Influence of Bentonite Slurry Modifier on the Elastic Properties of Lateritic Soil

Abstract

The influence of bentonite slurry on the elastic properties of lateritic soil was investigated. Various amounts of bentonite slurry (2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%) were mixed with the lateritic soil from six (6) different boreholes to ascertain its effect on the elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio of the soil. The results revealed that an increase in bentonite slurry yielded an increase in the elastic modulus of the soil by an average of 83.41% while an increase in bentonite slurry on the lateritic soils resulted in a decrease in Poisson’s ratio by an average of 23.79%. This result shows that the bentonite slurry modification with lateritic soil improves the lateritic soil from a state of very soft soil to medium soil in relation to the elastic properties, especially the elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio. Based on the results, bentonite slurry has a positive influence on the elastic properties of lateritic soils and is suitable for foundation works when mixed with lateritic soils.