World Journal of Engineering Research and Technology

Dumessa Gudissa Lemu* and R. K. Verma

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the effects of cement on the behavior of compacted lateritic soil collected from WolayitaSodo, Southern Ethiopia, to examine the benefits of cement stabilized lateritic over selective borrow material both in the quality and saving cost. The basic index and engineering properties of lateritic soil were determined following the ASTM procedure and classified as A-7-5 and inorganic silt according to the AASHTO classification system and Unified Soil Classification System, respectively. The soil samples were subsequently stabilized with 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9% cement. Results showed that stabilization of the lateritic soils with cement increased the Maximum Dry Density, California Bearing Ratio, and Unconfined Compressive Strength while there was a reduction in Optimum Moisture Content as cement up to7%. The effect of curing time indicated marginal on the compaction characteristics and CBR, whereas it revealed substantial effects in unconfined compressive strength tests results. Therefore, it is concluded that Lateritic soils from WolayitaSodo stabilized with 5% cement proved better quality than the selective borrow material taken from the existing nearby areas and its economic benefits over selective borrow material by 26.95%. Thus, the stabilization of lateritic with cement around WolayitaSodois effective in the constructions of stable and durable sub-grade and sub-base course layer.

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