Chemical Treatment of a Sensitive, Cemented Clay (Champlain Clay)

Significant changes in the geotechnical characteristics of a highly sensitive, cemented, marine clay (Champlain clay) were recorded following its treatment with hydrated lime (by mechanical mixing). Increase of the liquid and plastic limit, decrease of the sensitivity, and also increase of the unconfined compression strength were observed. Following the lime treatment, the clay also became nonerodible. The improvement of the geotechnical characteristics are dependent of the lime concentration; however, it seems that a peak is reached for about 3 to 4 percent lime concentration, above which no significant increase can be detected. These improvements are also curing time dependent.