Study of soil characteristics after treatment with lime-based hydraulic binder using the in situ "layer by layer" stabilization method

Paper presents the results obtained in situ and in laboratory for a test section where the soil has been improved by mixing with a lime-based hydraulic binder. The treatment has been applied in order to obtain a more uniform soil bearing capacity, thus reducing the differential settlement that could appear between adjacent foundations or under the same foundation. The test section has been performed by mixing the local cohesive soil (silty clay) with 4% special lime-based hydraulic binder, then compacted in 3 layers, 20 cm thick each after compaction, resulting a final compacted layer of 60 cm. For this treatment a laboratory study has been conducted in order to determine the optimum binder admixture. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the improved soil have been studied in laboratory and in situ for 3 curing times: 3, 7 and 28 days. In laboratory have been carried out tests for identification and classification, for determining the density and water content, followed by mechanical tests as oedometers and shear box tests, while in situ Lukas plate tests have been performed. Paper presents results of all tests, including analyses and interpretation.