Stabilization of lateritic soil by ladle furnace slag for pavement subbase material

Abstract

The effect of ladle furnace slag or LFS on the mechanical properties of the lateritic soil mixes for use as a subbase course material in the pavement structure was investigated. The lateritic soil grade E with the lowest mechanical properties was studied by mixing the LFS in the ratios of 5 to 12 wt%. The pavement material criterion of the Thailand Department of Highways was used to qualify the liquid limit, plasticity index, the California bearing ratio, and the swelling index of the mixed lateritic soil with the LFS. An increase in the California bearing ratio of the lateritic soil under the soaked condition was found to be positively correlated with the increasing LFS. Meanwhile, the liquid limit and the plasticity index decreased, leading to a decrease in the swelling index of the lateritic soil containing LFS. Using LFS reduced the total fine-particle ratio in the soil mixture but effectively enhanced the degree of compaction and swelling tolerance in the lateritic soil mixture. 10 wt% LFS is strongly recommended as a minimum admixture in the lateritic soil due to the highly improved plasticity and the mechanical properties of the lateritic soil for a subbase course material selection under the standard specifications.