Climate Change Impact on Unsaturated Cement-Stabilized Laterite Soil Using Suction-Controlled Testing

• Published in: Geotechnical and Geological Engineering
• Main Author: Abdul Wahab N.; A Rashid A.S.; Roshan M.J.; Horpibulsuk S.; Razali R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH 2025
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85211142649&doi=10.1007%2fs10706-024-02980-5&partnerID=40&md5=0a34632ef6b3dcb30118dc200a786368

In a consequence of climate change’s adverse effects, Malaysia’s road infrastructure faces significant challenges, particularly during both dry and rainy seasons, which weaken the natural bonds of the laterite soil. This research, therefore, outlines a laboratory study aimed at assessing the impact of cement stabilisation on the compressibility characteristics of laterite soil, subject to both saturated and unsaturated conditions. This study reveals that a 6% cement dosage is optimal for stabilising the laterite soil, proving the minimum 7-day strength requirement of 800 kPa, as specified by the Malaysia Public Works Department (MPWD) for stabilised subgrade material in low-volume roads. Consequently, the research involved conducting saturated tests (utilising a conventional oedometer) on soil specimens stabilised with 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% cement dosages. Meanwhile, only the 6% cement-stabilised soil is used in unsaturated tests with a modified suction-controlled oedometer. The findings of this study highlighted that cement-stabilised laterite soil exhibits significantly lower compressibility in comparison to unstabilised laterite soil. Furthermore, the unsaturated oedometer test demonstrated that soil’s compressibility is notably decreased at higher suction levels (drying conditions) compared to lower suction levels (wetting conditions). In summary, this research contributes valuable insights, emphasising the potential of cement as an effective soil stabiliser by reducing soil settlement and enhancing the durability of Malaysia’s roads in response to climate-related challenges. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.