Compaction Characteristics of Lateritic Soils in Gwagwalada, Nigeria: Implications for Sustainable Structural Performance

Soil compaction is a critical geotechnical process that directly affects the safety, durability, and serviceability of civil engineering structures. In rapidly urbanizing regions such as Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria, inadequate soil investigation and improper compaction practices have been associated with premature failures of roads, embankments, and building foundations. This study investigates the compaction characteristics of locally sourced lateritic soils using the Standard Proctor Compaction Test in accordance with ASTM D698 and AASHTO T99 standards. Seven compaction trials were conducted over a moisture content range of 10–22%. The results indicate a Maximum Dry Density (MDD) of 16.42 kN/m³ occurring at an Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) of 16%, values consistent with published data on lateritic soils in tropical environments. The compaction curve exhibited the expected bell-shaped profile, confirming the soil’s sensitivity to moisture variation. The findings provide practical benchmarks for geotechnical design and field quality control in similar geological settings and highlight the importance of moisture control in preventing settlement, cracking, and structural distress. This study contributes to the understanding of lateritic soil behavior and supports evidence-based, sustainable infrastructure development in developing urban regions.