Investigation Into the use of the consolid system as a soil stabilizer in the pavement layers for low volume roads In Uganda.

Abstract

In engineering activities, soil with poor geotechnical properties e.g., strength, plasticity, bearing Capacity and compressibility has proven to be problematic although they can be stabilized, and then used. The soil samples used in this study were obtained from borrow pits in Central and Western Uganda. Laboratory tests were carried out on the soil samples to determine whether or not they required stabilization for use in construction of low volume roads. The Consolid system was used as the stabilizer for this research work. The Consolid system was obtained from the Central Materials Laboratory, MOWT. Suitability tests classified the soil samples as A-2-7 and A-7 basing on the AASHTO system of soil classification. The soil sample was stabilized with 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight of the dry soil. Using British Standard Heavy (BSH) compaction energy, the effect of the Consolid system the soil was investigated with respect to compaction characteristics, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) tests. Results obtained, indicate a general decrease in Maximum Dry Density (MDD) for both soil samples. An increase in Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) was observed for sample 1 obtained from Kifumbira borrow pit in Bukasa contrary to the decrease in OMC observed in sample 2 that was obtained from Rukindo borrow pit in Mbarara, all with increase in the Consolid system Content. There was also an observed improvement in the both CBR and UCS values. An increment in the strength of soil specimens was noticed and the highest strength of 710 kPa for sample 1 and 690 kPa for sample 2 was obtained with sample mixed with 3% consolid and cured for four days. Therefore, the Consolid system can stabilize and improve the engineering properties of soil, mainly strength.