A study of lime-gravel columns method for improving the properties of expansive soils
A study of lime-gravel columns method for improving the properties of expansive soils

Author(s): Norah Nizam, Rami Ousta
Subject(s): Architecture
Published by: INCD URBAN-INCERC
Keywords: lime-gravel; liquid limits; free swell; expansive soil
Summary/Abstract: Facilities built on expansive soils face many difficulties, as these soils may exhibit good behavior in dry seasons and quickly turn into problematic soils when exposed to water, causing cracks and fractures in the constructed structures, which may lead to putting them out of service. This method aims to treat the soil beneath the facility by implementing columns of lime and gravel around the perimeter, so that the lime diffused from these columns into the surrounding soil beneath the foundations ensures long-term modification of the soil and the enhancement of its properties. However, lime columns may lose their resistance over time. Therefore, adding gravel to the column material ensures good long-term resistance to these columns. Through this study, an economical and effective method can be found in treating the problems resulting from expansive soils, when taking into account that lime is a less expensive material, and adding gravel reduces the amount of lime required for treatment in addition this method improves the properties of the soil below the foundations without the need for expensive equipment and machineries such as the injection method.

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