Alleviating the Problems of Excessive Soil Compressibility Using a Blend of Lime and Marble Dust

Incorporating blends of some waste materials in soil improvement efforts could alleviate the problems of excessive soil compressibility. This paper presents the results of compressibility parameters of two expansive soils (peat and marine clays) stabilized with a blend of lime and marble dust in various percentages. One dimensional consolidation test was conducted to determine the compression index, recompression index, and coefficient of volume compressibility of the stabilized soils after preliminary tests had been conducted to determine physical and index properties of the soils. The results showed optimal reduction in compression index, recompression index, and coefficient of volume compressibility of 71.3, 67, and 61.4%, respectively at a blend of 6% lime and 8% marble dust for peat clay; while for marine clay, a maximum reduction of 45.5, 65.3, and 76.7%, respectively were obtained at a blend of 4% lime and 6% marble dust. Thus, a percentage blend of 6:8 and 4:6 is recommended for reducing the compressibility of peat clay and marine clay, respectively