The Relative Stabilizing Effect Of Various Limes On Clayey Soils PDF Download

The objectives of this investigation were to determine the effect of pulverization on the strength, durability and swell characteristics of a lime stabilized clay soil. Samples were prepared with three different gradations which represented the pulverization of the soil. Maximum clay lump sizes of 3/4", 1/2" and passing #4 sieve were used for the three gradations. Samples were prepared with lime contents of 4% and 8% of the dry soil weight. The clay soil was classified as A-7-6 (20) in the AASHO soil classification system. All samples were compacted using a kneading compactor at the moisture content producing the maximum stabilometer R value. The samples were cured in air tight containers at 105° F ± 3° F for ten days and then cured for an additional four days at 105° F ± 3 °F at a relative humidity of 100%. At the end of the curing period the unconfined compressive strength, swell pressure and stabilometer R value of the samples were determined. Stabilometer R values were also determined for samples after 24 hours soaking and after one and three cycles of freezing and thawing. Results showed that pulverization significantly affected the strength, durability and swell characteristics of the samples. The stabilometer R value of samples containing well pulverized soil was significantly higher than the R value of samples containing larger unpulverized clay lumps. The unconfined compressive strength was similarly affected. The durability of the samples containing well pulverized material was much higher when determined following 24 hours of soaking or following either one or three cycles of freezing and thawing. Swell pressures of samples containing larger clay lumps were many times greater than the pressures exerted by the well pulverized samples. The higher lime content caused substantial improvement in the properties of the samples.