Effect of Lime Variation on the Moisture Content and Dry Density of Lateritic Soil in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract: In tropical countries like Nigeria where seasonal variation in climate is usually experienced, the earth routes which usually compose of lateritic soil are not usually stable. There is an increase of moisture content during the rainy season, which tends to weaken the strength of the soil while in the dry season; the dust in such roads is a great menace to the comfort and well-being of road users and adjacent inhabitant. This study looks at the effect of lime variation on moisture content and dry density of lateritic soil in Ilorin, Nigeria. The lime concentrations used were 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% respectively and a total of five specimens were used for each concentration to obtain moisture – density relation. British Standard (BS) 1377 method or procedure was used in carrying out the test. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there is significant variation (at 5 % level of significance) in moisture contents and dry densities with lime concentration. The maximum dry density ranges from 1.63 kg/dm3 to 1.89 kg/dm3 and the moisture content ranges from 2.2 % to 17.2 % for the samples under consideration. The dry density of the sample decreases with increase in lime concentration with the rate of reduction being more between 0 % and 2.5 % lime content while the moisture content increases with increase in lime content. The increase in the moisture content due to the addition of lime results into lower amount of compaction or less compactive effort and this could be achieved by addition of small amounts of lime to laterite.

Keywords: Lime, Moisture Content, Dry Density, Lateritic Soil, Soil Stabilization