STABILIZATION OF LATERITIC SOIL WITH BAMBOO STEM ASH AND OIL PALM FROND ASH MIXTURES

Abstract Soil stabilization is a critical process in improving the load-bearing capacity, strength, and durability of soils for construction applications, especially in regions with weak soils like lateritic soil. This study investigates the stabilization of lateritic soil using a combination of bamboo stem ash (BSA) and oil palm frond ash (OPFA) as eco-friendly stabilizers. The primary aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of these agricultural waste materials in enhancing the geotechnical properties of lateritic soil for sustainable construction practices. Laboratory experiments, including Atterberg limits, compaction tests, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests, were conducted on untreated soil and soil treated with varying proportions of the stabilizer (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%). The results showed that the addition of bamboo stem ash and oil palm frond ash improved the soil’s mechanical properties. The optimum moisture content (OMC) increased while the maximum dry density (MDD) decreased with higher stabilizer content, indicating improved compaction behavior. The CBR values of the stabilized soil also increased, with the maximum improvement observed at 6-8% stabilizer content, making the soil more suitable for load-bearing applications. The study concludes that bamboo stem ash and oil palm frond ash mixtures can effectively enhance the engineering properties of lateritic soil, promoting environmental sustainability through the reuse of agricultural waste. These findings have significant implications for sustainable construction, particularly in regions with similar soil challenges.