Chemical Stabilization of Lateritic Soils: Chemical Stabilization of Lateritic Soils

Keywords

Soil improvement
Geotechnical properties
Residual soil
Chemical additives
Soil stabilization

Abstract

Lateritic soils, a form of residual soil prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, are frequently utilized in diverse construction applications such as roads, highways, buildings, railways, and airports due to their widespread availability. However, their natural geotechnical characteristics often fail to satisfy engineering design requirements, particularly with respect to consistency limits, shear strength, permeability, and compressibility. Consequently, property enhancement is frequently required prior to their use in construction. Chemical stabilization represents one of the most effective techniques for improving the geotechnical performance of lateritic soils. This process involves incorporating chemical additives that react with soil constituents to improve strength, durability, and overall performance. Over time, a variety of stabilizing agents including Portland cement, lime, fly ash, pozzolanic materials, polymers, and emulsified asphalt have been applied with varying degrees of effectiveness, depending on the soil’s intrinsic properties and the intended engineering application. This study reviews and evaluates the efficiency of different chemical stabilizers in modifying the engineering behavior of lateritic soils, with particular focus on enhancing strength, reducing plasticity, improving durability, and increasing load-bearing capacity. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and performance of these stabilizers is critical for optimizing the use of lateritic soils in infrastructure development, especially in regions where they constitute the primary construction material.

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