Effect of iron ore tailings on the plasticity and compaction properties of selected tropical soils

Abstract

Abstract The workability of any soil, when used as a construction material, is greatly affected by its plasticity and compaction characteristics. This research investigates the effect of iron ore tailings (IOT) on the plasticity and compaction properties of lateritic soil (LTS) and black cotton soil (BCS). Atterberg limit and compaction test using three energies, British standard Light, BSL, British standard Heavy, BSH, and West Africa standard, WAS were carried out. These tests were conducted on mixed ratios of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 % of IOT mixed each with LTS and BCS separately. A Statistical conceptual model was developed using Minitab R15 to predict the values of the maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) from the computed laboratory results. Analysis was then carried out on the predicted results using origin pro version 8 to test the efficacy of results obtained. The result of specific gravity test shows increase with IOT concentration. An improvement on the plasticity of the modified soil was noted. The liquid limit for both LTS and BCS decreased with increasing IOT concentration. Values drop from 43.4 to 42.7% for LTS and 56 to 52.6% for BCS at 0 and 10% of IOT content, respectively. Plastic limit increased with increasing IOT concentration for LTS and decreased for BCS. In the case of the Plasticity index, values decreased for LTS and marginally increased for BCS treated with IOT. MDD values increased and thereafter drop for LTS treated with IOT while for BCS values increased from natural up to 10% IOT content. OMC values increased for LTS treated with IOT and decreased for BCS treated with IOT. The effectiveness of the developed model was validated using the values of the correlation coefficient obtained from the statistical analysis, which showed a solid relationship between predicted and measured values. Plasticity index values obtained for IOT stabilized BCS did not meet up to the standard requirement when used as a sub-base and base course material respectively. However, the treatment of LTS and BCS with 8-10% IOT improved the soil properties and can be used for pedestrian walkways.