Microstructure and geotechnical characteristics of a highly plastic clay treated by magnesium chloride

Abstract

Chemical stabilization of soil is an effective improvement technique because it reduces the ability of the soil to swell. We added different proportions of magnesium chloride to an expansive clay and performed swelling, geotechnical characterization, and mechanical strength tests. The results show that the swelling potential and swelling pressure of the expansive soil were significantly decreased by the addition of magnesium chloride (MgCl2). This treatment also improved the physical and mechanical characteristics and microstructure of the soil. The soil's plastic limit, shrinkage limit, cohesion, and internal friction angle all increased linearly with the addition of the MgCl2 stabilizer. However, we observed that the liquid limit of the soil decreased as the level of magnesium chloride was increased.