In situ ageing of a lime/cement-treated expansive clayey soil

Abstract

This paper focuses on the performances of a treated expansive clayey soil sampled on an embankment constructed in 2010. Two types of treatment used during construction are considered: 4% lime as well as a mix of 2% lime and 3% cement. Oedometer tests were carried out on different parts of the embankment, to assess the compressibility of the soil. The results were compared to the compression curve of the untreated soil, also sampled in the same embankment. Several complementary aspects were also investigated (moisture content, dry density,…) to assess the ageing process of the embankment. The obtained results showed that the behaviour of the material from the outer part of the backfill is similar to the mechanical performances of the untreated soil, demonstrating a strong alteration of the effect of both treatments. This alteration is noticeable until a horizontal distance of about two meters from the surface. Beyond this distance, the performance of the soil is comparable to the mechanical behaviour of treated soil. These observations, similar for each treatment dosage, tend to question the durability of the treatment at the edge of the earth structure.