Lime injection technique to improve the behaviour of soft marine clays

Soft marine clay deposits pose several foundation problems and such weak clay deposits have been found both along seacoasts and in offshore areas spread over many parts of the world. We suggest using some chemical injection techniques to improve the engineering behaviour of soft underwater marine clays. A test programme was carried out by injecting lime into a soft marine clay in a test tank. The penetration of lime into the soil was established by taking a number of pH measurements and calcium oxide estimation from samples taken at various radial distances. The improvement in the plasticity characteristics of the soil has been verified by indices tests. Test results indicated the improvement in the strength and reduction in the compressibility of the soil with time. The beneficial changes that occurred in the soil have been attributed to the formation of cementation compounds and these compounds have been identified by using X-ray Diffraction Technique (XRD). The test results show good promise for the use of lime grouting in the treatment of weak marine clayey deposits. © 1994.