Effect of Lime, Kaolinite and Bentonite treatment on mechanical behaviour of micaceous sand

Abstract

Micaceous sands are known as problematic/undesirable soils for road/railway construction as such soils exhibit rebound action under traffic loading conditions leading to severe damage in subgrades and embankments. In the current research, three commercially available materials (Bentonite, Kaolinite and Lime) have been used independently for treating the micaceous soil to determine the appropriate stabilising agent for the overall enhancement of mechanical behaviour of micaceous soil including compatibility, cyclic stability, stiffness and strength characteristics subjected to various loading and boundary conditions. In the current research, extensive experimental research has been performed on MS treated with Bentonite/Kaolinite/Lime by conducting Compaction, Triaxial (unconsolidated undrained, consolidated undrained and consolidated drained) and cyclic triaxial tests. Bentonite treatment exhibited significant improvement in all the properties of micaceous sand (MS) as compared to Kaolinite and Lime treatment. Bentonite treatment of MS reported a marked reduction in the rebound response of micaceous soil with sustainable cyclic stability. The present research reported Bentonite treatment is the most effective, environmentally friendly and economical treatment for micaceous soil.