Abstract:
Expansive clays pose a variety of geotechnical problems. Although the admixture stabilization is proven
to address their problematic swelling and shrinkage characteristics, the influence of unsaturated
condition on the engineering performance of these soils needs further research attention. In addition,
highly saline soils with high organic content would further alter their performance. A similar soil stratum
was encountered at the Gulf of Cambay, Bhavnagar district, India. High salinity in the in-situ expansive
soil of basaltic origin and the prevailing unsaturated condition, enforces the engineers to look out for
possible soil treatment methods. In this regard, the present work attempts to analyze the unsaturated
behaviour of this soil when fly ash is used as an admixture. A comparative study for stabilized and
unstabilized mixes is performed in terms of their unconfined compressive strength, electrical
conductivity, swell characteristics and California Bearing Ratio.