Mechanical properties and behaviour of a partially saturated lime-treated, high plasticity clay

This paper investigates the effect of suction and lime treatment on the volumetric and shear behaviour of a partially saturated high plasticity clay (London Clay). A series of triaxial tests were performed on statically compacted London Clay and lime-treated London Clay specimens. These were prepared at the same target void ratio and tested under partially saturated conditions. The tests concerned isotropic compression and two different types of shearing tests (a) shearing at constant suction and (b) shearing at constant water content, using the axis translation technique. Based on the results, the effects of suction and lime-induced bonding are evaluated and quantified within an elastoplastic partially saturated soil framework.