Long-Term Strength and Durability of Soil Cement

Abstract

This paper deals with durability characteristics and compressive strength of soil cement after prolonged exposure to saline ground water. The study was confined to three A-2-4 soils. In the analysis of the results the writers emphasize the utilization of compressive strength as a competent indicator of durability in addition to the conventional percent mass loss. It was found that at early ages compacted soil-cement mixtures continue to gain strength despite exposure to saline water up to about 90 days, then the strength deteriorates. The results also show that with time the residual compressive strength converges to a certain value, after which the rate of deterioration becomes very small. This value occurred at about 270 days for the tested soils. On the other hand, unconfined compressive strength samples immersed in the saline ground water for up to 6 months continued to gain strength, although the gain was very slow beyond 28 days.