Abstract
This study aims to evaluate experimentally the potential of expansive soil stabilization using different additives: zeolitic tuff (ZT), lime, and a combination of lime and ZT. Four different percentages of ZT (10%, 20%, 25%, and 30%), three percentages of lime (2%, 4%, and 6%), and variable percentages of their combinations were used to stabilize the soil for pavement subbase application. Atterberg limits, pH, compaction, linear shrinkage, swelling, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests were performed on treated and untreated soil specimens at different curing times. Results showed that ZT additives effectively reduced the plasticity, linear shrinkage, and swell potential in addition to increase the maximum dry unit weight, UCS, and CBR. The results of this study were supported by a microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) associated with the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) technique. It was determined that the UCS and CBR values for the 4% lime stabilized soil increased by 22% and 70%, respectively, after the addition of 25% ZT. Based on evaluation of the results, an optimum mixture of 25% ZT and 4% lime stabilized soil can be used in pavement subbase applications as it achieved the minimum strength target.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
AASHTO 2008 (2008) Mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide: A manual of practice. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington DC, USA
AASHTO M145 (1991) Practice for classification of soils and soil-aggregate mixtures for highway construction purposes. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Abu-Farsakh M, Dhakal S, Chen Q (2015) Laboratory characterization of cementitiously treated/stabilized very weak subgrade soil under cyclic loading. Soils and Foundations 55(3):504–516, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SANDF.2015.04.003
Akula P, Little DN (2020) Analytical tests to evaluate pozzolanic reaction in lime stabilized soils. MethodsX7:100928, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2020.100928
Al-Asheh S, Banat F, Fara AA (2009) Dehydration of ethanol-water azeotropic mixture by adsorption through phillipsite packed-column. Separation Science and Technology 44(13):3170–3188, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01496390903182479
Al-Rawas AA, Hago AW, Al-Sarmi H (2005) Effect of lime, cement and Sarooj (artificial pozzolan) on the swelling potential of an expansive soil from Oman. Building and Environment 40(5):681–687, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/J.BUILDENV.2004.08.028
Al-Rawas AA, Taha R, Nelson JD, Al-Shab TB, Al-Siyabi H (2002) A comparative evaluation of various additives used in the stabilization of expansive soils. Geotechnical Testing Journal 25(2):199–209, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1520/GTJ11363J
Al-Swaidani A, Hammoud I, Meziab A (2016) Effect of adding natural pozzolana on geotechnical properties of lime-stabilized clayey soil. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering 8(5):714–725, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrmge.2016.04.002
Ardah A, Chen Q, Abu-Farsakh M (2017) Evaluating the performance of very weak subgrade soils treated/stabilized with cementitious materials for sustainable pavements. Transportation Geotechnics 11:107–119, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRGEO.2017.05.002
ASTM C125 (2020) Standard terminology relating to concrete and concrete aggregates. ASTM C125, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM C977 (2018) Standard specification for quicklime and hydrated lime for soil stabilization. ASTM C977, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM D698 (2012) Test methods for laboratory compaction characteristics of soil using standard effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3)). ASTM D698, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM D854 (2014) Test methods for specific gravity of soil solids by water pycnometer. ASTM D854, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM D1883 (2016) Standard test method for California bearing ratio (CBR) oflaboratory-compacted soils. ASTM D1883, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM D2166 (2016) Test method for unconfined compressive strength of cohesive soil. ASTM D2166, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM D2487 (2017) Practice for classification of soils for engineering purposes (unified soil classification system). ASTM D2487, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM D4318 (2017) Test methods for liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index of soils. ASTM D4318, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM D4546 (2014) Standard test methods for one-dimensional swell or collapse of soils. ASTM D4546, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM D4609 (2008) Standard guide for evaluating effectiveness of admixtures for soil stabilization. ASTM D4609, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM D6276 (2019) Standard test method for using pH to estimate the soil-lime proportion requirement for soil stabilization. ASTM D6276, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM D6913 (2017) Standard test methods for particle-size distribution (Gradation) of soils using sieve analysis. ASTM D6913, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM D7928 (2017) Standard test method for particle-size distribution (gradation) of fine-grained soils using the sedimentation (hydrometer) analysis. ASTM D7928, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
Bağrıaçık B, Güner ED (2020) An experimental investigation of reinforcement thickness of improved clay soil with drinking water treatment sludge as an additive. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering 24(12):3619–3627, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-020-0111-5
Bağrıaçık B, Mahmutluoglu B (2020) A new experimental approach to the improvement of sandy soils with construction demolition waste and cement. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 13(539), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05493-6
Bağrıaçık B, Yildirim ZB, Güner ED, Beycioğlu A (2020) Assessment of pipe powder in soil improvement applications: An optimization by response surface methodology. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 13(1035), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05962-y
Bell FG (1996) Lime stabilization of clay minerals and soils. Engineering Geology 42(4):223–237, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0013-7952(96)00028-2
BS 1377 (1990) Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes. BS 1377, British Standards Institution, London, UK
Cai GH, Liu SY, Zheng X (2019) Influence of drying-wetting cycles on engineering properties of carbonated silt admixed with reactive MgO. Construction and Building Materials 204:84–93, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.01.125
Chen FH (1988) Foundations on expansive soils, 2nd edition. Elsevier Science Publications, New York, NY, USA
Chen L, Chen X, Wang H, Huang X, Song Y (2021) Mechanical properties and microstructure of lime-treated red clay. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering 25(1):70–77, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-020-0497-0
Cheng Y, Wang S, Li J, Huang X, Li C, Wu J (2018) Engineering and mineralogical properties of stabilized expansive soil compositing lime and natural pozzolans. Construction and Building Materials 187:1031–1038, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.08.061
Çokça E (2002) Use of class C fly ashes for the stabilizationof an expansive soil. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering 127(7):568–573, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)1090-0241(2001)127:7(568)
Consoli NC, Prietto PDM, Lopes LdaS, Winter D (2014) Control factors for the long term compressive strength of lime treated sandy clay soil. Transportation Geotechnics 1(3):129–136, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2014.07.005
Dash SK, Hussain M (2015) Influence of lime on shrinkage behavior of soils. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering 27(12):4015041, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0001301
Demirbaş G (2009) Stabilization of expansive soils using Bigadiç zeolite (boron by-product). MSc Thesis, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
Dhakal SK (2012) Stabilization of very weak subgrade soil with cementitious stabilizers. MSc Thesis, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Dhar S, Hussain M (2019) The strength and microstructural behavior of lime stabilized subgrade soil in road construction. International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering 15(4):1–13, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19386362.2019.1598623
Dwairi I (1987) A chemical study of the palagonitic tuffs of the Aritain area of Jordan, with special reference to nature, origin and industrial potential of the associated zeolite deposits. PhD Thesis, Hull University, Hull, UK
Eades JL, Grim RE (1960) A quick test to determine lime requirements for lime stabilization. Highway Research Board, National Research Council, Washington DC, USA, 61–72
Gupta D, Kumar A (2017) Performance evaluation of cement-stabilized pond ash-rice husk ash-clay mixture as a highway construction material. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering 9(1):159–169, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrmge.2016.05.010
Harichane K, Ghrici M, Gadouri H (2019) Natural pozzolana used as a source of silica for improving the behaviour of lime-stabilised clayey soil. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 12(447), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-019-4635-2
Harichane K, Ghrici M, Kenai S, Grine K (2011) Use of natural pozzolana and lime for stabilization of cohesive soils. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering 29(5):759–769, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-011-9415-z
Hossain KMA, Lachemi M, Easa S (2007) Stabilized soils for construction applications incorporating natural resources of Papua new Guinea. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 51(4):711–731, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2006.12.003
Jayasree PK, Balan K, Peter L, Nisha KK (2015) Volume change behavior of expansive soil stabilized with coir waste. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering 27(6):04014195, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0001153
Jha AK, Sivapullaiah PV (2015) Mechanism of improvement in the strength and volume change behavior of lime stabilized soil. Engineering Geology 198:53–64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2015.08.020
Jha AK, Sivapullaiah PV (2017) Physical and strength development in lime treated gypseous soil with fly ash — Micro-analyses. Applied Clay Science 145:17–27, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2017.05.016
Keramatikerman M, Chegenizadeh A, Nikraz H (2016) Effect of GGBFS and lime binders on the engineering properties of clay. Applied Clay Science 132–133:722–730, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2016.08.029
Khoury HN, Ibrahim KM, Al Dwairi RA, Torrente DG (2015) Wide spread zeolitization of the Neogene-Quaternary volcanic tuff in Jordan. Journal of African Earth Sciences 101:420–429, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2014.09.018
Kua, TA, Arulrajah A, Mohammadinia A, Horpibulsuk S, Mirzababaei M (2017) Stiffness and deformation properties of spent coffee grounds based geopolymers. Construction and Building Materials 138:79–87, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.01.082
Lees G, Abdelkader MO, Hamdani SK (1982) Sodium chloride as an additive in lime-soil stabilization. Highway Engineer 29(2):19–24
Little D (1999) Evaluation of structural properties of lime stabilized soils and aggregates. NationnaL Lime Association, Arlington, VA, USA
Mallela J, Quintus HV, Kelly PE, Smith L, Smith K (2004) Consideration of lime-stabilized layers in mechanistic-empirical pavement design. The National Lime Association Arlington, VA, USA
Maubec N, Deneele D, Ouvrard G (2017) Influence of the clay type on the strength evolution of lime treated material. Applied Clay Science 137:107–114, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2016.11.033
Mertens G, Snellings R, Van Balen K, Bicer-Simsir B, Verlooy P, Elsen J (2009) Pozzolanic reactions of common natural zeolites with lime and parameters affecting their reactivity. Cement and Concrete Research 39(3):233–240, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2008.11.008
Ministry of Public Works and Housing (1991) Specification for highway construction and bridge. Ministry of Public Works and Housing, Amman, Jordan
Mola-Abasi H, Saberian M, Semsani SN, Li J, Khajeh A (2020) Triaxial behaviour of zeolite-cemented sand. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers-Ground Improvement 173(2):82–92, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1680/jgrim.18.00009
Mola-Abasi H, Shooshpasha I (2016) Influence of zeolite and cement additions on mechanical behavior of sandy soil. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering 8(5):746–752, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrmge.2016.01.008
Mousavi SE (2016) Stabilization of compacted clay with cement and/or lime containing peat ash. Road Materials and Pavement Design 18(6):1304–1321, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2016.1212729
Najimi M, Sobhani J, Ahmadi B, Shekarchi M (2012) An experimental study on durability properties of concrete containing zeolite as a highly reactive natural pozzolan. Construction and Building Materials 35:1023–1033, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2012.04.038
National Lime Association (2004) Lime-treated soil construction manual: Lime stabilization and lime modification. Nationnal Lime Association, Arlington, VA, USA
Nawasreh MK, Yasin SM, Zurquiah NA (2015) Mineral status and future opportunity; Zeolitic tuff. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Amman, Jordan
Nelson JD, Miller DJ (1992) Expansive soils: Problems and practice in foundation and pavement engineering. J. Wiley and Sons Inc., New York, NY, USA
Öncü Ş, Bilsel H (2017) Effect of zeolite utilization on volume change and strength properties of expansive soil as landfill barrier. Canadian Geotechnical Journal 54:1320–1330, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2016-0483
Patel S, Shahu JT (2016) Resilient response and permanent strain of steel slag-fly ash-dolime mix. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering 28(10):04016106, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0001619
Phani Kumar BR, Sharma RS (2004) Effect of fly ash on engineering properties of expansive soils. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering 130(7):764–767, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)1090-0241(2004)130:7(764)
Poon CS, Lam L, Kou SC, Lin ZS (1999) A study on the hydration rate of natural zeolite blended cement pastes. Construction and Building Materials 13(8):427–432, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0950-0618(99)00048-3
Prusinski JR, Bhattacharja S (1999) Effectiveness of Portland cement and lime in stabilizing clay soils. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board 1652(1):215–227, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3141/1652-28
Puppala AJ, Griffin JA, Hoyos LR, Chomtid S (2004) Studies on sulfate-resistant cement stabilization methods to address sulfate-induced soil heave. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering 130(4):391–402, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)1090-0241(2004)130:4(391)
Rababah S, Aldeeky H, Qasrawi H, Al Hattamleh O (2020) Performance of subgrade soil stabilised with by-product recycled mill scale and cementitous materials. International Journal of Pavement Engineering, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2020.1766686
Rahman MDA (1986) The potentials of some stabilizers for the use of lateritic soil in construction. Building and Environment 21(1):57–61, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-1323(86)90008-9
Reshidat R (1991) Evaluation of natural phillipsite tuff for agricultural application. MSc Thesis, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
Rogers CD, Boardman DI, Papadimitriou G (2006) Stress path testing of realistically cured lime and lime/cement stabilized clay. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering 18(2):259–266, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)0899-1561(2006)18:2(259)
Salahudeen AB, Eberemu AO, Osinubi KJ (2014) Assessment of cement kiln dust-treated expansive soil for the construction of flexible pavements. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering 32(4):923–931, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-014-9769-0
Saride S, Puppala AJ, Chikyala SR (2013) Swell-shrink and strength behaviors of lime and cement stabilized expansive organic clays. Applied Clay Science 85:39–45, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CLAY.2013.09.008
Sasanian S, Newson TA (2014) Basic parameters governing the behaviour of cement-treated clays. Soils and Foundations 54(2):209–224, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sandf.2014.02.011
Sharo AA, Alhowaidi YA, Al-Tawaha MS (2019) Improving properties of expansive soil using cement, quick lime and cement-lime blend. International Review of Civil Engineering (IRECE) 10(2):94, DOI: https://doi.org/10.15866/irece.v10i2.16064
Sivapullaiah PV, Prashanth JP, Sridharan A (1996) Effect of fly ash on the index properties of black cotton soil. Soils and Foundations 36(1):97–103, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3208/sandf.36.97
Solanki P, Khoury N, Zaman MM (2009) Engineering properties and moisture susceptibility of silty clay stabilized with lime, class C fly ash, and cement kiln dust. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering 21(12):749–757, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0899-1561(2009)21:12(749)
Soltani A, Taheri A, Deng A, and Nikraz H (2020) Tyre rubber and expansive soils: Two hazards, one solution. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers — Construction Materials, 1–17, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1680/jcoma.18.00075
Soltani A, Taheri A, Khatibi M, Estabragh AR (2017) Swelling potential of a stabilized expansive soil: A comparative experimental study. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering 35(4):1717–1744, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-017-0204-1
Stoltz G, Cuisinier O, Masrouri F (2012) Multi-scale analysis of the swelling and shrinkage of a lime-treated expansive clayey soil. Applied Clay Science 61:44–51, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2012.04.001
Tastan EO, Edil TB, Benson CH, Aydilek AH (2011) Stabilization of organic soils with fly ash. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering 137(9):819–833, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000502
Turkoz M, Vural P (2013) The effects of cement and natural zeolite additives on problematic clay soils. Science and Engineering of Composite Materials 20(4), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/secm-2012-0104
TxDOT (2005) Guidelines for modification and stabilization of soils and base for use in pavement structures. Texas Department of Transportation, Austin, TX, USA
Uzal B, Tiuanl L, Yücel H, Göncüoğlu, MC, Çulfaz A (2010) Pozzolanic activity of clinoptilolite: A comparative study with silica fume, fly ash and a non-zeolitic natural pozzolan. Cement and Concrete Research 40(3):398–404, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2009.10.016
Wang D, Zentar R, Abriak NE (2018) Durability and swelling of solidified/stabilized dredged marine soils with class-F fly ash, cement, and lime. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering 30(3): 04018013, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0002187
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Rabab’ah, S.R., Taamneh, M.M., Abdallah, H.M. et al. Effect of Adding Zeolitic Tuff on Geotechnical Properties of Lime-Stabilized Expansive Soil. KSCE J Civ Eng 25, 4596–4609 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-021-1603-7
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-021-1603-7