Tadesse, Samuel (PhD)Assefa, Blen2018-06-212023-11-112018-06-212023-11-112016-11http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/2452The purpose of this study is to investigate the strength characteristics of a stabilized lateritic soil with marble dust. The sample of the residual lateritic soil used in the study is taken from Mekanejo area. The soil is classified as A-7-5 according to AASHTO classification. The material could possibly termed true laterite, since silica-sesquioxide ratio is Less than 1.33. An attempt has been made in the study to improve the index and engineering properties of the lateritic soil by stabilization using an industrial waste, marble-dust. This method is both low-cost and ecofriendly. Accordingly, the lateritic soil was treated with marble-dust of 4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20% by dry weight of soil, and various tests have been carried out on the marble-stabilized soil to assess alterations in its strength characteristics. The lateritic soil responded very well to the marble-dust treatment, as exhibited in improvement of its strength, and its increased resistance to softening by water. 20% marble dust is the optimum quantity in terms of improving plasticity index, maximum dry density and soaked and unsoaked CBR properties but for unconfined compressive value, the optimum marble dust content is 8%. The addition of marble-dust to the lateritic soil has beneficial effects on its engineering properties, including reduction in plasticity, improved workability, increased strength, more resistance to moisture effect, and enhanced durability. Besides, a trial pavement design revealed that lateritic subgrade stabilization results in thinner pavement structures, and hence reduces costs of road constructionenGeotechnical EngineeringThesis