Evaluation of Permeability Characteristics of Terrasil Stabilized Lateritic Soil

This paper evaluated the permeability characteristics of lateritic soil samples chemically stabilized with Terrasil. In this study, two samples labeled A and B were collected from two different borehole locations from a site. The effects of Terrasil on the engineering properties of the samples were investigated by conducting a number of laboratory tests before and after mixing with 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10 % of Terrasil. The Samples were classified as A-6(4) and A-7-6(7) soils, sample A and B respectively. For Sample A, there is decrease in permeability from 0.000517cm/sec to 0.000416cm/sec, at 10% of the additive. Sample B also improved by decreasing in permeability, from 0.000412 cm/sec to 0.000348 cm/sec at 10% of the additive. From the results, the Terrasil stabilizer can be used for stabilization of some unsuitable materials that are widely available for major road construction works to check capillary rise from soil and prevent dampness and to check failure of pavement due to ingress of water.