Permeability of Lateritic Soil Treated with Lime and Rice Husk Ash

Abstract

A-7-6 lateritic soil was treated at British Standard Light (BSL) compaction energy with up to 8% lime content (by dry weight of the soil) at 2% variations and each was admixed with up to 8% rice husk ash (RHA) at 2% variations. Effects of the ash on the soil-lime mixtures were investigated with respect to unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and coefficient of permeability. The UCS of the specimens increased with increasing RHA content at specified lime contents to their maximum values at 6% RHA. The coefficient of permeability of the cured specimens decreased with increase in the ash content to their minimum values at 6% RHA content and beyond this point, the permeability slightly rises. These results indicate that no more than 6% RHA can be used to increase UCS and reduce permeability of lateritic soil.