Adequacy of cement and lime stabilized marine clay as a replacement for laterite

Abstract

This paper sought to explore the possibility of getting good pavement material from marine clay stabilized with cement and lime. Various tests and analyses were carried out to examine the effects of cement and lime on clay soil. These tests were repeated at intervals. Firstly, by carrying out the tests on the natural disturbed soil, then at intervals, with the addition of the admixture (cement and lime) at 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, and 4.0%. With an increase of admixtures; the plasticity index decreased, linear shrinkage decreased, and there was a decrease in volume change. Similarly, there was an increase in the MDD and a corresponding decrease in the OMC. The CBR values increased, and there was an increase in the UCS values. The results obtained showed significant improvement in the natural soil. Though cement-lime stabilization of marine clay may not always be an economical option compared to lateritic soil, a strong case can be made for its economic viability considering haulage distance of the next best alternative and the type of soil which is commonly available at the construction site. This alternative also satisfies the concern of the adverse environmental concern raised by the uncontrolled excavation of lateritic soil.