STRENGTH AND DEFORMATION CHARACTERISTICS OF LIME-TREATED SOFT CLAYS

Abstract

the effect of lime on the strength and deformation characteristics of soft Bangkok clay has been investigated by unconfined compression tests, oedometer tests and undrained triaxial tests. The unconfined compression tests revealed that the undrained strength can be increased nearly tenfold by the addition of 5% lime. Under the oedometer test condition the preconsolidation pressure of the lime-treated clays showed a marked increase and the overconsolidation ratio increased, thus improving the compressibility characteristics. The reduction in compressibility was also accompanied by an increase in the coefficient of consolidation. The undrained triaxial tests further confirm the overconsolidated nature of the lime treated clay in the effective stress paths, stress-strain curves and pore pressure characteristics. Both the cohesion and the angle of shearing resistance are also increased in a substantial manner with the addition of lime. These results form an interesting basis to develop the appropriate stress-strain theory for lime-treated clays. (Author/TRRL)