SOIL STABILIZATION WITH PORTLAND CEMENT

Abstract

Soil sampled from Islamiat Block, Peshawar University was stabilized with different percentages of Portland Cement type I (by weight of dry soil), to study the effect of cement contents and curing age on the compressive strength of soil. Cement in varying proportions (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10%) was added to the soil and standard Proctor Compaction Test was performed on each sample to find the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content. Samples of soil-cement mixtures at optimum moisture content and maximum dry density were made and compressive strength determined after curing for 7, 14 and 28 days. Soil cement losses, moisture and volume changes at 12 number of wetting and drying cycles were studied. This study has indicated that the soil was responsive to cement stabilization. Soil stabilized with cement content of 6% developed compressive strength of 250 p.s.i. at the age of 7 days. 350 p.s.i. at the age of 14 days and 490 p.s.i. at 28 days. It was concluded that the soil can be stabilized with 6% of cement, for use as construction material for the sub-base and base course.