Influence of Calcium Carbide Residue on Corn Stalk Ash Stabilized Lateritic Soil for Highway Pavement Construction

The most common binder used for roads and buildings is cement, and its annual production rate is rising at an unprecedented rate, which has significant negative effects on the environment. This research investigated the effect of a varying percentage of Calcium Carbide Residue (CCR) and Corn Stalk Ash (CSA) samples on lateritic soils. A total of 25 mixture samples of CCR and CSA were prepared and mixed with lateritic soils to evaluate the mechanical and strength properties according to the Standard for transportation materials and methods of sampling and testing, AASHTO. The results showed that CCR has the property that reacts with CSA which is a good pozzolana yielding a product similar to the cement hydration process. Particle size analysis, Atterberg limits, Specific gravity, Compaction, and California Bearing Ratio were developed for each test sample, and the corresponding optimum mixtures were determined for the general specification for roads and bridges. Tests showed that in comparison to the control sample, there is an increase in the Atterberg limits properties with a decrease in the compaction properties and an increase in the CBR values upon the addition of 8% CCR and 2.5% CSA mixture before soaking and after soaking for 24 hours respectively which falls within the guidelines of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Highways and Transportation (1997). Similarly, CCR was found to be advantageous for use as an activator with CSA to stabilized soil as a sub-base material in Highway Pavement Construction.