Microstructural Properties of Inorganic Additives Amended Montmorillonite Soil

Expansive soils are the type of soils with large swelling capacity and exhibits high volume change behavior when it comes in contact with water. These soils pose a great threat to the construction industry. Hence these soils are stabilized to counter the problem of swelling. This study focuses on the stabilization mechanism involved when inorganic additives like Lime, Magnesium Hydroxide and Calcium Chloride are added to the soil. The changes in the swelling properties are quantified through laboratory testing for Free swell index, Shrinkage limit and Swelling potential of the soil. The microstructural alterations are observed through X-ray diffraction studies and SEM micrographs. The addition of inorganic additives showed reduction in swelling potential of the soil. However, the lime addition proves to be most beneficial when compared to the other additives.