Identificação laboratorial de solos com comportamento laterítico e potencial aplicação em camadas estruturais de pavimentos rodoviários

Abstract

In Mozambique, given the specific characteristics, there is potential for the occurrence of soils with lateritic behavior, which is favored by the country’s location in a tropical zone, characterized by climatic conditions conducive to laterization. However, there is a complete absence of studies on the geotechnical and mineralogical characteristics of these soils in the country, characteristics that are of interest to Civil Engineering, particularly in the area of road pavements. This study aimed to identify, characterize, and evaluate the potential application of these soils, which are likely to occur in certain regions of the country. In the study, laboratory tests were conducted to determine the mechanical properties of the soils, such as mineralogical analysis, particle size distribution, consistency limits, compaction tests (modified Proctor), and CBR (California Bearing Ratio). Additionally, the MCT (Miniature Compacted Tropical) methodology was used, within which classificatory tests, mini-CBR, and, complementarily, the mini-DCP (Dynamic Cone Penetrometer) test were performed. The last two tests were conducted to obtain the resistance characteristics of the soils. The tests carried out revealed the occurrence of soils with lateritic behavior in some of the studied regions, with typical mineralogical characteristics (predominance of iron and aluminum oxides in their composition). Some of the analyzed soils exhibited resistance properties compatible with those required for structural layers of road pavements, demonstrating their potential for such applications.