In-situ stabilization of an expansive soil in desiccated state

Abstract

This paper examines the efficiency of in-situ stabilization of expansive soil by lime slurry technique in desiccated state through laboratory and field experimental studies. The laboratory and field studies consists of permeating 34% hydrated lime slurry into the desiccated soil through vertical holes and measuring the physico-chemical, index and engineering properties before and after treatment at different radial distances. The distinct changes in the physico-chemical and index properties of the expansive soil indicate the occurrence of lime modification reactions and pozzolanic reactions on lime migration into the inter-connected shrinkage cracks. The lime slurry treatment increased the soil <i>pH</i> (≍ 12) to the levels that are conducive for the pozzolanic reactions to occur. The soil-lime reactions reduced the swelling potential and increased the unconfined compressive strength of lime slurry treated expansive soil. The test results encourage the application of lime slurry technique to expansive soil deposits during dry season upon development of shrinkage cracks.