Soil stabilization

About: Soil stabilization is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3161 publications have been published within this topic receiving 48437 citations.

A Critical Appraisal of the Role of Clay Mineralogy in Lime Stabilization

Abstract: The stabilization of problematic fine-grained soils using lime as an admixture is a widely accepted practice, owing to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The optimal quantity of lime required for soil stabilization primarily depends upon the reactive nature of soil as well as the degree of improvement desired. The term ‘optimum lime content’ (OLC) defines the amount of lime required for satisfying the immediate/short-term soil–lime interaction, and still providing sufficient amount of free calcium and high residual pH necessary to initiate long-term pozzolanic reaction. Previous researchers proposed various empirical correlations and experimental methodologies for determining OLC, in terms of clay-size fraction and plasticity characteristics of virgin soil. However, the limiting lime content obtained using various conventional methods does not account for the most influencing inherent clay mineralogy of the soil; and hence, the results of these methodologies are observed to be quite disagreeing with each other. In view of these discrepancies, the present study attempts to validate the existing conventional methodologies for OLC determination at an elementary level, by comprehending the fundamental chemistry following soil–lime interactions. Based on the theoretical and experimental observations, it is quite evident that the accuracy of conventional tests is limited by combined influence of chemical and mineralogical properties of soils. Hence, it is proposed to develop a precise methodology to ascertain the required optimal lime dosage based on scientific criteria, by incorporating the influence of soil properties such as clay mineralogy, specific surface area, soil pH, cation exchange capacity, soil acidity, base saturation capacity, and buffer capacity.

Use of Cement Kiln Dust for the Stabilization of Soils

Abstract: Stabilization of soils is an effective method for improving soil properties and pavement system performance. Cement kiln dust (CKD) represents an alternative to the tradition stabilization agents of lime, cement, and Class C fly ash. As with the other additives, cement kiln dust can be expected to vary in effectiveness depending on the soil type. A total of eight different soils with classifications of CH, CL, ML, SM, and SP were subjected to a series of durability tests, including freeze-thaw, wet-dry, and leach testing, to evaluate the relative performance of CKD as a stabilization agent. Results were compared with previous findings for the same soils stabilized with lime, cement, and fly ash. Atterberg limits and strength tests were conducted before and after selected durability tests. Relative values of soil stiffness were also tracked over a 28-day curing period using the soil stiffness gauge to evaluate ongoing reactions. The results provide guidance on which soil types can be expected to have significant improvements in performance wit the addition of CKD.