Effects of Lime Stabilization on Hydraulic Behavior of Finnish Soft Sensitive Clays: Towards a Sustainable Geoenvironment

The note presents the results of an experimental research study on the hydraulic behavior of Finnish soft clays treated by quicklime. The effect of a wide range of water contents and of curing time on hydraulic characteristics of the treated soil was studied. 7% of quicklime was identified as the optimum lime amount by means of initial consumption of lime tests and by evaluating the drying capability of different lime amounts. Soil-lime samples were prepared by wet mixing and Standard Proctor compaction. Hydraulic conductivity tests are carried out in flexible wall permeameters both on treated and untreated soil. A general increase in hydraulic conductivity due to the addition of lime is observed (2 order of magnitude at optimum conditions). For the treated specimens, a decrease of two orders of magnitude in permeability values was observed, increasing the water content of the soil. Reduction of permeability due to curing time is within 1 order of magnitude. Lime addition reduced water sensitivity and improves the draining capability of the soil.