Effects of Poly Vinyl Acetate on Characteristics of Expansive Soil

Soil stabilization using polymer materials has become of great potential in recent years. In this regard, an attempt is made to investigate and understand the influence of Poly Vinyl Acetate (PVA) on the engineering properties of expansive soil. A series of treated soil specimens were prepared and tested at four different percentages of PVA (0%, 1.5%, 3.75%, and 5% by weight of dry soil). These treated specimens were subjected to laboratory testing for measuring Atterberg's limits, free swell, compaction characteristics, and unconfined compression strength properties. It was found that PVA had significant influence on the properties of treated soil. An increase in PVA content resulted in an increment of unconfined compressive strength of the soil. Addition of 3.75% of PVA increased the unconfined compressive strength value almost 6 times the value of the virgin soil. On the other hand, an increase in PVA content led to a reduction of free swell and plasticity index. The soil plasticity and free swell indices values were reduced from 62% to 0% and from 190% to 50% respectively by addition of 5% PVA. It can be concluded that an increasing trend for soil strength and decreasing in swelling with addition of PVA, suggesting its potential applications in stabilization of expansive soils

Laboratory Study of Steel Slag Used in Stabilizing Expansive Soil

This paper presents an experimental study in stabilization of expansive soil using Steel Slag (SS). Experimental program was conducted to evaluate the influence of Steel Slag on improving the engineering properties of expansive clay. A series of tests to measure consistency limits, free swell index, compaction parameters and unconfined compressive strength of natural and stabilized soils. The effectiveness of adding 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 percentages of SS to the soil was studied. Comparing the results obtained for the natural and stabilized soils revealed that SS has significant effect on strength parameters and considerable improvement in plasticity and swelling properties. Addition of SS to the soil increased the dry density and decreased the optimum moisture content as well as increased the unconfined compressive strength. It is concluded that the use of steel slag to enhance properties of expansive soil is successful and beneficial