A frost-susceptible soil (red marl) was treated with various amounts of lime (calcium hydroxide) and cured for up to 24 weeks at different temperatures. Frost resistance of the cylindrical specimens was determined by measuring the frost heave in a controlled freezing environment. Soil-lime specimens with 2 wt% lime were more susceptible to frost action than soil alone -- regardless of curing time and curing temperature. However, cured specimens with relatively high limecontents (greater than 2 wt%) showed significant improvement in frost resistance. From previous studies by the authors, it was found that cementitious gel forms and develops in these specimens during curing -- increasing the degree of interparticle bonding and producing greater strength. It is suggested that this restricts ice segregation and prevents heave and that frost resistance is dependent on the extent of the formation and growth of the cementitious gel within the cured soil-lime composites.
Abstract