Abstract

This research examines wheter the Intermediate plasticity-graded gravel soils (GM-GC) treated with cement are suitable for the construction of the road base and sub-base layers.According to IS 2720 Part: IV-1985,depending upon the sizes the IP gravel soils are seperated into categories of various gradations  i.e., G25-75 and G25-75, G50-50 and  G50-50*, G35-65 and G35-65*, respectively are to be investigated how gradation affects their durability and strength. The CBR and the UCS  tests were used to determine the improved strength values of every  grade when admixture of cement was increased through the use of a curing method that has partial effect (three days in wet gunny bags and four days in water). Wet and dry tests on mixtures of Intermediate plasticity cementitious graded gravel have been done in order to evaluate the durability of the mixture. IP gravel soils with a G50-50 gradation and a maximum addition of 5% cement by way of partial curing improve compaction characteristics and strength, according to CBR and UCS test results, which are more than adequate in accordance with standards; Consequently, it is recommended for road construction’s base and sub-base layers. In a wetting and drying experiment, the IP gravel soils with gradation G50-50 lost 6.4 to 2.5 per cent of their weights with 0 to 10% cement addition, which is below the IRC’s permitted limit of 14%:SP-89(Part-II)-2018. The IP-graded gravel mixes (IPGG) had a higher Si/Ca ratio thanthe IP graded gravel mixtures, as determined by SEM and EDS. As a result, cement-treated IPgraded gravel soils’ strength and durability are directly impacted by the gravel level, plasticity, and curing process. With lower costs, CT-IPGG improves compaction, strength, and durability.

Keywords: Durability, Gradation, Cementitious, Wetting, drying, Partial Curing, Intermediate Plasticity(IP), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy(EDS), CBR-California Bearing Ratio, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)