Abstract
Embankment subgrade soils classifying as A-4 to A-7-6 according to the AASHTO Soil Classification System can exhibit low bearing strength, high volumetric instability, and freeze-thaw susceptibility. These characteristics of soil are frequently identified as main factors leading to accelerated damage of pavement systems. Cement stabilization has been widely used to improve these soils conditions. The present study aims to help designers and practioners better understand how cement stabilizations can influence soil index properties and mechanical properties before and after saturation. In this study, a total of 28 cohesive and granular soil materials obtained from 9 construction sites were tested using 4 to 12% type I/II Portland cement contents. Specimens were prepared using a 2 in. by 2 in. compaction apparatus and tested for 28-day unconfined compressive strength with and without vacuum saturation. Results indicated that statistically significant relationships exist between soil index properties, unconfined compressive strength, and cement content. Based on the laboratory test results, a laboratory evaluation procedure for cement stabilization mix design for both granular and cohesive soils is proposed.
Highlights
Embankment subgrade soils classifying as A-4 to A-7-6 according to the AASHTO Soil Classification System can exhibit low bearing strength, high volumetric instability, and freeze-thaw susceptibility, which are frequently identified as main factors leading to accelerated damage of pavement systems (White and Bergeson, 2001; White et al, 2004, 2008, 2018; Zhang et al, 2016, 2019; Li et al, 2020)
Results of a laboratory study focused on cement stabilization of 28 soils obtained from
9 active construction sites are presented in this paper
Summary
Embankment subgrade soils classifying as A-4 to A-7-6 according to the AASHTO Soil Classification System can exhibit low bearing strength, high volumetric instability, and freeze-thaw susceptibility, which are frequently identified as main factors leading to accelerated damage of pavement systems (White and Bergeson, 2001; White et al, 2004, 2008, 2018; Zhang et al, 2016, 2019; Li et al, 2020). Horpibulsuk (2012) reported the effectiveness of various percentages cement mixture on the specimen’s strength development. Three strength development zones were presented: active, inert, and deterioration zone. The pores smaller than 0.1 micron significantly decreased due to cement hydration process, so the strength increased significantly. As content of cement additives increased, the desired water was not adequate for hydration, so the strength and quantity of cementitious materials decreased. Various studies have previously developed similar relationships between cement dosage and modified soil strength and other engineering properties, such as liquid limit, plasticity index, etc (Qubain et al, 2006; Sariosseiri et al, 2011; Du et al, 2013; Rashid et al, 2014). Various studies have previously developed similar relationships between cement dosage and modified soil strength and other engineering properties, such as liquid limit, plasticity index, etc (Qubain et al, 2006; Sariosseiri et al, 2011; Du et al, 2013; Rashid et al, 2014). Spangler and Patel (1950) showed that the plastic limit was increased as cement content increased, and plasticity index was decreased as cement admixture content increased because the liquid limit was decreased
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