COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF STABILIZATION OF ODUKPANI BLACK COTTON SOIL WITH LIME AND CEMENT

This study presents a comparative analysis of the stabilization of black cotton soil in Odukpani using lime and cement. Black cotton soils are characterized by their dark color and high clay content, which lead to undesirable properties that necessitate stabilization for practical use in construction and infrastructure development. Soil stabilization is essential to enhance the engineering properties of black cotton soils, and it can be achieved through physical, biological, or chemical methods. This research specifically focuses on chemical stabilization, examining the varying effects of lime and cement at different proportions on soil samples. A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the effectiveness of lime and cement as stabilizers. The study involved preparing soil-lime and soil-cement mixtures in specified percentages, followed by rigorous testing to evaluate their performance. Key metrics analyzed included unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR), which are critical indicators of soil stability and load-bearing capacity. Results indicated that lime emerged as the superior stabilizer in this context. Its chemical reaction with silica and alumina present in the black cotton soil significantly enhanced both the strength and durability of the soil. This finding suggests that lime stabilization could provide a more effective and potentially more sustainable solution for improving the properties of black cotton soils, particularly in regions like Odukpani where such soils are prevalent.