Lime leachability studies on stabilized expansive semi-arid soil

Abstract

The present study is aimed at examining the role of lime and the nature of leaching solution on the lime leaching characteristics of an expansive soil originating from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Lime leachability studies were carried out in specially fabricated molds subjected to continuous leaching conditions. The specimens were compacted directly into specially fabricated perspex molds and cured for 7, 14 and 28 days under constant humidity conditions. In order to study the rate at which the calcium ions leach out from the lime treated clay matrix, water (leaching solution) was allowed to flow through the compacted specimen continuously for seven days and the resultant calcium concentration in the leachate was determined. The effects of various parameters like lime content, curing period and the pH of leaching solution on the lime leachability values has been studied. It is observed that, at a given lime content, the calcium concentration in the leachate reduces with curing period. Relatively higher amounts of lime leached under acidic conditions and the flow period does not affect the lime leaching patterns.