PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF LATRATIC SOIL STABILIZED WITH CEMENT AND COW DUNG ASH

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effect of cow dung ash (CDA) and cement on the geotechnical properties of lateritic soil with the aim of improving its suitability for engineering applications such as road subgrade and base construction. The lateritic soil was treated with varying proportions of CDA and a constant 5% cement, while the untreated soil served as the control sample. Laboratory tests was which conducted include the determination of Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, and permeability properties to assess the influence of CDA and cement on the soil’s behavior. The results revealed that the liquid limit and plasticity index initially increased at 2%(38) lower CDA content but decreased at 4% (26) higher proportions, indicating improved soil stability and reduced plasticity. The compaction test showed that the maximum dry density (MDD) increased and the optimum moisture content (OMC) decreased optimum mixture of 4% CDA and 5% cement (M2), after which the MDD reduced. The permeability results indicated that water movement through the soil increased with higher CDA content, that excessive addition of CDA increases porosity and reduces compactness.