Effect of corncob ash on the geotechnical properties of lateritic soil stabilized with Portland cement

Portland cement has been effectively used to improve the engineering properties of some local soils for construction of stabilized pavement layers, stabilized earth buildings and support layer for the foundation of buildings. However, cement is expensive and its use is unsustainable, necessitating the search for alternative materials for its total or partial replacement. This paper aims at providing experimental insights on the engineering properties of lateritic soil stabilized with cement-corncob ash (CCA) to ascertain its suitability for use as a pavement layer material. Series of specific gravity, consistency limits, compaction, California bearing ratio (CBR) and permeability tests, considering three CCA blends and four CCA contents, varying from 0 to 12%, were carried out. The results show that the addition of CCA to the soil generally reduced its plasticity, swell potential and permeability; and increased its strength. CCA-stabilization, aside being more economical and environment-friendly than cement-stabilization, improved the geotechnical properties of the soil for pavement layer material application