An experimental program carried out in this study seeks to understand the physical mechanisms of stabilization of an expansive soil by adding an inert material (sand) at various forms; mixing and intercalation layers of sand. The first aim of the study is to analyze the effect of stabilization on the variation of soil consistency. The results show a marked improvement in soil consistency. Then a study of the effect of the additives on the variation of the swelling in order to solve the lifting structures caused by this phenomenon is carried out. It can be seen that the addition of sand is capable of reducing the swelling action. We complete the study using an ultrasonic device, measuring the propagation velocities of ultrasonic pulse through the tested clay samples. This shows a change occurring in the porosity of the clay when sand is added to it. As a result some interesting conclusions concerning the expansive soil-material amendment are drawn

This study presents the results of an experimental work carried out to investigate the effects of treatment of fine bentonite clay using various contents of lime. Tests conducted verified substantial changes and significant improvement in physical and mechanical characteristics of the clay. Techniques including ultrasonic tests and unconfined compression were utilized for a series of lime content (0%,2%, 4% and 6%) for variable curing times. The studied clay soils revealed that lime treated clays get changed and improved with regard to particular geotechnical characteristics due to cation exchanges, particle rearrangements and pozzolanic reactions. The analysis of ultrasonic tests and compressive strength showed a process of gradual increase in strength and compactness of the reaction products over time. For an optimum dose and extended curing time, the stabilized soil acts as a rock.

The influence of initial moisture content and dry density on swelling clays was extensively investigated in the literature. In order to explore the relationships that exist between the swelling parameters of clay soils and the water content, initial dry density, and sand content, a series of experimental tests were conducted on pure clay and clay treated with 20% sand. The swelling pressure and the swell potential were also tested for sand-clay mixtures. The results showed a significant influence of the initial water content on the swell potential of bentonite and bentonite sand mixture. The increase in the dry density was found to boost the swelling pressure and swell potential. The rate of increase is related to sand content. For higher sand content, it was found that grain-to-grain contact reduces the compressibility of the mixture and thus causes the general swell trend to alter. The amount of clay particles within the mixture is an important factor affecting the swelling. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the sand in the reduction of swelling parameters. This study provides a control measure for expansive soil materials using sand addition to achieve better soil for construction purposes.

In this study, an experimental investigation carried out to assess the performance of addition of an inert material on stabilization of an expansive soil in order to solve the lifting structures caused by this phenomenon. The results showed that an addition of glass is capable of reducing the actions of swelling. From the global analysis of the porosity using an ultrasonic device, we measure the propagation velocities of ultrasonic pulse through the tested clay samples. This reveals a change occurring in the porosity of the clay when glass is added to it. As a result some interesting conclusions concerning the expansive soil-material amendment are drawn.

Abstract:In this study, an experimental investigation carried out to assess the performance of addition of an inert material on stabilization of an expansive soil in order to solve the lifting structures caused by this phenomenon. The results showed that an addition of glass is capable of reducing the actions of swelling. From the global analysis of the porosity using an ultrasonic device, we measure the propagation velocities of ultrasonic pulse through the tested clay samples. This reveals a change occurring in the porosity of the clay when glass is added to it. As a result some interesting conclusions concerning the expansive soil-material amendment are drawn.