Influence of some factors on the mechanical properties of cement-treated clay for shallow mixing in Vietnam: A comparative study

Abstract

The compressive strength of cement-treated soil is known as the most crucial factor, which governs the quality of cement-treated soils. Indeed, many factors affect the compressive strength of cement-treated soils, including cement types and contents, water/cement ratio, soil types, as well as curing conditions, etc. In which, curing conditions, cement types, and soil types are the most important factors that govern the compressive and durability of cement-treated clay. Three cement types and two types of clay were used to prepare the specimens of cement-treated clay with three cement dosages (100, 150, and 200 kg/m3 of soil). The specimens of cement-treated clay were cured under two conditions (sealed and drying). The results showed that drying conditions significantly increased the unconfined compressive strength of cement-treated soils regardless of cement types, cement contents, soil types, and ages as compared to those under sealed conditions. The unconfined compressive strength of specimens under drying conditions was approximately 1.3–2.5 times higher than that under sealed conditions. Cement type significantly affected the performance (compressive strength and elastic modulus) of cement-treated clay regardless of cement content. The cement-treated clay specimens under sealed conditions showed a ductile failure mode while those under drying conditions exhibited a brittle failure mode. Finally, soil type significantly influenced the compressive strength and elastic modulus of cement-treated clay regardless of cement content and curing condition.

Keywords

• Cement-treated clay
• Soil type
• Cement type
• Unconfined compressive strength
• Elastic modulus
• Curing condition