Stabilization of Expansive Soils Using Mechanical and Chemical Methods: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The presence of expansive soils on construction sites is problematic in geotechnical engineering. The swell-shrink behaviour makes these soils not suitable to be used in their natural state. The expansive soil damages cause financial loss yearly more than floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes combined. Moreover, the cost of cut to spoil of expansive soils during construction projects has continued to rise because of the high cost of earthworks, haulage, and the increasing scarcity of spoil areas because of the built environment. Nonetheless, a proper stabilization technique can significantly enhance the expansive soil's properties. The research project attempts to review, report the limits and merits of mechanical and chemical methods utilized to stabilize expansive soils in line with their efficiency, environmental concerns, and cost-effectiveness. A review of mechanical and chemical treatment techniques is conducted in this regard. Ultimately, each stabilization method exhibits its merits and limitations. The lack of standards for the treatment of swelling soils is a significant problem in engineering practice. Specialists in the domain of soil treatment must work together to obtain an optimized stabilization approach and protocol. Moreover, engineers should perform a geoenvironmental assessment appropriate for chemical stabilization methods and additives utilized. This research work contributes as a guideline in the selection and application of chemical and mechanical stabilization methods.