Improvement of lateritic soil using shredded plastic bottles for road construction in Jos-South, Plateau State of Nigeria

Abdulrahman B 1, Hassan II 2, *, Anwar AM 2, Adebayo K 2 and Shehu AA 2

1 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Jos, Nigeria.
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences, 2022, 05(02), 088–096.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjaets.2022.5.2.0048
Publication history: 
Received on 08 March 2022; revised on 11 April 2022; accepted on 13 April 2022
 
Abstract: 
Some geotechnical properties of lateritic soil treated with plastic shred were assessed. The test method employed involves treating lateritic soil with Plastic shreds in the percentages of 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% by dry weight of soil. Test carried out include preliminary test, compaction test using British Standard light (BSL) and Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test and shear strength test. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Regression Analysis was carried out using Microsoft Office Excel software. Percentage passing BS No 200 sieve (%) was 19.34. The MDD initially increased from its natural value of 1.70 Mg/m3  to 1.77 Mg/m3 at 0.5% PS content, while OMC increased with increase in PS. The UCS increased from 51  kN/m2 for the natural soil to 72  kN/m2 at 0.5% shredded plastic content and thereafter, a decrease in UCS was observed with further increase in the percentage of shredded plastic (1%, 1.5%, and 2%). The angle of internal friction increased by about 11% and the cohesion coefficient increased by 12%; bearing capacity increased generally with an increase in PS from 147  kN/m2 natural to 215  kN/m2 at 2%. ANOVA analysis shows that shredded plastic has a significant effect on the treated lateritic soil. Based on the result obtained, an optimal 2% of PS content improved the index and strength characteristics of the treated soil and is recommended for geotechnical engineering application based on regulatory standards.
 
Keywords: 
Shredded plastic; Lateritic soil; Road construction; Improvement; Bearing capacity
 
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