Potentials of Processed Termite as a Stabilizing Agent in Clay Soil

Expansive soil causes problem on civil engineering structures due to its tendency to swell when it is in contact with water and shrinks when they dry out.Stabilization using chemical admixtures is the oldest and popular method of soil improvement.In this study, an investigation was conducted to explore the possibility of using termite dust as stabilizing admixture to improve clay soils.This investigation involves the determination of the swelling potential of clay soil in its natural state as well as when mixed with vary proportion of termite dust from (0 to 30%).The termite dust in this experimental work is obtained from termite mound (anthill), dried and ground followed by sieving through sieve no.36.Consistency limits, specific gravity, swelling properties were determined for the samples.Addition of termite dust decreases liquid limit, plasticity index, plastic limit.shrinkage limit, shrinkage index, specific gravity and activity.Also, the experimental results showed that the swelling percentage decreases and rate of swell increases with increasing percentage of termite dust in clay soils.The rates of swelling and swelling percentage of the stabilized specimens were also affected by curing in a positive direction such that the effectiveness of the stabilizer increases with increasing amount-of stabilizer.The CBR and UCS values obtained also increases with increased percentage of stabilizer.From the research findings, it can be deduced that termite dust at 25%-30% stabilization can be recommended for use in sub-grade pavement layer in road work.