Potentials of Rice Husk Ash for Soil Stabilization

Abstract

Soil sample collected from Maikunkele area of Minna, classified as an A-7-6 lateritic soil on AASHTO classification was stabilized with 2-12% rice husk ash (RHA) by weight of the dry soil. Using British standard light (BSL) compaction energy level, performance of the soil-RHA was investigated with respect to compaction characteristics, California bearing ratio (CBR) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests. The results obtained, indicates a general decrease in the maximum dry density (MDD) and increase in optimum moisture content (OMC) with increase in RHA content. There was also slight improvement in the CBR and UCS with increase in the RHA content. The peak UCS values were recorded at between 6-8% RHA, indicating a little potential of using 6-8% RHA for strength improvement of A-7-6 lateritic soil.