Experimental studies to determine the physico-mechanical characteristics of soils improved with special hydraulic binders

Abstract

The complexity of the construction works and site conditions, combined with environmental factors, led to the necessity of using special mineral binders with physical and chemical properties superior to the usual binders. Taking into account the above arguments, the paper presents the results of experimental laboratory studies in order to determine the physical and mechanical characteristics of soil used for a road embankment, after improvement with a special lime-based hydraulic binder. Since improvement recipes vary from one soil to another, it is important to always determine the characteristics after treatment. Also, the method of mixing the binder and soil decisively determines subsequent performance. As part of a larger study aiming at assessing the various factors of influence on the treated soil characteristics, two comparative studies were carried out, each consisting in the recipe formulation using 3 different binder ratios, the difference being given by the parameters used for specimen compaction: normal or modified Proctor test. The study followed the influence of the mechanical compaction work on the mechanical behaviour of the specimens over time after different times of curing.