Composite Materials Hybrid as Stabilizer of Deltaic Lateritic Soils

This study evaluated the modification of geotechnical properties of Niger deltaic lateritic soils using a composite materials hybrid of plantain rachis fibre and cement. Four soil samples from different locations in Rivers State were tested with fibre + cement ratios of 0.25% + 2.5%, 0.5% + 5.0%, 0.75% + 7.5%, and 1.0% + 10%. Results demonstrated significant improvements in California bearing ratio (CBR), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and consistency limits compared to unstabilized soils. The optimum mix ratio was found to be 0.75% + 7.5%, beyond which cracks and value reductions occurred. The findings indicate that plantain rachis fibre combined with cement shows strong potential as an effective soil stabilizer for improving the engineering properties of problematic deltaic lateritic soils used in road pavement construction.