Geotechnical enhancement of expansive soils through zeolitic tuff and cement treatments

Abstract. The low strength and tendency to swell of expansive soil present a substantial engineering challenge. The cracks and other forms of distress in structures and roads that frequently occur as a consequence of the expansive soil's swelling potential result in substantial financial losses. The main objective of this research is to conduct experimental tests to assess the possibility of improving the characteristics of expansive soil by using different additions. The study utilized various ratios of Zeolitic tuff, namely 10, 20, 25, and 30 percent, in combination with cement of at 2, 4, and 6 percent. The test results clearly indicate that incorporating Natural Zeolite as an additive yielded beneficial effects on various geotechnical properties. Specifically, the addition of Natural Zeolite resulted in improvements such as reduced plasticity, minimized linear shrinkage, and decreased swell potential of the soil. Moreover, it contributed to an increase in the maximum dry unit weight, enhancing the soil's overall stability and strength. The results were verified through microstructural examination employing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).