Volumetric Behavior and Soil Water Characteristic Curve of Untreated and Lime-Stabilized Reactive Clay

Asmaa Al-Taie,Suksun Horpibulsuk,Arul Arulrajah,Mahdi Disfani,Robert Evans

doi:10.1061/(asce)gm.1943-5622.0001336

Abstract

This paper investigates the influence of lime stabilization of an expansive clay based on volumetric behavior and the soil- water characteristic curve (SWCC). The selected soil was a residual clay located in Victoria, Australia. Specimens treated with an optimum lime content (OLC) that was found to reduce swell potential were selected to investigate the SWCCs. Static compaction tests were conducted to establish the virgin compression surface. Hyprop (Meter Group, Pullman, Washington), filter paper, and the chilled mirror hygrometer were used to measure the SWCC at and below the surface at different net stress levels. To interpret the volumetric behavior of untreated and treated soil using the SWCC, swelling and collapse values were measured at various initial moisture contents and stress levels. The test results found that although the treated specimens were stabilized with lime at OLC, significant collapse and swelling potential were obtained when the lime-treated specimens were prepared at high suction value and wetted under low net stresses.

Highlights

Expansive clays are common in many countries such as Australia, China, India, and the United States (Puppala et al 2006)
The values of suction were measured by using the Hyprop or filter paper or chilled mirror hygrometer (WP4C) device based on the respective moisture contents
The soil– water characteristic curve (SWCC) were obtained for each net stress level

Summary

Introduction

Expansive clays are common in many countries such as Australia, China, India, and the United States (Puppala et al 2006). Many studies have been conducted to obtain empirical correlations to predict swelling using Atterberg limits, liquidity index, and other properties that can be obtained by simple laboratory tests (Van Der Merwe 1964; Bryson et al 2011; Richards et al 1984). These studies did not interpret the behavior of swelling and collapse mainly because different soils with similar Atterberg limit values can exhibit very different volume change behavior patterns. These studies did not interpret the behavior of swelling and collapse mainly because different soils with similar Atterberg limit values can exhibit very different volume change behavior patterns. Fredlund (2000) suggested that the swelling and collapse behavior of soils in an unsaturated condition can be better explained by considering the soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC).

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion