Comparison of the chemical and geotechnical properties of Termitaria and their adjacent laterites in Sabon Pegi – Song, Adamawa State

Abstract

Termite mounds (TM) stand steadily without disturbance even after heavy rainfall, showing their having higher shear strength and better geotechnical properties than the adjacent soils. This study compared the chemical and geotechnical properties of the termite mound soils (TMS) and the adjacent lateritic soils (ALS) and also investigated the possibilities of using the cellulase enzyme present in TMS to improve the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of lateritic soils. Chemical and geotechnical analyses were carried on the TMS and ALS. From the results; the NMC range (3.6% - 13.5%) in the TMS and (3.4% - 11.6%) in the ALS; the LL range (29.3% - 47.5%) and (22.5% - 31.3%) for the TMS and the ALS respectively; the PL ranges (18.2% - 28.1%) in the TMS and (12.3% - 22.0%) in the ALS; the PI ranges (11.1% - 19.4%) and (4.8% - 16.1%) for the TMS and the ALS respectively; the SG for TMS ranges (2.30 - 2.42) while that of the ALS range (2.10 - 2.39); the pH values range (5.6 - 7.0) for the TMS and (5.8 - 6.4) for the ALS; the particle size analyses for the TMS show values in ranges; gravel (0), coarse sand (0.3% - 0.8%), medium sand (11.3% - 33.3%), find sand (8.0% - 34.1%), silt (22.5% - 50.6%) and clay (7.4% - 26.2%); for the ALS, the ranges are; gravel (0.3% - 16.0), coarse sand (0.85 – 23.5%), medium sand (14.2% - 37.2%), fine sand (11.7% - 50.1%), silt (8.3% - 30.3%) and clay (6.0% - 14.3%). The TMS differ from the ALS; possessing better geotechnical properties. Addition of cellulase enzyme improved the UCS of the lateritic soils. Hence, mixing lateritic soil with artificial enzyme that has some properties as that of the termite saliva can stabilize it.