Test Embankments on Lime/Cement Stabilized Clay

In a large expansion of the infrastructure in Western Sweden a divided highway and a double railroad track for high speed trains are being planned in the Eastern part of the Göta river valley. Lime/cement columns were considered an attractive method for foundation in many of the cases. In order to improve the accuracy of the settlement calculations, which was considered crucial in the project, four test embankments were constructed. The results from these test embankments are reported in this paper. The embankments, which were constructed in two lifts, about a year and a half apart, were monitored in terms of settlement at the surface as well as at different depths. Measurements were taken in the columns as well as in the clay in between the columns and also below the stabilized soil. A number of piezometers were installed and also a couple of inclinometers. In the paper the overall behaviour of the stabilized soil is analysed and comparison with generally accepted assumptions is made. The results comprise an important base for another paper where a new approach to settlement calculations for lime/cement stabilized soil