Materials Characteristics of Soil-cement Samples under Various Maintenance Conditions

Abstract

Subsidence of embankment foundation at the approach roadway is quite common in South Vietnam because natural soil layers are high water content and low bearing capacity. Soil-cement columns could be a potential method to deal with foundation subsidence. A critical issue is to determine proper soil-cement mixtures, mainly depending on maintenance conditions. In this study, materials characteristics of soil-cement samples are experimentally tested under various maintenance conditions. To achieve the objective, first, we drill to get natural soil samples at various depths for different boreholes located in southern Vietnam. Second, soil samples are used to fabricate soil-cement cylinder samples. Third, a set of fabricated samples are maintained under various environmental conditions for 7, 14, and 28 days. Last, experimental tests are conducted to test axial compressive strength to evaluate the effects of environmental parameters on strength development. The result reveals that the proportion of soil cement should be properly designed for soil layers to maximize the performance of the soil-cement column.