Evaluation of Pulverized Cow Bone Ash and Waste Glass Powder on the Geotechnical Properties of Tropical Laterite

This research evaluated the ternary blend of agricultural waste in cow bone ash, industrial waste glass powder and cement in improving the Geotechnical properties of tropical lateritic soil. Soil samples were collected at depths ranging from 0.25 to 1.5 meters from two different pits dug inside the premises of Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ikole Campus. Preliminary tests were performed on the soil samples in their natural states and when stabilized with varying percentage of cement. Pulverized Cow Bone Ash and Waste Glass (PCBAWG) in the ratio 1:1 were introduced to the soil in varying proportions of 2 %, 4 %, 6 %, 8 % and 10 % along with optimum cement by weight of the soil sample. The strength index of the soil was assessed by examining the maximum dry density, optimum moisture content and the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of the soil as well as the shear stress. The results of the preliminary investigation revealed the soil samples according AASHTO soil grouping; as A-2-4 lateritic clay and A-3 silty sand (non-plastic). The direct shear test results revealed that A-2-4 grouping had the best Geotechnical characteristics at 1.5m depth of excavation, while A-3 exhibited best Geotechnical soil characteristics at 1.25 m depth. There exists a positive relationship in the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content recorded. At optimum cement, the values of the unsoaked CBR of the soil samples greatly expanded and with the addition of 2 % PCBAWG, the CBR estimation of the lateritic clay decreased from 17.21–15.96 %, while that of silty sand increased from 11.00–16.28 %. The outcome of this research will aid Engineers, Environmentalist and construction workers on the utilization of these wastes in structural foundation construction in track with the sustainable development goals.