Hydraulic conductivity and volume change behavior of a stabilized expansive clay

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of lime on volume change and hydraulic conductivity of an expansive soil in Cyprus. Laboratory tests were used to study the geotechnical properties, swell, compressibility and hydraulic conductivity of natural and treated soils. Tests were performed at different percentages of lime 0, 3, 5 and 7 by dry weight of soils. Test results indicate that lime treatment decreases the clay size fractions and causes the clay particles to amass by cementation. The expansive character of the treated soils reduces dramatically with the increase in percent lime and curing time. The secondary reaction products formed due to pozzolanic reaction decrease the compressibility of the treated soils and an increase in hydraulic conductivity is obtained. The findings in the study encourage the consideration of lime as an alternative for the stabilization of expansive soils.