An approach for strength development assessment of cement-stabilized soils with various sand and fine contents

Cement stabilization is a well-established ground improvement technique. However, there have been limited investigations aimed at the effect of heterogeneous soil types with varying amounts of coarse-grained (sand) and fine-grained (silt and clay) substances, on the strength enhancement of cement-stabilized soils. In this cement stabilization research study, sand (S) and clayey silt (F) were mixed together to have a variety between coarse- and fine-grained fractions at 100, 75, 50, 25, and 0 % by dry weight, designated as the ratio of S:F=100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100, respectively. The water content was prepared at the range of 1.25–2.50 optimal water content to simulate field applications. The strength enhancement of cement-stabilized soils was influenced by the fine content, water content, and cement content. The soil–water to cement ratio (s-w/c) was effectively incorporate the impact of both water and cement contents on the strength enhancement, for a given a specific fine content. The generalized correlation between unconfined compressive strength, q_u and s-w/c could be represented as a power function: q_u = M/(s-w/c)^N. In this equation, M and N are constants that are primarily influenced by the fine content. The shear strength ratio versus fine content chart was proposed as a means to assess the effect of fine content on the strength of cement-stabilized soil with varying s-w/c. A stepwise approach for assessing the strength enhancement of cement stabilization in soil based on physical characteristics (i.e., plasticity index and fine content) was proposed and validated. The robustness of the proposed approach was realized by the low mean absolute percent error, (MAPE<7.0 %) and high coefficient of determination (R² > 0.95) for measured and predicted strengths comparison. This technique serves as a valuable tool for mix design, specifically in relation to clay mineral and fine content. It supports in making engineering decision regarding the appropriate amount of water and cement needed to achieve strength requirements throughout the requisite curing period, while minimizing the number of repetitions needed.