• 2025-04-25
• A.T. Akinbuluma, M.H. MD ISA, D.A Ogundare
• Volume 1, Issue 1

Abstract

African lateritic soils, prevalent in many regions of the continent, are widely used in the construction of pavements. However, these soils often experience failure in road infrastructure due to their inherent properties, such as high moisture sensitivity, poor compaction, and variable strength. This review investigates the primary causes of pavement failure associated with African lateritic soils and highlights issues such as inadequate soil stabilization, seasonal fluctuations in moisture content, and the low shear strength of untreated soils. The swelling and shrinkage behavior of lateritic soils under different environmental conditions exacerbate pavement distress, leading to cracks, rutting, and erosion. The lack of proper maintenance and inadequate design methods contribute to the accelerated deterioration of pavements in Africa. To mitigate these challenges, several solutions are proposed. These includes the use of chemical or natural stabilizers, such as cement, lime and pozzolans, to enhance soil properties and reduce moisture sensitivity. The adoption of modern engineering techniques, such as soil grading optimization, and the introduction of geosynthetics in pavement layers are also recommended. Implementing these approaches would enhance the durability and improvement of pavements constructed on lateritic soils, thus reducing maintenance costs and ensuring sustainable infrastructure development in Africa.

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