DefinePK

Abstract

Different kinds of engineering problems could be occurred as a result of constructing foundations over cohesive soils. The majority of these problems are concerning the soils' volumetric changes that may lead the structure to be partially or totally failed; and accordingly, the idea of this research was shined in order to select a suitable global method to improve the properties of these soils in Jordan, and consequently to minimize their bad effects on structures that were erected on them. The methodology of this research was divided into two stages. The first of these was reviewing for the available literature related to the most applicable global methods in stabilizing fine grained soils; whereas, the second stage was focused on carrying out several laboratory tests to measure the influence of mixing different ratios of Portland cement material with fine grained soil (obtained from an excavated site in the Capital Amman) on the engineering characteristics of the original soil; and then to recommend the best mix ratio to be adopted in stabilizing fine grained soils in Jordan. Out of the conducted laboratory tests (Atterberg limits, permeability, and unconfined compression) the results of these tests showed that the plasticity indices had been decreased with increasing the percentages of mixing Portland cement and then a decrease trend in the soils' degree of expansiveness is expected to be occurred. Increasing of cement percentages had also showed a decrease in the coefficient of permeability of the soil. Moreover, a significant increase in the values of unconfined compressive strength were noticed as a result of mixing more cement ratios. Considering the results of this research, it was concluded that mixing about 5% of Portland cement with a cohesive soil had a pronounced enhancement on the engineering characteristics of the fine grained soil after being mixed, and therefore could improve its overall engineering behavior.