Laboratory study on stabilization of kaolinite clay with cement and cement kiln dust

Considering the geotechnical problems caused by low strength clayey soils is important in construction projects. Chemical stabilization with additives such as cement is a common method to improve the engineering properties of clay soils. In spite of the acceptable effects of cement on strength of soils, the cost of this additive and its destructive effects on the environment should be of concern. This has led the researchers to use by-products and waste materials. Cement Kiln Dust (CKD) is a powdery by-product of the Portland cement manufacturing process. In this paper, the geotechnical parameters of cement and cement kiln dust stabilized kaolinite clay are compared. For this purpose, Atterberg limits, standard proctor, unconfined compressive strength, and California bearing ratio tests were conducted on specimens containing 5, 10 and 15% cement and CKD (by dry weight of the soil). The results show that the cement and cement kiln dust increase the soil strength. It was seen that the unconfined compressive strength of the specimen with 15% CKD is equal to the specimen with 10% cement after 28 days of curing. It is evident from the scanning electron microscopy analysis of specimens containing cement and CKD that calcium silicate and aluminate hydration products reduce the volume of the void spaces and join the soil particles, leading the strength to increase.