The Use of Standard Proctor for the Determination of Shrinkage Properties of Reddish Brown Tropical Soil

In developing countries groundwater is used for drinking and other beneficial purposes. However, its purity and quality is compromised because of the way waste is disposed. Laboratory induced volumetric shrinkage tests were carried out on three tropical reddish brown soils (labeled MP1 MP3) obtained from Maniya, Ibadan, south-western Nigeria to determine their suitability as liners and covers in waste containment structures. The samples prepared at - 2, 0, 2 and 4% of optimum moisture content and compacted using standard Proctor energy. Results of the study showed that volumetric shrinkage strain values increased with higher moulding water content. Only specimens prepared at 2% dry of optimum and at optimum moisture contents met the regulatory maximum volumetric shrinkage value of 4% at 18.5, 16.3 and 15.3% of the moulding water content for MP1, MP2 and MP3, respectively. Consequently, the tropical soil samples can be used in waste containment applications.