Enhancement of Marine Soil Strength through Lime Treatment

N Benny John; Basil Thomas

doi:https://doi.org/10.47001/JAIET/2026.301005

Authors

N Benny John

Department of Civil Engineering, Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering, Kollam, Kerala, India

Basil Thomas

Department of Civil Engineering, Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering, Kollam, Kerala, India

Abstract

Marine soils are generally characterized by high compressibility, low shear strength, excessive moisture content, and poor load-bearing capacity, which pose significant challenges for coastal infrastructure development. This study investigates the enhancement of marine soil strength through lime treatment as an effective and economical ground improvement technique. The research evaluates the influence of varying lime contents on the geotechnical properties of marine soil through comprehensive laboratory testing, including Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests. The addition of lime induces physicochemical reactions such as cation exchange, flocculation–agglomeration, and pozzolanic activity, leading to reduced plasticity and improved particle bonding. Experimental results demonstrate a significant increase in shear strength and bearing capacity with increasing lime content up to an optimum percentage, beyond which marginal improvement is observed. Furthermore, lime treatment enhances soil workability, reduces swelling potential, and improves durability under varying environmental conditions. The findings confirm that lime stabilization is a sustainable and cost-effective method for strengthening marine soils, making them suitable for foundations, embankments, and pavement subgrades in coastal regions. This study contributes to the understanding of lime–soil interaction mechanisms and provides practical insights for geotechnical engineers engaged in marine and coastal construction projects.

Keywords

Marine soil; Lime stabilization; Soil strength enhancement; Unconfined compressive strength (UCS); California Bearing Ratio (CBR)

Citation of this Article

N Benny John, & Basil Thomas. (2026). Enhancement of Marine Soil Strength through Lime Treatment. Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies (JAIET). 3(1), 29-34. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.47001/JAIET/2026.301005

References

Bell, F.G. (1996). Lime stabilization of clay minerals and soils. Engineering Geology, 42(4), 223–237.
Sherwood, P.T. (1993). Soil stabilization with cement and lime. Transport Research Laboratory, HMSO, London.
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[1] Bell, F.G. (1996). Lime stabilization of clay minerals and soils. Engineering Geology, 42(4), 223–237.

[2] Sherwood, P.T. (1993). Soil stabilization with cement and lime. Transport Research Laboratory, HMSO, London.

[3] Little, D.N. (1995). Handbook for Stabilization of Pavement Subgrades and Base Courses with Lime. National Lime Association, USA.

[4] Ingles, O.G., & Metcalf, J.B. (1972). Soil Stabilization: Principles and Practice. Butterworths, Sydney.

[5] IRC:37-2018. Guidelines for the Design of Flexible Pavements. Indian Roads Congress, New Delhi.

[6] ASTM D698. (2012). Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA.

[7] ASTM D1883. (2016). Standard Test Method for California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of Laboratory-Compacted Soils. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA.

[8] Eades, J.L., & Grim, R.E. (1966). A quick test to determine lime requirements for lime stabilization. Highway Research Record, 139, 61–72.

[9] Locat, J., & Bérubé, M.A. (1988). Physical and chemical effects of lime stabilization on clay soils. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 25(4), 799–810.

[10] National Lime Association. (2004). Lime-Treated Soil Construction Manual: Lime Stabilization & Lime Modification. National Lime Association, Arlington, VA.