Testing stabilization of high-plasticity clays used in sloping terrain by adding sodium silicate

Abstract

High-plasticity clays can be stabilized by the addition of a small percentage of sodium silicate. Sixteen mixtures of 4000 g with different concentrations of sodium silicate at difference percentage were designed, to which were carried out physical, mechanical and chemical characterization tests that allowed to analyze the behavior at intervals of time. Physical, mechanical and chemical properties of the soil were evaluated. Using stabilization with sodium silicate in high plasticity clays, changes in the physical, mechanical, and chemical parameters of the soil were achieved. Having satisfactory results with 3% saturation, optimal concentration, at time intervals of 2 days and 1 month; Then as time passes the soil tries to return to its initial properties, which establishes that the concentration of the Silicate and its effect on the physical and mechanical properties of the soil should be checked over a longer time interval. Studying the physical, mechanical, and chemical parameters of high plasticity clays by adding multiples mixtures of sodium silicate contributes to the understanding of the soil behavior on the pressure condition.