Geotextile-Reinforced Embankments on Soft Clays - Effects of a Foundation Soil Crust Strengthened by Lime Diffusion

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study of the effects of a lime crust in the foundation soil, obtained by lime diffusion, on the performance of nonwoven geotextile-reinforced embankments. The study consists of laboratory model tests to simulate failure mechanisms during the construction and lifetime of embankments. A 1/100-scale model of the embankment was constructed. Lime was spread over the foundation soils to increase the shear strength of the soil through lime diffusion. In the laboratory experiments, vertical and horizontal deformations of the geotextile were recorded. Spreading of lime reduced the water content of the clay in the crust layer. It was observed that crust formation using lime diffusion increased the shear strength of the foundation soil thereby allowing the soil to carry larger loads. The soil was capable of carrying loads up to five times greater than that of the untreated soil. It was found that the shear strength increase is dependent on the quantity of lime added, temperature, and curing time.