Effects of additives on the microstructure of clay

Abstract

Some soils under construction cause numerous problems in terms of geotechnical engineering. Clay soils cause significant problems in the construction of roads, airports, pavements and highways. Some soils contain mixed additives, such as lime, cement, fly ash and bitumen. In this study, the microstructures of uncured and cured lime/cement-stabilised clay samples are investigated. Compacted soil samples were evaluated by mercury intrusion porosimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses and specific surface area analysis. The results indicated that the addition of lime and cement was effective in the treatment of compaction properties. The pore sizes in the SEM images vary with an increase in the percentage of lime and cement and an increase in curing time.