Laboratory Evaluation of the Hydraulic Conductivity as a Function of Changes in the Particle Size of a Cubitermes Sp Termite Mound Soil Treated with Lime

Abstract

This work characterizes the geotechnical properties and microstructure that served as a fundamental and more practical basis for describing the hydraulic conductivity of the lime-treated cubitermes sp termite mound soil. The results show that changes in particle size lead to a decrease in dry density and linear swelling. Permeability is strongly correlated with particle size distribution and compaction. Permeability increases up to the lime fixation point obtained at 6% of the lime content. Compaction for micropore reduction in treated soil is higher than in raw soil. The treated soil has a denser internal structure with agglomerations of dispersed clay particles. The increase in compaction energy reduces macropores and permeability, and the soil microstructure becomes homogeneous. Natural soil is highly impermeable, and soil-lime mixes are among the least draining materials. Higher values of hydraulic conductivity were obtained as a function of time. Soil and mixtures can be used in civil engineering works (earthworks). Correlations between hydraulic conductivity and particle size fractions are polylinear fits with R2 (0.962-0.993) and the Slogistic1 model with χ²(2.06E-15) for the mean silt fraction. This study is decisive for predicting hydraulic conductivity from the geotechnical properties of the soil, by solving the mathematical expressions of the models used.