SUSTAINABLE STABILIZATION OF LATERITIC SOILS USING COCONUT FIBER ASH, RICE HUSK ASH, AND PALM KERNEL SHELL ASH: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
Keywords:
Agro-waste, Coconut Fiber Ash (CFA), Lateritic soils, Palm Kernel Shell Ash (PKSA), Rice Husk Ash (RHA), Stabilization, Pozzolanic materials, sustainability.Abstract
The sustainable stabilization of lateritic soils in tropical regions is an urgent necessity, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas like Lagos State, Nigeria, where subgrade failures and poor road performance are prevalent due to highly plastic and moisture-sensitive soils. This literature review evaluates the potential of three agro-waste ashes [Coconut Fiber Ash (CFA), Rice Husk Ash (RHA), and Palm Kernel Shell Ash (PKSA)] as eco-friendly soil stabilizers. These waste materials are available in large quantity in Nigeria and cause environmental pollution. The review synthesizes findings from over 30 empirical studies, detailing the geotechnical and chemical properties of these ashes and their effects on soil performance indicators such as California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), Plasticity Index (PI), Maximum Dry Density (MDD), and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC). Results indicate that CFA enhances soil strength and workability, with studies reporting up to 45% increase in CBR and significant PI reduction at 10–15% content. RHA demonstrates superior pozzolanic activity, improving UCS by 50–60% and CBR by up to 100% in some lateritic soils. PKSA, although less studied, has shown promising results, with UCS improvements of up to 55% and swelling potential reduction when used at 6–10%. Chemical analysis reveals that all three ashes meet ASTM C618 Class F pozzolanic criteria, with silica modulus values ranging from 2.0 to 40. Geotechnically, these ashes reduce PI, enhance strength parameters, and exhibit favorable compaction behavior, especially when ground to finer particles. Despite these promising findings, the review identifies research gaps including limited studies on ternary blends, lack of durability data, and inadequate microstructural characterization using SEM and XRD techniques. The study concludes that ternary blends of CFA, RHA, and PKSA will offer synergistic benefits for lateritic soil stabilization and are well-suited for sustainable road construction in Nigeria.References
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