on compaction, CBR, shear strength
parameters, coefficient of compression, Ps and durability of an expansive soil stabilized with optimum percentage of
RHA after 7days of curing. The optimum proportion soil: RHA: lime sludge was found to be 75:10:15.
Charles et al. [11] evaluated the effectiveness in the used of lime and costus afer fibre (Bush sugarcane bagasse fiber ash
(BSBFA) in single and combined actions as soil stabilizer to improve its properties. Considering the fact that Niger
Deltaic soils fall short of the minimum requirements for such applications on Specifications for road pavement structural
materials (after FMW [1). Entire results showed tremendous strength increased in soil properties with the inclusion of
additives. The entire results showed the potential of using bagasse BSBFA as admixture in lime treated soils of clay and
laterite with 8 % lime + 7.5% lime + BSBFA. Treated soils with Lime decreased in liquid limits and increased in plastic
limits. Soils with Lime and fibre products in combinations increased CBR values appreciably both at soaked and
unsoaked conditions respectively At 8% of both cement and lime, CBR values reached optimum, beyond this range,
cracks exist and 7.5% lime+ 7.5% BSBFA, optimum value are reached.

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

2.1 Materials
2.1.1 Soil
The soils used for the study were collected from Ogoda Town Road, Ubie, Districts of Ekpeye, Ahoada-East and
Ahoada-West Local Government Area, Bodo Town Road, Gokana Local Government Area, Ogbogu Town Road,
Egbema/Ndoni/Egbema local Government Area, Ula-Ikata Town Road, Ahoada-East Local Gvernment area, and Kaani
Town Road, Khana Local Government Area, all of Rivers State, Niger Delta, Nigeria.
2.1.2 Costaceae Lacerus Bagasse Fibre Ash
The Costaceae Lacerus bagasse fibre are wide plants, medicinally used in the local areas, abundant in Rivers State
farmlands / bushes, they covers larger areas, collected from at Oyigba Town Farmland / Bush, Ubie Clan, Ahoada-West,
Rivers State, Nigeria.
2.1.3 Lime
The lime used for the study was purchased in the open market at Mile 3 market road, Port Harcourt.
2.2 Method
2.2.1 Sampling Locality
The soil sample used in this study were collected along Ogoda Town, (latitude 5.04° 59‘S and longitude 6.38° 42‘E),
Bodo Town, ( latitude 4.65° 05‘S and longitude 7.27° 15‘E), Ogbogu Town, latitude 5.13° 08‘S and longitude 6.33°
25‘E), Ula-Ikata Town, (latitude 5.95° 45‘S and longitude 6.66° 13‘E) and kaani Town, latitude 4.67° 13‘S and longitude
6.81° 55‘E) all in Rivers State, Nigeria.
2.2.2 Test Conducted
Test conducted were (1) Moisture Content Determination (2) Consistency limits test (3) Particle size distribution (sieve
analysis) and (4) Standard Proctor Compaction test, California Bearing Ratio test (CBR) and Unconfined compressive
strength (UCS) tests;
2.2.3 Moisture Content Determination
The natural moisture content of the soil as obtained from the site was determined in accordance with BS 1377 (1990) Part
2.The sample as freshly collected was crumbled and placed loosely in the containers and the containers with the samples
were weighed together to the nearest 0.01g.
2.2.4 Grain Size Analysis (Sieve Analysis)
The mechanical or sieve analysis is performed to determine the distribution of the coarser, larger-sized particles.This test
is performed to determine the percentage of different grain sizes contained within a soil.

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2.2.5 Consistency Limits

The liquid limit (LL) is arbitrarily defined as the water content, in percent, at which a part of soil in a standard cup and cut
by a groove of standard dimensions will flow together at the base of the groove for a distance of 13 mm (1/2in.) when
subjected to 25 shocks from the cup being dropped 10 mm in a standard liquid limit apparatus operated at a rate of two
shocks per second.
2.2.6 Moisture – Density (Compaction) Test
This laboratory test is performed to determine the relationship between the moisture content and the dry density of a soil
for a specified compactive effort.
2.2.7 Unconfined Compression (UC) Test
The unconfined compressive strength is taken as the maximum load attained per unit area, or the load per unit area at 15%
axial strain, whichever occurs first during the performance of a test. The primary purpose of this test is to determine the
unconfined compressive strength, which is then used to calculate the unconsolidated undrained shear strength of the clay
under unconfined conditions
2.2.8 California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test
The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test was developed by the California Division of Highways as a method of relegating
and evaluating soil- subgrade and base course materials for flexible pavements.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The soils classified as A – 7 – 6 on the AASHTO classification System as shown in table 3.1 and are less matured in the
soils vertical profile and probably much more sensitive to all forms of manipulation that other deltaic lateritic soils are
known for (Ola [12]; Allam and Sridharan [13]; Omotosho and Akinmusuru [14]; Omotosho [15]). Preliminary results on
clay soils as seen in detailed test results given in Tables: 5 showed that the physical and engineering properties fall below
the minimum requirement for such application and needs stabilization to improve its properties.The soils are reddish
brown and dark grey in colour (from wet to dry states) plasticity index of 20.33%, 20.35%, 21.85%, 26.30%, and 21.35%
respectively for Ogoda, Bodo, Ogbogu, Ula-Ikata, Kaani Town Roads. The soil has unsoaked CBR values of
8.58%,8.83%, 8.05%, 7.38%, and 9.05% and soaked CBR values of 6.33%, 7.15%, 7.35%, 5.9% and 8.23 %,
unconfined compressive strength (UCS) values of 58.85kPa , 63.35kPa, 57.75kPa , 53.75kPa and 63.85kPa when
compacted with British Standard light (BSL), respectively
3.1 Compaction Test Results
The results of clay soils at 100% (no additives) of maximum dry density (MDD) at preliminary test are 1.875KN/m3,
1.923KN/m3, 1.823KN/m3, 1.795KN/m3, 1.985KN/m3 and Optimum moisture content (OMC) as 15.68%, 14.93%,
16.30%, 17.45% and 15.35% . Results of Stabilized clay soils with costaceae lacerus bagasse fibre ash (CLBFA) + lime
with percentages ratio combination of 2.5% + 2.5%, 5.0% + 5.0%, 7.5% + 7.5% and 10% + 10% of MDD are
1.975KN/m3, 1.990KN/m3, 1.918KN/m3, 1.925KN/m3, 2.553KN/m3 and OMC are 17.35%, 16.28%, 17.88%, 18.64%,
16.85%. Results showed increased in both MDD and OMC values as shown table 3.4 and represented in figures 3.1 – 3.5.
Increase in MDD and OMC are proportional to increased in additives percentages.
3.2 California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test
CBR results obtained of clay soils at 100% natural state are 8.58%, 8.83%, 8.05%, 7.38%, and 9.05% unsoaked and
soaked values 6.33%, 7.15%, 7.35%, 5.9% and 8.23 % . Costaceae lacerus bagasse fibre (CLBFA) + lime stabilized soils
unsoked values are 48.35%, 53.80%, 47.75%, 40.85% and 56.40% and soaked values are 42.30%, 48.53%, 42.85%,
36.30% and 51.67. Relatively, stabilized clay soils CBR increased with increase in additives inclusion with optimum mix
of 7.5% + 7.5%. Reduction in values was noticed beyond optimum percentages inclusion.
3.3 Unconfined Compressive Strength Test
Sampled road results at 100% clay soils are 58.85kPa, 63.35kPa, 57.75kPa, 53.75kPa and 63.85kPa. Stabilized soils
values are 314kPa, 266kPa, 322kPa, 312kPa and 346kPa. Unconfined compressive strength test results increased with
increase in additive inclusion as seen in table 3.4 and figure 3.6.

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3.4 Consistency Limits Test

Sampled preliminary results of consistency limits (Plastic index) at 100% soils are 20.33%, 20.35%, 21.85% , 26.30% and
21.35%. Stabilized soils index properties are 19.78%, 18.85%, 20.05%, 16.93% and 18.83%. Results showed additives
decreased the plastic index properties of soils as shown in figures 3.1 – 3.5.
Table 3.1: Engineering Properties of Soil Samples
Location Description Ogoda Bodo Town Ogbogu Town- Ula-Ikata Town Kaani Town
Town Road, Road Road, Road, Ahoada- Road, Khanna
Ahoada- ,Gokana Ogba/Egbema Bema East L.G.A Rivers
West L.G.A L.G.A Ndoni L.G.A L.G.A Rivers State
Rivers State Rivers State Rivers State State
Depth of sampling (m) 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5
Percentage(%) passing BS 73.85 67.38 76.35 82.35 71.55
sieve #200
Colour Grey Grey Grey Grey Grey
Specific gravity 2.71 2.68 2.1 2.63 2.63 2.71
Natural moisture content 46.25 45.38 45.86 49.30 46.85
(%)
Consistency Limits
Liquid limit (%) 58.85 59.45 58.35 56.67 48.25
Plastic limit (%) 38.52 39.10 37.50 30.37 24.90
Plasticity Index 20.33 20.35 21.85 26.30 21.35
AASHTO soil classification A–7–6 A–7–6 A–7–6 A–7–6 A–7–6
Unified Soil Classification
System
Optimum moisture content 15.68 14.93 16.30 17.45 15.35
(%)
Maximum dry density 1.875 1.923 1.823 1.795 1.9.85
(kN/m3)
Gravel (%) 1.85 0.85 2.45 0.53 1.95
Sand (%) 12.35 11.08 9.75 7.34 13.25
Silt (%) 52.35 47.35 47.85 53.68 48.25
Clay (%) 33.45 40.72 39.95 38.45 36.55
Unconfined compressive 58.85 63.35 57.75 53.75 63.85
strength (kPa)
California Bearing Capacity (CBR)
Unsoaked (%) CBR 8.58 8.83 8.05 7.38 9.05
Soaked (%) CBR 6.33 7.15 7.35 5.9 8.23

Table 3.2: Properties of Coataceae Lacerus bagasse fibre. (University of Uyo, Chemical Engineering Department,
Material Lab.1)
Property Value
Fibre form Single
Average length (mm) 400
Average diameter (mm) 0.86
Tensile strength (MPa) 68 - 33
Modulus of elasticity (GPa) 1.5 – 0.54
Specific weight (g/cm3) 0.69
Natural moisture content (%) 6.3
Water absorption (%) 178 - 256
Source, 2018
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Table 3.3: Composition of Bagasse. (University of Uyo, Chemical Engineering Department, Material Lab.1)
Item %
Moisture 49.0
Soluble Solids 2.3
Fiber 48.7
Cellulose 41.8
Hemicelluloses 28
Lignin 21.8
Source, 2018
Table 3.4: Results of Subgrade Soil (Clay) Test Stabilization with Binding Cementitious Products at Different
percentages and Combination

Figure 3.1:Subgrade Stabilization Test of Clay Soil from Ogoda in Ahoada-West L.G.A of Rivers State with CLBFA + Lime at
Different Percentages and Combination
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70.00
Unstabilized / Stabilized 60.00
MDD(kN/m3)
Subgrade Soil 50.00
40.00 OMC (%)
30.00 UNSOAKED CBR(%)
20.00 SOAKED CBR(%)
10.00 LL(%)
0.00
PL(%)
IP(%)

Clay + CLBFA + Lime

Figure 3.2: Subgrade Stabilization Test of Clay Soil from Bodo in Gokana L.G.A of Rivers State with CLBFA +
Lime at Different Percentages and Combination

70.00
Unstabilized / Stabilized

60.00
MDD(kN/m3)
50.00
Subgrade Soil

40.00 OMC (%)

30.00 UNSOAKED CBR(%)
20.00 SOAKED CBR(%)
10.00
LL(%)
0.00
PL(%)
IP(%)

Clay + CLBFA + Lime

Figure 3.3:Subgrade Stabilization Test of Clay Soil from Ogbogu in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni L.G.A of Rivers State
with CLBFA + Lime at Different Percentages and Combination

70.00
Unstabilized / Stabilized

60.00 MDD(kN/m3)
50.00
OMC (%)
Subgrade Soil

40.00
30.00 UNSOAKED CBR(%)
20.00
SOAKED CBR(%)
10.00
0.00 LL(%)
PL(%)
IP(%)
Clay + CLBFA + Lime
Figure 3.4:Subgrade Stabilization Test of Clay Soil from Ula-Ikata in Ahoada-East L.G.A of Rivers State with
CLBFA + Limet at Different Percentages and Combination
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60.00
Unstabilized / Stabilized 50.00 MDD(kN/m3)
Subgrade Soil 40.00
OMC (%)
30.00
UNSOAKED CBR(%)
20.00
SOAKED CBR(%)
10.00
LL(%)
0.00
PL(%)
IP(%)

Clay + CLBFA + Lime

Figure 3.5:Subgrade Stabilization Test of Clay Soil from Kaani in Khana L.G.A of Rivers State with CLBFA +
Lime at Different Percentages and Combination

400.00
Unconfined Compressive Strength

350.00
300.00
OGODA TOWN ROAD,
250.00 AHOADA-WEST L.G.A
200.00 BODO TOWN ROAD GOKANA
(kPa)

150.00 L.G.A
100.00 OGBOGU TOWN ROAD OGBA
EGE/ ELEANA NDONI L.G.A
50.00
ULA-IKATA TOWN ROAD,
0.00
AHOADA-EAST L.G.A
KAANI TOWN ROAD, KHANA
L.G.A

Clay + CLBFA + Lime

Figure 3.6: Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) of Niger Deltaic Clay Soils Subgrade with CLBFA + Lime of
(Ogoda, Bodo, Ogbogu, Ula-Ikata, Kaani Towns), Rivers State

4. CONCLUSIONS
The following conclusions were made from the experimental research results.
i. The soils deposit belonged to the group A-7-6 of American Association of State and Transport Officials (AASHTO)
soil classification system with plastic index of 20.33%, 20.35%, 21.85%, 26.30%, and 21.35% respectively.
ii. Detail results obtained showed increased values in both MDD and OMC, graphical representation of figures 3.1 – 3.5
showed increased values as ratio to percentage additives.
iii. Comparatively, stabilized clay soils CBR increased with increase in additives inclusion with optimum mix of 0.75%
+ 7.5%. Cracks noticed occurred beyond optimum mixed level.
iv. Unconfined compressive strength test results increased with varying additive percentage ratio as seen in table 3.4 and
figure 3.6.
v. Costaceae lacerus bagasse fibre (CLBFA) + lime proved to be good composite combination in soil stabilization.
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