Microstructural and Mechanical Characteristic of Potential Ferro Laterite Soil as Sub-base Material

This study aimed to determine and evaluate the characteristics and behavior of the mechanical and microstructural of ferro laterite soil to be used as sub-base material. Ferro laterite soil obtained from three different sampling sites at the East Halmahera Regency. The sampling process of conventional excavation on the surface, soil sample is inserted into the sample bag and labeling as LH1 for first location, LH2 for the second location, and LH3 for a third location. Furthermore, soil prepared for testing the physical properties. The standard proctor compaction test is performed to determine the optimum water content and maximum density of soil, then used as the basis for sample preparation. Soil strength testing used unconfined compression test and soil bearing capacity used CBR laboratory test, before being tested, each sample cured for 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. While the microstructural behavior used XRD and SEM EDS testing. The results show that density and soil strength tend to increase with the curing time, and directly increase of CBR values. Based from both test results, mechanical and microstructural characteristic, potential ferro laterite soil of East Halmahera Regency can be developed and utilized as subbase material, but need a detailed study on the possibility of increasing its ability with soil stabilization to give more confidence before used