EFFECT OF GUINEA CORN HUSK ASH ON THE GEOTECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CERAMIC DUST-MODIFIED SOIL

Abstract

Lateritic soil unequivocally faces significant geotechnical engineering challenges, especially concerning high swelling and shrinkage caused by their elevated fine content. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of conventional materials like cement, lime and industrial byproducts in addressing the detrimental effects of lateritic soils in construction. However, the persistent issue of their limited availability at affordable prices cannot be overlooked. Therefore, it is essential to seek out cost-effective and readily available stabilizing materials, such as agricultural waste, to effectively overcome these challenges. Thus, this research investigates the impact of Guinea Corn Husk Ash (GCHA), an agricultural byproduct, on the engineering characteristics of ceramic dust (CD) modified lateritic soil. To achieve the above set aim, a series of tests such as particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, specific gravity, compaction and California bearing ratio (CBR) were performed on lateritic soil, ceramic dust-modified lateritic soil, and Guinea Corn Husk Ash–ceramic dust-modified lateritic soil to evaluate their engineering properties. The particle size distribution analysis result indicates that the soil can be classified as sandy silt (MH). In addition, the results reveal that increasing the percentage of Guinea Corn Husk Ash (GCHA) in ceramic dust (CD) modified lateritic soil leads to a reduction in specific gravity, liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index. Conversely, there is an increase in maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, and California bearing ratio (CBR) as the percentage of Guinea Corn Husk Ash (GCHA). From the findings, it was concluded that the addition of 10% Guinea Corn Husk Ash (GCHA) as an additive to the ceramic dust (CD) modified soil optimally enhances the geotechnical properties of the sandy silt. Thus, both Guinea Corn Husk Ash (GCHA) and ceramic dust are effective stabilizing materials for modifying and stabilizing lateritic soils.