Mix optimization and mechanical properties evaluation of lime-fly ash-stabilized loess in various engineering applications

Abstract

Determining a rational mix ratio for lime-fly ash-stabilized loess (LFSL) can achieve multiple benefits of economy, environmental protection, and engineering quality improvement. This research was designed to optimize the mix ratios of LFSL applied in the pavement structure, subgrade, slopes, and foundations by conducting the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, California bearing ratio (CBR) test, resilient moduli (MR) test, triaxial test and uniaxial consolidation test on LFSL and lime-stabilized loess (LSL). Combined with the initial consumption of lime (ICL) test result and relevant specifications, the optimized mix ratios are as follows: 2% lime + 11.82% fly ash and 2% lime + 3.95% fly ash can reach the strength requirement of road base and subbase, respectively; 2% lime + 3.84% fly ash in building foundations and subgrade and 2% lime + 3.55% fly ash in slopes can reach the equal improvement effect of the LSL with 8% lime content. Three-factor comprehensive models were established and fitted in well with the experimental results of the LFSL with 2% lime content. Moreover, the development of correlations between UCS and other mechanical indices offers a shortcut for engineering property estimation. Finally, based on the abundant literature on LSL, another approach to estimating engineering quality was proposed for the LFSL with 2% lime content, which enhances the universality and practicability of the estimation models further.