Geotechnical Beneficiation of the Strength Indices of Lateritic Soil Using Steel Slag and Cement

Abstract

The impact of admixture of both Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and steel slag was examined on the geotechnical properties of the lateritic soil, by conducting basic geotechnical tests: Particle size analysis, Consistency limits, Compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) on both the natural and stabilized soil samples and results were subjected to statistical analysis using 2-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) at 5% level of significance. The natural soil was classified as s A-7-6 and MH under standard soil classification systems. Addition of steel slag lowered the liquid limit (LL) and plasticity index (PI), while cement increased the LL and decreased PI of the lateritic soil, respectively. With increasing content of slag and cement, maximum dry density increased with the corresponding decrease in optimum moisture content. CBR and UCS of the stabilized soil increased substantially with increasing contents of slag and cement. Both steel slag and cement have statistically significant effects on the geotechnical properties of the lateritic soil. Hence, this soil can be stabilized with addition of 12% steel slag and 6% cement contents for its application as an improved subgrade material for light trafficked pavement. Keywords: Lateritic soil, steel slag, cement, stabilization, Index properties, strength indices.