ABSTRACT
In this study, lateritic soils in Benin City, Edo State, Southern Nigeria, were geotechnically evaluated. Samples of lateral soil were taken from a few locations within the research region. The soil samples were subjected to a number of conventional laboratory tests, including the assessment of the soil's natural moisture content, particle size analysis, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, compaction test, California bearing ratio, and (CBR) test. Results were evaluated against existing research and Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMWH) requirements. Unsoaked CBR test results range from 17 to 19%. The values for specific gravity varied from 2.49 to 2.64, while the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density were, respectively, 12.6 to 16.8% and 1.44 to 1.52 mg/m3. The liquid limit, plastic limit, and plastic index have respective ranges of 41.71–46.80%, 17.35–18.57%, and 24.36– 28.23%. This suggests that the lateritic soil found throughout the research locations is not appropriate for use as sub-base and base materials because its geotechnical characteristics do not meet Nigeria's regulatory standards, necessitating stabilization.
