Lime Stabilization of Expansive Soil

Abstract

Expansive soils occurring in arid and semi-arid climate regions of the world cause serious problems for civil engineering structures. To avoid such damages prior to construction, expansive clays may be stabilized. Soil stabilization using chemical additives is the oldest and most widespread method of ground improvement. In this study, hydrated lime was used for the stabilization of laboratory-prepared heavy clays (natural soil +bentonite). The following percentages (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 %) of lime have been added to the expansive soil. A series of laboratory experiments have been implemented (such as consistency limits, grain size distribution, specific gravity, compaction test, and swelling oedometer tests). The result showed that the addition of lime was effective in improving the swelling behavior of the expansive soil. Lime was therefore found as an excellent choice for stabilization of swelling soils properties.