Experimental Investigation on Effect of metakaolin on Strength of Sandy Soils

Abstract Geotechnical engineers face a great deal of difficulty while developing a structure’s foundation weak soil layers. As a result, scientists turn to adding chemical or pozzolanic additives to weak sandy soil in order to improve its characteristics. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of adding metakaolin as pozzolanic materials to loose poorly graded sandy soils to improve their strength and stiffness. In order to accomplish this aim, a series of laboratory experiments were carried out as part of experimental work to ascertain the qualities of the soil. Four different replacement percentages of the metakaolin (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) by the weight of the treated soil were used, along with three different curing durations (1, 3 and 7) days. With the addition of 10% of Metakaolin the strength of stabilized sample increase by (7.5%) and with the addition of 15% of Metakaolin the stiffness of stabilized sample increase by (77%). Therefore, 10% metakaolin content for optimum strength and 15% for optimum stiffness, according to the results. and the optimum duration for curing is three days.