Cyclic swell-shrink behavior of lime column stabilized expansive soil

The cyclic swell shrink behaviour of expansive soils due to alterations in moisture content causes extensive distress to structures found on them. The volume change behaviour of the lime column stabilized expansive soil, under repeated wetting and drying is studied in the present investigation. The tests are carried out in modified oedometer cells at controlled temperature of 40 ± 5°C for faster drying. Diameter ratio of soil to lime column was varied and different techniques were adopted to improve the rate of diffusion. Microstructure observations were made through Scanning Electron Microscope studies. The equilibrium magnitude of swell-shrink is reached after about six to seven cycles. The lime column takes at least two cycles to get diffused into the surrounding soil to curtail the swelling. The subsequent shrinkage induced cracks enabled faster diffusion into the soil. © 2010 Taylor & Francis Group, London.