Engineering Properties of Lateritic Soils from Anambra Central Zone, Nigeria
Aginam C. H1, Nwakaire Chidozie2, Nwajuaku A.I3
1Aginam C. H, Department of Civil Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
2Nwakaire Chidozie, Department of Civil Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
3Nwajuaku A.I Department of Civil Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Manuscript received on January 02, 2014. | Revised Manuscript received on January 04, 2014. | Manuscript published on January 05, 2014. | PP: 1-7 | Volume-4 Issue-6, January 2014. | Retrieval Number: E2425114514/2014©BEIESP
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© The Authors. Published By: Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the geotechnical properties of lateritic soils from Anambra Central senatorial zone of Nigeria. Four samples were collected from four different locations in the zone, namely, Neni, Nimo, Obeledu and Enugwu Ukwu and were designated as LAT-1, LAT-2, LAT3 and LAT-4, respectively. The tests carried out on the soil samples include the Atterberg limit tests, particle size distribution analysis, specific gravity, compaction test using the British Standard Light (BSL) Compactive effort, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test as specified by the West African Standard (WAS). The tests revealed that all the samples are poorly graded. The liquid limits ranged from 28.85% to 35.7% while the plasticity indices ranged from 9.18% to 14.55%. The Maximum dry densities (MDD) and Optimum moisture contents (OMC) ranged from 1.77g/Cm3 to 1.98g/Cm3 and 9.5% to 14.6% respectively. The CBR values obtained were 28%, 27%, 25% and 22% respectively. Apart from the Neni sample which was classified as A-2-4 with the AASHTO classification, the other soils were classified as A-2-6 soils. All the samples were classified as SC (Clayey sands) according to USCS classification system. It was concluded that the four lateritic soil samples were suitable for sub-grade and sub-base type 2, but should not be used in road construction as a base material. Stabilization of the soil was equally recommended.
Keywords: California bearing ratio, compaction, Geotechnical properties, lateritic soil.