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Road
infrastructure is essential for economic development and
societal connectivity, making the durability and stability
of road subgrade a priority in construction. Traditional
methods for stabilizing road subgrades rely heavily on
materials like cement or lime, which can be expensive and
environmentally taxing. This research investigates the
potential of groundnut shell ash (GSA), an agricultural
by-product, as an eco-friendly and cost-effective
stabilizing agent for subgrade materials. Groundnut shell
ash, derived from the combustion of groundnut shells,
presents a promising alternative due to its mineral-rich
composition, including silica, which may enhance the
mechanical and chemical properties of subgrade soils. The
study involved collecting subgrade samples from problematic
spots on Umukoto Road in Nekede, Imo State, Nigeria, and
stabilizing them with varying percentages of groundnut shell
ash (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%). Laboratory tests, including
compaction and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests, were
conducted to evaluate the changes in soil properties, such
as density, moisture content, and compressive strength.
Initial findings demonstrate that GSA enhances the soil's
compaction characteristics and improves load-bearing
capacity, suggesting its viability as a stabilizing agent.
This research contributes to sustainable road construction
practices by offering insights into using GSA as a low-cost,
environmentally friendly solution for subgrade
stabilization. The study’s outcomes are anticipated to
advance knowledge on alternative stabilization methods, with
implications for promoting sustainable waste utilization in
road infrastructure development.
Keyword: Ground Nut Shell (GSA), Soil Stabilization,
California Bearing Ratio
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