Index Properties of Aluminum Dross Modified Pavement Geo-material

Abstract

The recovering of aluminium from aluminium dross waste involves so much cost and energy. As a result, there is a need for its utilization as an engineering material. This research assessed the suitability of aluminium dross waste in improving the index properties of pavement geomaterial. Aluminum dross, a solid waste from aluminum industry was added at 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16% by weight of the lateritic soil sample. Sieve analysis, Atterberg limit, specific gravity test, Compaction test, and California bearing ratio (CBR) were carried out on the samples. The increased addition of aluminium dross to the sample reduced the plasticity index from 15% to 13.8%, which showed an improvement in the soil sample. Also, the CBR value increased from 51.22 to 64.32 with the addition of aluminum dross which signifies increased strength of the stabilized soil sample. The increase in strength of the aluminum dross stabilized soil is due to the good binder-matrix interaction of aluminum dross and the soil. The result of this experimental research showed that the utilization of aluminium dross in improving the strength properties of pavement interlayer proved to be a sustainable alternative.