Investigation of geotechnic characteristics of soils on Mighan kavir with aim of soil amendment and stabilization

Mighan Playa or Lake, northeast of Arak, is mainly covered by marl and clay soils which lose their strengths to as low as 50 KN/m2 in rainy periods. Due to reasonable potential of this region for civil, mining and industrial activities, the stabilization of its soils with lime has been studied. The necessary tests were carried on the representative samples of soils to identify basic, index and strength parameters of materials. Then samples of soils mixed with different amount of lime and similar tests were repeated. The present study showed that presence of 7% to 9% of lime considerably reduces plasticity and increases soil strength. On the other hand 1% to 3% of lime increases soil compaction. This study showed that with 5% to 6% of lime, the optimum conditions of geotechnical properties can be achieved.