EFFECT OF QUARRY DUST ON THE GEOTECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING PERFORMANCE OF LATERITIC SOILS

ABSTRACT

The increasing demand for durable and cost-effective construction materials has intensified the need for sustainable soil stabilization techniques in geotechnical engineering. This study investigates the influence of quarry dust on the engineering and geotechnical properties of lateritic soils with the aim of improving their suitability for road construction and other civil engineering applications. Lateritic soil samples for this research will be obtained from selected borrow pits in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, while quarry dust will be sourced from nearby quarrying sites. Laboratory investigations will be conducted in accordance with the British Standard Institution (BS 1377) procedures at the Civil Engineering Laboratory of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and the Osun State Ministry of Works and Transport Laboratory, Osogbo. The experimental programme will involve tests on both untreated and quarry-dust-stabilized lateritic soils. The laboratory analyses will include natural moisture content determination, specific gravity, particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, unconfined compressive strength, durability assessment, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests. Quarry dust will be introduced in varying proportions to evaluate its effect on the physical and mechanical behavior of the soil. The expected findings indicate that the addition of quarry dust improves the gradation characteristics of lateritic soils by reducing excessive clay content and enhancing particle interlocking. Results are anticipated to show a reduction in liquid limit, plasticity index, and shrinkage characteristics as quarry dust content increases. Similarly, the optimum moisture content is expected to decrease, while maximum dry density and CBR values are likely to improve significantly due to the increased granular composition and rigidity contributed by the quarry dust particles. These improvements are expected to enhance the load-bearing capacity and durability of the stabilized soil, thereby increasing its suitability for pavement subgrade and base course applications. This research contributes to contemporary sustainable engineering practices by promoting the utilization of quarry waste materials for soil stabilization, reducing environmental waste, lowering construction costs, and improving infrastructure performance in developing regions.  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Title Page
2. Certification
3. Dedication
4. Acknowledgements
5. Abstract
6. Table of Contents
7. List of Tables
8. List of Figures

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the Research Problem
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Significance of the Study
1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study
1.7 Justification of the Study
1.8 Definition of Key Terms

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Concept of Soil Stabilization
2.3 Engineering Properties of Lateritic Soils
2.4 Quarry Dust as a Stabilizing Material
2.5 Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Quarry Dust
2.6 Mechanisms of Soil–Quarry Dust Interaction
2.7 Review of Previous Studies on Quarry Dust Stabilization
2.8 Knowledge Gap in Existing Literature
2.9 Theoretical Framework

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research Design
3.3 Materials and Sample Collection
3.4 Preparation of Soil Samples
3.5 Laboratory Testing Procedures
3.5.1 Moisture Content Test
3.5.2 Specific Gravity Test
3.5.3 Particle Size Distribution Analysis
3.5.4 Atterberg Limits Test
3.5.5 Compaction Test
3.5.6 California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test
3.5.7 Unconfined Compressive Strength Test
3.6 Stabilization Procedure Using Quarry Dust
3.7 Methods of Data Analysis
3.8 Standard Specifications and Codes Adopted

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Identification and Classification of Soil Samples
4.3 Chemical Composition Analysis of Quarry Dust
4.4 Effect of Quarry Dust on Atterberg Limits
4.5 Effect of Quarry Dust on Compaction Characteristics
4.6 Effect of Quarry Dust on Maximum Dry Density and Optimum Moisture Content
4.7 Effect of Quarry Dust on California Bearing Ratio
4.8 Effect of Quarry Dust on Unconfined Compressive Strength
4.9 Durability Performance of Stabilized Soil
4.10 Comparative Analysis with Previous Studies
4.11 Discussion of Findings

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary of Findings
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Suggestions for Further Research

References

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The rapid growth of infrastructure development has increased the demand for stable and durable foundation materials in highway and civil engineering construction. Lateritic soils are among the most commonly available construction materials in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. Despite their widespread availability and economic advantages, many lateritic soils possess poor engineering characteristics such as high plasticity, low bearing capacity, excessive shrinkage, and susceptibility to moisture variations. These deficiencies often result in pavement failures, settlement problems, and increased maintenance costs in construction projects. Soil stabilization has therefore become an essential geotechnical practice aimed at improving the physical and mechanical properties of weak soils to meet engineering specifications. Conventional stabilizing agents such as cement and lime have been widely used; however, the increasing cost of these materials and environmental concerns associated with their production have encouraged researchers to explore alternative and sustainable stabilizing materials. Quarry dust, a by-product generated during the crushing and processing of rocks in quarry industries, has emerged as a promising alternative material for soil stabilization. Large quantities of quarry dust are produced daily, and improper disposal poses serious environmental challenges such as air pollution and land degradation. Utilizing quarry dust as a soil stabilizer not only provides a sustainable waste management solution but also contributes to the development of eco-friendly construction practices. Previous studies have shown that quarry dust can improve the gradation, density, shear strength, and load-bearing capacity of soils when mixed in appropriate proportions. The granular nature of quarry dust enhances inter-particle friction and reduces the plasticity of clay-rich lateritic soils. This improvement can significantly enhance the suitability of lateritic soils for subgrade, sub-base, and base course applications in road construction. In view of the growing emphasis on sustainable engineering materials and circular economy practices, this study investigates the effect of quarry dust on the engineering properties of lateritic soils. The research seeks to evaluate how varying proportions of quarry dust influence the geotechnical behavior of lateritic soil and determine its suitability as an economical and environmentally friendly stabilizing material.

1.2 Statement of the Research Problem

The performance and durability of road pavements and other civil engineering structures largely depend on the strength and stability of the underlying soil. In many parts of Nigeria, lateritic soils used for construction often exhibit inadequate engineering properties, including low bearing strength, high compressibility, and excessive plasticity. These characteristics contribute to frequent road failures, structural instability, and increased construction and maintenance costs. Traditional stabilization methods involving cement and lime are effective but are often expensive and environmentally unsustainable due to their high carbon emissions. At the same time, quarry industries generate substantial quantities of quarry dust, which is commonly treated as waste material and disposed of indiscriminately, thereby creating environmental pollution. There is therefore a need to investigate alternative stabilization materials that are both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. Although previous studies have explored the use of quarry dust in soil improvement, there remains limited information regarding its optimal application in stabilizing lateritic soils found in southwestern Nigeria. This study seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by examining the effects of quarry dust on the geotechnical and engineering properties of lateritic soils.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

Aim of the Study

The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of quarry dust on the engineering properties of lateritic soils for sustainable geotechnical and highway construction applications.

Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives are to:

1. Determine the natural engineering properties of the lateritic soil sample.
2. Examine the physical and chemical characteristics of quarry dust used for stabilization.
3. Evaluate the effect of varying percentages of quarry dust on the Atterberg limits of lateritic soil.
4. Investigate the influence of quarry dust on the compaction characteristics of the soil.
5. Determine the effect of quarry dust on the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of stabilized lateritic soil.
6. Assess the impact of quarry dust on the strength and durability characteristics of the soil.
7. Identify the optimum quarry dust content required for effective soil stabilization.

1.4 Research Questions

This study seeks to answer the following research questions:

1. What are the natural engineering properties of the selected lateritic soil?
2. How does quarry dust influence the plasticity characteristics of lateritic soil?
3. What effect does quarry dust have on the compaction behavior of the soil?
4. To what extent does quarry dust improve the California Bearing Ratio of lateritic soil?
5. What proportion of quarry dust provides optimum stabilization performance?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it provides valuable insights into the use of quarry dust as an alternative stabilizing material for lateritic soils. The findings will benefit civil engineers, highway engineers, researchers, contractors, and policymakers involved in road and infrastructure development. The research promotes sustainable construction by encouraging the reuse of quarry waste materials, thereby reducing environmental pollution associated with quarry dust disposal. The study also contributes to cost reduction in construction projects by identifying economical alternatives to traditional stabilizers such as cement and lime. Furthermore, the findings of this research will add to existing academic literature on soil stabilization and provide a foundation for future studies on sustainable geotechnical engineering materials.

1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This research focuses on the evaluation of the engineering properties of lateritic soil stabilized with quarry dust. The study will involve laboratory testing of natural and stabilized soil samples using varying percentages of quarry dust. The scope of laboratory investigations includes moisture content determination, specific gravity, particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and unconfined compressive strength tests. Soil samples will be collected from selected locations in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. The study is limited to laboratory analysis and does not include field performance evaluation of stabilized soils under actual traffic loading conditions.

1.7 Justification of the Study

The increasing cost of conventional stabilization materials and the growing concern for environmental sustainability justify the need for alternative soil stabilization techniques. Quarry dust is abundantly available as industrial waste and has the potential to improve soil properties while minimizing environmental hazards. This study is justified by the need to develop sustainable, low-cost, and environmentally friendly stabilization methods capable of enhancing the engineering performance of problematic lateritic soils commonly encountered in Nigeria.

1.8 Definition of Key Terms

Lateritic Soil: A tropical residual soil rich in iron and aluminum oxides commonly used in road construction. Quarry Dust: Fine rock particles generated during rock crushing and quarrying operations. Soil Stabilization: The process of improving soil properties to enhance strength, durability, and load-bearing capacity. California Bearing Ratio (CBR): A penetration test used to evaluate the strength of subgrade soils and base materials. Compaction: The process of increasing soil density by reducing air voids through mechanical means.

REFERENCES

Geotechnical Engineering literature and standard engineering references relevant to this study include:

1. AASHTO (2018). Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
2. British Standards Institution (1990). BS 1377: Methods of Test for Soils for Civil Engineering Purposes. London: BSI.
3. Das, B. M., & Sobhan, K. (2018). Principles of Geotechnical Engineering (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
4. Amadi, A. A. (2014). “Enhancing Unsaturated Soil Properties Using Quarry Dust Stabilization.” International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 8(2), 123–131.
5. Bello, A. A., & Adegoke, C. W. (2020). “Assessment of Quarry Dust Stabilization on Lateritic Soil Performance.” Nigerian Journal of Technology, 39(4), 1102–1110.
6. Gidigasu, M. D. (2012). Laterite Soil Engineering: Pedogenesis and Engineering Principles. Elsevier.
7. Osinubi, K. J., & Nwaiwu, C. M. O. (2015). “Stabilization of Tropical Black Clay with Quarry Dust.” Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 20, 451–466.