Potential of Portland pozzolana cement in the stabilization of an expansive soil subjected to alternate cycles of wetting and drying

Abstract: 

Cement/lime stabilization of soils is one of the common techniques adopted for improving its geotechnical properties. Lately, the focus of investigation has shifted to blended stabilization with industrial wastes as auxiliary additives. However, therole of blended cement in stabilization of soil has been studied insufficiently despitethe fact that it is manufactured under controlled conditions. This investigation dealswith the use of Portland pozzolana cement (PPC) instead of ordinary Portlandcement (OPC) in the stabilization of an expansive soil subjected to alternate cyclesof wetting and drying. Unconfined compression strength (UCS) test specimens ofdimensions 38mm x 76mm were cast and cured for periods of 7, 14 and 21 days.Then, the specimens were subjected to 1, 2 and 3 cycles of wetting and drying and the UCS of the specimens were determined. Based on the results of theinvestigation, it was found that OPC performed significantly better than PPC under normal conditions. However, under conditions of wetting and drying, PPC stabilized soil performed much better than OPC stabilized soil when sufficient binder content was available.

 

Article status: 
Published
Journal number: 
2021-02

Authors

Jijo James - Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering,Rajiv Gandhi Salai,Kalavakkam–603 110,Tamil Nadu
Anupriya Natesan - Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering,Rajiv Gandhi Salai,Kalavakkam–603 110,Tamil Nadu
Aswini Manohar - Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering,Rajiv Gandhi Salai,Kalavakkam–603 110,Tamil Nadu
Vishvaa Subramanian - Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering,Rajiv Gandhi Salai,Kalavakkam–603 110,Tamil Nadu