EFFECTIVENESS OF GROUNDNUT SHELL ASH (GSA) IN STABILIZING LOCAL SOILS IN DAMATURU

ABSTRACT With the current increase in population, construction of concretes using normal standard mixtures consumes lot of natural materials meanwhile groundnut shells were disposed. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the strength of concrete with partial replacement of soil with groundnut Shell Ash (GSA), so as to utilize natural resources and to manage waste generated from groundnut shell. GSA were collected from two locations within Damaturu: Potiskum Road (Sample A) and Gujba Road (Sample B) Damaturu, Yobe State. The samples were prepared in control, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% replacements. The tests conducted on the samples are compaction characteristics, atterberg limit test, specific gravity and sieve analysis. The results shows that GSA exhibit characteristics of good compaction with up to 78.1%OMC an 83.1mg/m³ in Gujba Road samples at 8% GSA compaction, and up to 22.7% OMC and 1.84mg/m³ MDD in Potiskum Road sample. The GSA also have suitable plasticity and is suitable for pavements and concrete construction at minimal amounts. The study thus recommends that groundnut shell ash should be use at minimum replacement percentages so as to obtain a strength that is more prepared in construction.