Durability of nanostructured biomasses ash (NBA) stabilized expansive soils for pavement foundation

The effect of NBA on the durability of the hydraulically bound cemented lateritic soil was investigated and results were observed. Preliminary tests conducted showed that the natural soil was an A-2-7 soil according to AASHTO classification system, poorly graded, highly plastic and had high swell potential. The treatment exercise showed that the gradation and strength properties improved with the addition of the NBA materials at the rate of 5, 10 and 15% by weight of the solid. The erodibility and loss of strength on immersion tests conducted showed that the cemented soil improved on these properties from a highly erodible and non-durable stabilized matrix to a very less erodible and very durable stabilized matrix with a consistent durability index above 80%. With the foregoing, the nanostructured material additives have proved to be good materials for use in the stabilisation of a more durable, and less erodible subgrade, backfill or foundation material.