Determination of the Physicochemical Properties of Tropical Clay Sample Treated with Granite Sludge

Abstract

Soft soils such as clay soils, mostly if they comprise swelling minerals may produce great damage to structures, particularly when these soils are exposed to wetting and drying situations. The geotechnical properties of soft soils could be enhanced by utilizing chemical additives. When the clay soil comes in contact with water then excessive swelling is caused and when water content decreases shrinkage occurs in the soil This research work is done in order to determine the strength characteristics of tropical clay treated with granite sludge in order to improve the physicochemical properties of the clay. The analysis done was to check the elemental composition using X-ray fluorescence and the chemical compound using X-ray Diffraction. From the results obtained, the 20 % granite-treated clay sample has the best results chemical composition which will translate to a better strength characteristic. The product of this treatment has been studied in this work to determine its engineering properties and potentials for use in engineering work. However, this modified material can be used as a base material for moderate traffic roads and as a sub-base material for high traffic roads.