Characterization of Borrow Material for Embankment Fill and Capping Layer Based on Their Index and Strength: Case Study on Arbarakate to Gelemso road, W/Harerghe, Ethiopia

Abstract

The Arba Rekete-Gelemso gravel Road section is affected by the presence of expansive soil, this soil has shrinking and swelling behavior due moisture fluctuation. The main objective of this research work is to investigate the Characterization of Borrow materials for embankment fill and capping layer based on their index and strength properties for Road Construction of the proposed route. In order to achieve the objectives, field investigation and nine (9) samples were also collected from the identified borrow area and laboratory test analysis were performed such as, Atterberg limits, compaction, CBR and percentage of swell tests. ERA‘s and AASHTO’s standard technical specifications have been used to interpret the data by integrating the field with laboratory test results. The subgrade soil of route, having liquid limit value greater than 60% and plastic index value greater than 30% and CBR value less than 5%, at Chainage km 0+000-4+000, 5+900-8+000, 9+400-12+900, 13+500-14+000, 15+000-16+000, 17+100-17+600, 18+500-20+500, 21+500-34+900, and 35+200-47+000 unsuitable. The index and strength properties of the borrow materials fulfill the requirement for embankment fill and subgrade improvements. Finally, all unsuitable subgrade soil along the study route corridor are recommended to remove and replace with suitable and non-expansive subgrade materials, since enormous amount of selected fill materials that fulfill the requirements for subgrade soils improvement are available nearby the study area.