Effects of lime stabilization on hydraulic behavior of finnish soft sensitive clays

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