One dimensional laboratory consolidation test was conducted on compacted lateritic soils treated with up to 16% rice husk ash (RHA), to assess its consolidation properties. Specimens were prepared at three different moulding water contents (2% dry of optimum, optimum moisture content and 2% wet of optimum) and compacted using the British Standard Light compactive effort. Preliminary tests on soils showed improved index properties with an increase in liquid limit (LL), an increase in plastic limits (PL) with a resulting decrease in plasticity index (PI). Preconsolidation pressure increased with RHA content, it also decreased before increasing with increased moulding water content. Reductions in compression index (C<sub>c</sub>) and Swell Index (C<sub>s</sub>) with increased RHA content were recorded. C<sub>c</sub> and C<sub>s</sub> generally decreased before increasing with increased moulding water content. The coefficient of volume compressibility (M<sub>v</sub>) decreased and increased with higher RHA content; they were also affected by the soil particle state with increasing pressure. The coefficient of consolidation (C<sub>v</sub>) showed no observable trend with increased RHA content but generally increased with higher consolidation pressure on the dry and wet side of optimum compacted states.
KeywordsCoefficient of Volume ChangeCoefficient of Volume CompressibilityCompression IndexConsolidationPre-Consolidation PressureRice Husk AshSwell Index
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