Effect of ‘Ionic Soil Stabilizer 2500’on the Properties of Black Cotton Soil

Abstract

This study was carried out to establish the effect of “Ionic Soil Stabilizer 2500” (ISS 2500) on black cotton soil. Samples were collected along Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala road in North-East Nigeria. Initial results indicated that the black cotton soil could be expansive with over 60% passing the number 200 sieve size. The ISS stabilizer is 100% organic and is derived from combined organic Sulphur and buffered acids that are combined as bi-sulphates. The ISS stabilizer dosages of 0%, 1ml, 2ml, and 3ml were mixed with 6000g weight of black cotton soil and tests were carried out to determine if improvement in properties would occur. For the pH tests carried out, there were increases in the acidity of the samples with increase in ISS content. Similarly, the redox potential showed consistent increase in value with increase in ISS content. However, the plasticity index which was expected to decrease in view of the increases in the redox potential, and the electrical conductivity decreased instead. The CBR test was conducted in accordance with energy levels using British light compaction method. Consequently, the CBR values increased marginally but below the specifications for soil-cement stabilization for road base materials. The ISS stabilizer has not produced a consistent set of results for inferences to be made on its effectiveness in improving the properties of black cotton soils to road base standards. Further tests are required on the long term effects of the stabiliser on black cotton soils.