STUDY ON EXPANSIVE SOILS MIXED WITH A COHESIVE NON-SWELLING SOIL

Soil is a naturally occurring material that is used for the construction of structures except for the surface layers of pavements. This naturally occurring soil may not suit the design requirements of an ongoing project. So, the soil is to be prepared to meet the requirements called soil stabilization. Stabilization is the process of blending of different soils or mixing of additives (manufactured commercial products) to soil to improve characteristics of the soil such as gradation, strength, durability, workability, plasticity, etc. and thus making it more stable. It is required when the soil available for construction is not suitable for the intended purpose. Mechanical stabilization involves compaction by the interlocking of soil-aggregate particles. The grading of the soil-aggregate mixture must be such that a dense mass is produced when it is compacted stabilization method depends on the type of soil and its properties. The selection of type and determination of the percentage of additive to be used is dependent upon the soil classification and the degree of improvement in soil quality desired. Generally, smaller amounts of additives are required when it is simply desired t