Water content, porosity and cement content as parameters controlling strength of artificially cemented silty soil

Present study aims to assess the strength controlling parameters of a fine grained soil molded at three distinct water contents considering four distinctive cement amounts and three distinguishing dry unit weights to show that the effect of diverse soil structures formed during compaction of fine grained soils at distinct water contents, the porosity of the specimens and the amount of cement inserted on them play a fundamental role in target strength assessment of such materials. The controlling parameters evaluated were water content (ω), cement content (C), porosity (η) and porosity/volumetric cement content ratio (η/Civ). A number of unconfined compression tests were carried out in the present work. The results show that, for each specific water content studied, a linear function fits the unconfined compressive strength (qu)–cement content (C) relationship, the strength (qu) increases exponentially with the reduction in porosity (η) and a power function fits relation strength (qu)–porosity/volumetric cement content ratio (η/Civ) for the studied silt–cement mixtures. Finally, a unique relationship can be achieved linking the unconfined compressive strength (qu) of the studied fine grained soil with molding water content (ω), porosity (η) and volumetric cement content (Civ).

Research Highlights
► Development of first rational dosage methodology for silty soil-cement.
► Molding water content is fundamental for strength of silty soil-cement mixtures.
► Best solution depends on availability of equipment for compaction and water.