Abstract
ABSTRACT This research presents a laboratory study on the influence of different compactive efforts, curing and soaking periods at no-delayed and up to 4-hrs compaction delay periods on compaction, strength and swelling characteristics of untreated and 3%, 5% and 8% by dry weight of lime-treated Semeel soil. The results of the tests without and with compaction delay of lime-treated soil show that for both of standard and modified compactive efforts, as the lime content % increases the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) decreases while the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) increases. The decrease in MDD is occurred due to alteration of the material's gradation as a result of the flocculation and agglomeration of the soil particles upon lime addition. Whereas the increase in OMC is mainly referred to the more water required for the hydration of lime and cation exchange. It has been found that as the compaction delay period increases, the strength properties of lime-treated soil decrease for unsoaked and soaked conditions. This loss in strength therefore needs to be considered in design and construction and the durability of the UCS specimens should be assessed by evaluating their resistance to strength loss after 7-days curing followed by 4-days soaking. The swelling characteristics measured on remolded soil samples at no compaction delay show that Semeel soil is classified as highly expansive soil. While, at small lime contents %, as the compaction delay increases, swell percent and swelling pressure values are slightly increased from that at no compaction delay.
