Stabilization of Marine Clay Chikoko using Rice Husk Ash-Cement Blend

Abstract

Marine clay locally known as Chikoko soil around Niger Delta region of Nigeria is characterized as clay of high plasticity, low undrained shear strength, high Atterberg Limits and high natural moisture content. It therefore requires stabilization especially when use as base or sub-base course for road and other construction works. This study presents the suitability of using rice husk ash with a blend of cement to stabilizing marine clay Chikoko soil from the Eagle Island River in Portharcourt, Nigeria. The soil is stabilized with 15%, 30%, and 45% of Rice Husk ash and 6% and 8% of cement. The results indicated an increase in MDD at OMC of 22 – 23%. It further revealed 30% RHA content and 8% cement content as the optimum for the blend for optimum stabilization of the marine clay also known as Chikoko Soil. A proper use of agricultural waste such as rice husk ash as stabilizing agent improved the strength property of the soil and in a way, provide a better use of this material (Rice Husk Ash) which currently serves a less economical purpose or in worse scenario constitutes environmental nuisance.