Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims at investigating lime and wheat straw as a chemical approach to improve clayey soils as an alternative to the traditional physical process of soil improvement. Methods/Statistical Analysis: A series of tests were conducted on clayey soils mixed with various percentages of lime and wheat straw. The readings were taken on the daily, weekly and monthly basis. The soil and water sample testing was based on pH, TDS, water hardness, Organic Content (OC) and Electrical conductivity (EC). Findings: The test results suggest that there are significant chemical changes resulting due to the addition of lime and/or wheat straw into the water and soil. An increase in pH, TDS and organic contents and a decrease in the electrical conductivity of soil was noticed both in short-term and long-term effects. The results indicate that by knowing chemical process some of the undesirable chemical changes could be seized to only permit the useful chemical changes in a particular process of the addition of soil stabilizing agents. Moreover, it has been noticed that a single soil stabilizing agent may not be sufficient to improve several engineering properties; therefore, combined soil stabilization techniques might be adopted for a wider range of soil improvement where necessary. Application/Improvements: The outcomes of present study would be of potential applications in the ground improvement field. The outcomes provide useful information about the chemical changes involved in process of ground improvement. 

Keywords: Chemical Analysis, Decomposition, Reinforced Soil, Soil Stabilization