EFFECT OF ENERGY LEVEL ON CEMENT-SUGARCANE BAGASSE ASH ADMIXTURE ON LATERITE

Abstract

Laterite classified as A-7-6 and CL according to AASHTO and Unified soil Classification systems, respectively, was treated with cement and sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) admixture. Specimens were compacted at three energy levels - British Standard Light (BSL), West African Standard (WAS) and British Standard Heavy (BSH) - which simulate the various compaction energies that can be encountered under field conditions. The effect of compaction energy levels on the geotechnical properties of the stabilized soil was studied. The maximum dry density (MDD), California bearing ratio (CBR) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of treated soil generally increased with higher compaction energies and dosages of additives. The durability Of the soil-cement-bagasse ash specimens which was assessed by immersion in water to determine resistance to loss in strength improved with the addition of up to 6% bagasse ash content for specific cement contents. For the optimal treatment of the deficient soil additive combinations of 2% cement/6% bagasse ash and 6%cement/6% bagasse ash are recommended for mixtures compacted with the BSL effort for lightly(CB2) and heavily(CB1) trafficked roads, respectively. However, higher compaction energies can be employed in order Io reduce the quantities of additives and still achieve the same strength and durability