Effect of Mango Shell and Nut Ash as Pavement Materials

This research work presents the effect of Mango Shell ash (MSA) and Mango Nut Ash (MNA) as stabilizing agents of expansive soils. Both Mango Shell Ash (MSA) and Mango Nut Ash (MNA) were added in percentages of 3,6,9,12 and 15 by weight of soil. Extensive laboratory tests were conducted on the expansive using MSA and MNA. Laboratory tests conducted include; Specific gravity, sieve analysis, moisture content, in-situ dry density, Liquid Limit, plastic limit, free swell, California bearing ratio(CBR) and Unconfined compression strength (UCS) tests. It was observed that specific gravity of soil increased significantly, liquid limits decreased substantially as well as plastic limits, plasticity index had a decrement for MSA, however, there was an increment at 15% addition of MNA. Free swell index decreased significantly on both cases. Maximum dry density (MDD) increased significantly for MSA while Optimum moisture content had optimum value of 6%. For MNA OMC had optimum value of 9% and MDD increased significantly. In both cases UCS and CBR had a significant increment. It was concluded that both MNA and MSA improved the soil engineering properties significantly.