THE INFLUENCE OF SULPHATE ON LIME STABILISED GAULT CLAY. LIME STABILISATION '90. PAPERS PRESENTED AT THE SECOND BACMI TECHNICAL SYMPOSIUM ON LIME STABILISATION, MARCH 1, 1990, PENNS HALL HOTEL, SUTTON COLDFIELD

This article describes the results of a laboratory study on the effects of sulphate ion concentration and type on Gault clay. The clay used was obtained from a disused brick works at Caen Hill, Devizes. It has a plasticity index of 29%, low level of in situ sulphate and organic material. Actual clay size particles constituted 39% of the soil. Three levels of initial moisture content were used. Concentrations of the sulphate radical of up to 3% of the dry weight of the clay were added to the clay prior to stabilization using either sodium or calcium sulphate. The clay was stabilized with a 3% addition of quicklime. After addition of the lime the soil mix was allowed to mellow for not less than 24 hours. It was the remixed, compacted, and 76 mm x 38 mm cyclindrical specimens prepared. These specimens were then wrapped in cling film, and cured for 7 days at 20 degrees C. After this period, selected specimens were tested for unconfined compression strength and heave and the remainder totally immersed in water for 7 to 21 days. It was found that: (a) the strength of the lime stabilized material was significantly greater than the non-stabilized clay; (b) an increase in the concentration of sulphate reduces strength, and this is greatest when sodium sulphate is used; (c) the need for adequate water at the onset of lime stabilization is vital. The best results were obtained from the soil compacted several percent wetter than the optimum moisture content; and (d) lime stabilization reduces heave. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 829661.

• Corporate Authors:

  British Aggregate Construction Material Industries

  156 Buckingham Palace Road
  London,   England 
• Authors:
  • Strevens, G
  • Littleton, I
• Publication Date: 1990

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 32-56

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Calcium; Calcium oxide; Clay; Compression; Conferences; Moisture content; Sodium; Soil stabilization; Strength of materials; Sulfates; Swelling soils
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00606053
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 31 1991 12:00AM