Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author:Andre-Obayanju O, Ese Anthony Aladin, Osisanya Olajuwon Wasiu

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2023.48.55

The study was carried out in Ovia North-East local government area of Edo state. The study area is located between latitudes of 6°24’16.116”N and longitudes of 5°37’26.205″E to 5°36’16.8”E in Ovia North-East local government area. A total of three (3) soil samples were collected from an Anthill (Mold soil) mix with Lateritic soil at 0%, 3% and 6%. The following geotechnical analyses (the Particle size analysis, Specific Gravity, Atterberg Limits, Compaction Test and Triaxial Tests) was carried on the Mold soil samples mixed with lateritic soil to evaluate their suitability for road construction. The analyses revealed that approximately 10% of the soil composition consists of fine sand grains, while the majority, accounting for 90%, is characterized as medium to coarse grained. The particle size distribution analysis of the Mold soil indicated that the percentage of fines is below 35%, classifying it as coarse-grained according to the American Association of State and Highway Transport Officials (AASHTO). The Mold soil exhibited weight retention of 47.26 grams. The Specific Gravity ranged from 2.34 to 2.51, Liquid Limit varied from 51.80% to 63.05%, Plastic Limit ranged from 26.70% to 29.39%, Plasticity Index ranged from 25.10% to 33.52%, and Shear strength spanned from 26.748 to 50.066 kN/m². The results of the Compaction Test indicated that the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) ranged from 1.54 to 1.61 g/cm³, and the Optimum Moisture Content ranged from 14.45% to 13.93% for Mold soils mixed with lateritic soil at 0%, 3%, and 6%, respectively. The study results demonstrate that the incorporation of Mold soil enhances the geotechnical properties of the soil, while the Anthill proves to be a beneficial additive for improving lateritic soil in road construction. Furthermore, the Mold soil sample, when mixed with lateritic soil, meets the specifications set by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, specifically maintaining a percentage of ≤ 18% for sub-base and base materials. This finding underscores the suitability of the soil for road construction purposes.