Engineering Behavior of Stabilized Soils

Abstract

Stabilization of soils is an effective method for improving soil properties and pavement system performance. For many soils, more than one stabilization agent may be effective, and financial considerations or availability may be the determining factor on which to use. A series of tests was conducted to evaluate the relative performance of lime, cement, Class C fly ash, and an enzymatic stabilizer. These products were combined with a total of seven different soils with Unified Soil Classification System classifications of CH, CL, ML, and SM. Durability testing procedures included freeze–thaw, wet–dry, and leach testing. Atterberg limits and strength tests also were conducted before and after selected durability tests. Changes in pH were monitored during leaching. Relative values of soil stiffness were tracked over a 28-day curing period using the soil stiffness gauge. Lime- and cement-stabilized soils showed the most improvement in soil performance for multiple soils, with fly ash–treated soils showing substantial improvement. The results showed that for many soils, more than one stabilization option may be effective for the construction of durable subgrades. The enzymatic stabilizer did not perform as well as the other stabilization alternatives.

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