G. RADHAKRISHNAN, M. ANJAN KUMAR AND G.V.R. PRASADA RAJU
Abstract
The swell shrink behavior of expansive soils is creating a major challenge to the Geotechnical engineers and is posing a problem to many National Highways constructed on these soils. The swelling pressures developed on the pavement system laid on these soils will severely damage the pavement performance. Among various controlling techniques chemical stabilization of expansive soils has gained prominence due to its easy applicability and adaptability. A laboratory testing is carried out to investigate the effect of chloride compound chemicals on the swelling and strength characteristics of expansive soil. The swelling properties of the collected sample are determined based on the Free Swell Index, Swell Potential and Swell Pressure tests. Test results have shown that the collected sample fell under the category of high swelling. In this present study Chloride Compound Chemicals like Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl), Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2), and Aluminum Chloride (AlCl3) were selected to use for reducing the swelling potential of the expansive soil. The testing results indicate that the swelling pressure is reduced considerably with the increase in addition of chemicals and remained constant after reaching certain chemical concentration. This paper discusses the results of the laboratory testing.