Effect of Sulphates on Physical Properties of...

Effect of Sulphates on Physical Properties of Cement Stabilised Cochin Marine Clays

Author Name : Sindhu A R, Minukrishna P, B. M. Abraham

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56025/IJARESM.2024.1207241070

ABSTRACT Marine clays are known for their weak shear strength and high compressibility. Cement stabilisation is a well established and eco-friendly technique for improving the engineering properties of soils, making it a valuable tool in civil engineering and construction. Despite its effectiveness, the presence of sulphates in these soils can lead to a challenging issue known as sulphate induced heave, which may alter the physical properties of the soil. Different types of sulphates may have different impact on cement stabilised clays and therefore in the present study, an attempt is made to compare the effect of different types of sulphates on the physical properties of cement treated Cochin marine clays. Clay was treated with ordinary Portland cement and five different types of sulphates such as potassium sulphate, magnesium sulphate sodium sulphate, lithium sulphate, and calcium sulphate and were kept for various curing periods of zero days, 1 week, I month, 2 months, 3 months and 4 months. Atterberg limits tests and free swell index tests were carried out on all samples. The liquid limit of marine clay, when treated with cement alone and cement along with sulphates revealed a gradual decrease with an extended curing period. Plastic limit exhibited only marginal variation. Shrinkage and swelling characteristics were also influenced by the addition of sulphates.