Experimental investigation on properties of gypsum-quicklime-soil grout material in the reparation of earthen site cracks

In this paper, a new type of grout material composed of gypsum, quicklime, soil and admixtures was investigated on its suitability for cracks reparation in earthen sites. A series of experimental investigations such as fluidity, setting time, compressive strength, flexural strength, shrinkage, freeze-thaw stability, XRD, SEM and DSC-TG analysis were conducted. The results indicate that increasing percentage of soil led to increment of fluidity, setting time and shrinkage ratios, instead, notable decrease of compressive strength, flexural strength and weight loss after freeze-thaw cycles were obtained. Amount of 60% soil, 32% gypsum and 8% quicklime might be the optimum mix.