Influence of chemical admixtures on geotechnical properties of expansive soil

Abstract

The present study is to elucidate and efficacy of Ultra-fine slag and Calcium Chloride in improving the Engineering characteristics of expansive soil. An experimental program has evaluated the effects of Ultra-fine slag 3%, 6%, 9% and CaCl20.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%, Free swell index, swelling potential, swell pressure, plasticity, compaction, strength, hydraulic conductivity, Cation Exchange Capacity and microstructural XRD, SEM tests of expansive soil. Both admixtures were added independently and blended to the expansive soil. Mixing of Ultra-fine slag, CaCl2and expansive soil results have shown that plasticity index, hydraulic conductivity, swelling properties of blends decreased and dry unit weight and unconfined compressive strength is increased in combination of soil +6% of Ultra-fine slag + 1% CaCl2. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the samples is again found to decrease slightly beyond 6% Ultra-fine slag and 1% CaCl2. It was found that the optimum quantity of material for a favorable combination of soil +6% of Ultra-fine slag + 1% CaCl2was taken for further study in view of its economy due to lower CaCl2content.