Effects of Fine Content and Cement Content on Unconfined Compressive Strength of Lateritic Soil-Cement

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fine contents and cement contents on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the lateritic soil-cement mixtures. The sub-standard lateritic soil used in the study was collected from a local borrow pit site, Doi Saket, Chiangmai, Thailand. A series of the fine contents of 0, 20, 30, and 40% of a dry mass and the cement contents of 0, 4, 6, and 8% of a dry soil mass were targeted. For the sample preparation, lateritic soil-cement test samples were fabricated based on the modified proctor compaction test results (at optimum moisture contents and 100% maximum dry unit weight) and curing periods of 7, 14, and 28 days. The UCS tests were carried out following the Department of Highway (DOH) standard. The results revealed that at the fine content of 20%, the trend of UCS against fine contents separates into two characteristics. Firstly, the UCS of 4% cement content samples increases when the fine content increased up to 20% and gradually decreases beyond that. Secondly, the UCS of 6% and 8% cement content samples dramatically decrease with an increase in the fine contents from 0 to 20% and then, a gradually decreases. Furthermore, UCS will increase significantly relating to the cement content and curing period especially at 0% fine content.