Quicklime as Partial Substitute for Portland Cement in Stabilized Sub-base of Low & Medium Traffic Roads: A Feasibility Study

This study evaluates the feasibility of using quicklime as a partial substitute for Portland cement in stabilizing lateritic soil for construction applications, focusing on its impact on California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), and Elastic Modulus. Laboratory tests were conducted on lateritic soil samples stabilized with cement and quicklime at substitution rates of 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, and 15%. Results indicate that 9% quicklime substitution optimizes CBR (38.6% un-soaked, 31.4% soaked), while 12% substitution maximizes UCS (190.88 psi). Elastic Modulus also improved significantly at 9% and 12% substitutions. These findings suggest that quicklime can enhance the mechanical properties of stabilized lateritic soil while offering cost and environmental benefits. The study recommends 9–12% quicklime substitution for sustainable stabilization in low-to-medium traffic road construction.