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Effect of Geochemical Composition of Lateritic Soils on their Geotechnical Properties

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Abstract

Laterites are usually considered a good subgrade and sub-base materials in roads and pavements construction within tropical and subtropical regions because of their availability and affordability. In most cases, they are assumed to have homogeneous properties because of their similarity in appearance. However, the variations in the geochemical composition of their parent rocks may have a significant contribution to the geotechnical properties of laterites. To verify this assumption, it becomes imperative to assess the contributions of the geochemical composition of lateritic soils to their geotechnical properties. Consequently, soil samples collected from freshly exposed lateritic deposits were subjected to X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence analysis to determine their geochemical compositions. These samples were further subjected to geotechnical tests following standard procedures to determine their particle size distribution, consistency limits, compaction, and shear strength properties. The results were analysed using statistical correlation analysis to find the relationships between the geotechnical properties of the soils and their geochemical compositions. It was observed that the oxides of silica, aluminium and iron content of the lateritic soils contributed significantly to their index properties such as soil gradation, liquid limit, and plasticity. However, their compaction and strength properties depend on the ratio of the oxides in the soil matrix. Therefore, there is a need for geochemical investigations prior to sourcing laterites as a construction material for the construction of roads and pavements.

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Acknowledgements

Authors are grateful to Mr. Michael and Mr. Kazeem of the Nigerian geological survey agency for providing laboratory assistant. They are also grateful to Mr. Idris and Ms. Chidinma for providing assistant during the field work, and to Ms. Anulika for proofreading and improving the English language quality of this work.

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Authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support was received for this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

    Ekenedilichukwu Samuel Onwo & Ogbonnaya Igwe

  2. Department of Geological Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

    Chukwuebuka Emeh

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  1. Ekenedilichukwu Samuel Onwo
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  2. Chukwuebuka Emeh
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Correspondence to Chukwuebuka Emeh.

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Onwo, E.S., Emeh, C. & Igwe, O. Effect of Geochemical Composition of Lateritic Soils on their Geotechnical Properties. Indian Geotech J 52, 877–894 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40098-022-00628-w

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