Analysis_of_Lateritic_Soil_Reinforced_with_Palm_Kernel_Shells_for_Use_as_a_Sub-Base_Layer_for_Low-Traffic_Roads

Abstract

In tropical areas, palm oil production generates significant amounts of waste, including palm kernel shells. The use of this waste in the civil engineering sector, presents a very challenging task. In the present study, the produc-tion of lateritic soil (A-2 in GTR classification and A-7-6 (9) in HRB classification) reinforced with palm kernelshells is considered. In order to improve their performances, these materials are mixed using the Fuller’s paraboliclaw. Moreover, experimental tests are used to characterize the physical and mechanical geotechnical properties ofthe lateritic soil. After characterizing the matrix (i.e., lateritic soil) and the inclusions (i.e., palm kernel shells) intheir natural state, it is found that Avrankou’s lateritic soil has a high level of fine particles (56.6%), high plasticity(PI = 21%) and low lift (ICBR = 17%); which makes it unusable in the pavement layer. Results also prove that themixture composed of 39% of lateritic soil volume and 61% of PKS with a CBR index equals to 30 and the mixturecomposed of 45% of lateritic soil, 40% PKS and 15% of lagoon sand with a CBR index equals to 41 can be used assub-base layer for roads for low and medium traffic, respectively.