Effectiveness of Different Chemicals on Stabilization of Expansive Soil

Abstract

Significant damage and distortions in the supporting structures are caused due to the volume fluctuation resulting from the moisture change of the expansive soil. To achieve the post-construction stability standards, sufficient performance improvement of expansive soil is necessary. Chemical soil stabilization is one of the preferred methods utilized across the world. The efficiency of several chemical stabilizers (e.g., lime, fly ash, BaCl₂, CaCl₂, and MgCl₂) in enhancing the engineering properties of expansive soils are examined in this work considering the Atterberg limit test and the unconfined compressive strength test.  The liquid limit of the expansive soil rises as the stabilizer content increase. However, when CaCl₂ levels increases, the liquid limit of the expansive soil decreases. A maximum increment of the liquid limit of the soil sample is observed for 2% lime addition. However, the liquid limit decreases when the lime or fly ash content of the soil sample exceeds 5 to 6%. Soil plastic limit normally increases with lime or fly ash addition (up to 5%) and reduces with salt content inclusion. Unconfined compressive strength of the expansive soil increases with increase in stabilizer contents. The expansive soil sample's unconfined compressive strength increases as the stabilizer content increases.