Evaluation of Soil Stabilization Techniques for Enhancing Pavement Performance along the Warri-Sapele Highway, Delta State, Nigeria

Road pavement failure is a significant challenge affecting transportation infrastructure in Nigeria, particularly in areas with weak or unstable subgrade soils. The Warri-Sapele Highway in Delta State has experienced persistent pavement deterioration, often attributed to poor soil conditions beneath the pavement structure. This study evaluates the effectiveness of selected soil stabilization techniques in improving the engineering properties of subgrade soils along the highway. Soil samples were collected from various failed pavement sections and subjected to laboratory tests, including Atterberg limits, compaction, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests, both before and after stabilization using materials such as lime and cement. The results revealed that the native soils exhibited low strength and high plasticity, which contribute to pavement failure. However, after stabilization, significant improvements were observed in strength parameters and load-bearing capacity. The study recommends appropriate stabilization techniques tailored to local soil conditions to enhance pavement longevity and minimize road maintenance costs in the region.