Effect of Cow Bone Ash on A Stabilized Lateritic Soil for Road Work

Abstract

This research investigates the potential of cow bone ash (CBA) as a stabilizer for lateritic soil, aiming to improve its geotechnical properties for road construction and mitigate environmental pollution from bone waste disposal. Lateritic soil samples were collected from Peke Airport Road and stabilized with varying percentages of CBA (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%). Standard laboratory tests, including specific gravity, particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, compaction, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR), were conducted according to British Standards (BS 1377: 1990 and BS 1924: 1990). demonstrating improved geotechnical properties such as increased unsoaked and soaked CBR values (from 51.0% to 57.0% with 10% CBA), reduced Atterberg limits (LL decreased from 44.5% to 30.0% with 10% CBA), and enhanced compaction characteristics (MDD increased from 1660 kg/m³ to 1770 kg/m³ with 10% CBA), while also considering the trade-off of increased optimum moisture content (OMC) from 12.0% to 17.5% with increasing CBA content, necessitating further analysis to determine the optimal CBA percentage for optimal stabilization.