Red loam soils blocks modified using cement-lime: Assessment of its optimum ratio, performance, and practice

Abstract

This paper reports the optimal ratio of cement-lime modified rammed earth materials for red loam soils in the Changsha area. The optimal moisture content of 8%∼12% was determined by key indicators such as test block effect, compressive strength, and weather resistance. Subsequently, the physical properties, water resistance, and weather resistance of red loam soil blocks with different cement and lime ratios were compared, and the suitable ratios of cement-lime modified rammed earth material for the Changsha area were determined as follows: soil: sand: stone: lime: cement - 5:3:2:1/3:1:1. To verify the reasonableness and practicability of the experiments, the rammed simulated tests and practical applications were carried out.