Impact of Temperature on the Unconfined Compressive Strength of Lime-Stabilized Aeolian Sands

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Engineering Geology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Aeolian sands are widely distributed in the Khuzestan Plain and serve as a common borrow material. Lime (CaO) has long been used to improve soil engineering properties. Given the high temperatures in this region, it is essential to assess the impact of temperature on the unconfined compressive strength (qu) of lime-stabilized aeolian sand. In this study, aeolian sand samples were collected and mixed with 5%, 7%, and 9% lime by weight. The samples were cured for 7, 14, and 21 days and then tested at temperatures of 20°C, 30°C, 50°C, and 70°C. According to the Unified Soil Classification System, the tested sand is poorly graded (SP) with an optimum moisture content of 13.18% and a maximum dry density of 1.688 g/cm³. The results showed that qu increases with curing time and lime content but decreases with higher test temperatures. SEM images revealed that lime particles fill voids and bond sand grains, enhancing strength. However, as temperature increased from 20°C to 70°C, samples with 5%, 7%, and 9% lime (cured for 21 days) showed qu reductions of 56%, 48%, and 52%, respectively. Since the samples were tested in dry conditions, this decline is attributed to differences in the thermal expansion of quartz and lime, as well as the increased kinetic energy and fluid volume. An empirical model was proposed to estimate qu under varying conditions.

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Article Title [Persian]

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  • Receive Date: 09 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 07 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 20 April 2025

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