Sustainable Use of Calcium Carbide Residue to Enhance the Strength of Cement Stabilized Clay soil

Abstract

Clay soil collected along Gwagwalada – Garki road was characterized and classified as A-7-6 soil according to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officers (AASHTO) soil classification system. The clay was treated with 0, 2, 4 and 6% cement which was admixed with 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15% calcium carbide residue (CCR). Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test was used as evaluation criteria to measure the effect of CCR on cement stabilized clay soil. Results showed significant increase in UCS with increase in cement and CCR. In the absence of cement, the UCS was observed to increase from 71kN/m2 at 0% CCR to 602KN/m2 at 15% CCR and 90 days curing. At 6% cement mixture, the UCS increased from 473kN/m2 at 0% CCR to 3589kN/m2 at 15% CCR and 90 days curing. This UCS strength has satisfied the strength required for a soil material to be used as base course for high trafficked road bases. It was also observed that 12 – 15% CCR is the optimal CCR required for efficient stabilization of clay soils.