Abstract
A number of authors have reported several properties of laterite that are not exhibited by other kinds of weathered tropical soils. Most of these properties are attributed to the presence of hydrated oxides of iron and aluminum. The combination of hydrated oxides is referred to as sesquioxides. It has been reported that the strength of soils that contain sesquioxides, such as laterite, increases due to development of self-cementation that occurs on repeated cycles of soaking and drying. The primary objective of this study was to explore the behavior of lateritic gravel under various conditions to develop methods for more beneficial and sustainable use. The scope of this study was a laboratory-based assessment of lateritic gravel obtained from a major source that supplies many construction sites in Kampala City, Uganda. The strength of the gravel was assessed on soaking after initial drying, after stabilization with lime, on drying after initial soaking, and after repeated cycles of soaking and drying. The results showed that for this particular lateritic gravel, the strength was highest when stabilized with lime. The strength development after cycles of soaking and drying was negligible; in fact, there was a reduction in strength. However, at moisture content below its optimum moisture content, the strength developed by the gravel was sufficient for use as base course or sub-base at various traffic levels provided certain measures are taken. Thus, repeated cycles of soaking and drying for this lateritic gravel may in fact be detrimental in the short term.
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