The 'cement stabilisation' of sub-base material for roads (IS 4332 Part 4) improves:
Choose the correct answer
Reducing bearing capacity of soil
Increases UCS, reduces plasticity and swell, improves stiffness — through C-S-H cementation of soil particles
Making soil more plastic and compressible
Only useful for clay soils above 50% fines
Correct Answer
B. Increases UCS, reduces plasticity and swell, improves stiffness — through C-S-H cementation of soil particles
Why is this the answer?
Cement stabilisation: 3–8% cement mixed with soil. Benefits: (1) Increases UCS (IS 4332: 7-day soaked UCS 1.7–3.5 MPa for sub-base); (2) Reduces plasticity; (3) Reduces swell; (4) Increases stiffness (CBR). C-S-H gel forms between cement and soil particles. Best for: sands, sandy clays, silts. Poorly suited for: organic soils, high sulphate soils (ettringite forms). IRC:50 covers cement-treated sub-base (CTB).
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