Engineering Behaviour of Expansive Clay Modified with Lime, Cement, and Fly Ash for Geotechnical Applications

Abstract

Abstract

Soils exhibiting high swelling and shrinkage characteristics present a persistent challenge in geotechnical engineering, particularly in regions dominated by clay-rich deposits. These materials undergo significant volumetric changes due to moisture fluctuations, often resulting in structural distress, pavement failure, and increased maintenance demands. The present study investigates the modification of expansive soil behavior through the application of chemical stabilization techniques using lime, cement, and fly ash. A structured experimental program was carried out to evaluate the influence of stabilizer dosage on consistency limits, compaction parameters, compressive strength, and bearing capacity.The experimental observations reveal that lime treatment substantially reduces plasticity and controls swelling through physicochemical interactions, while cement enhances strength development through rapid hydration processes. Fly ash contributes moderate improvement and demonstrates considerable potential as a sustainable stabilizing agent when used independently or in blended systems. The study also incorporates environmental and economic considerations to assess the practicality of each method. The findings provide a comprehensive framework for selecting suitable stabilization approaches for infrastructure development on problematic soils, emphasizing both performance efficiency and sustainability.