Investigating the salinity effect on water retention property and microstructure changes along water retention curves for lime-treated soil

Lime treatment is a widely applied technique in improving the workability and geotechnical properties of soil. The water retention property microstructure are highly related to hydro-mechanical behaviour unsaturated lime-treated In this study, evolution pore size distribution (PSD) along curves (during drying) were studied for soil, with emphasis put on curing time salinity effects. Two soil powders different salinities prepared stabilised by 2% lime. chilled-mirror dew-point hygrometer contact filter paper method used measure total matric suctions, respectively. PSD at various contents was obtained using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Results showed that suction increased significantly, while varied slightly during curing. At given time, specimens higher exhibited suctions. difference between (SWRCs) determined from became more significant longer as production cementitious compounds did not contribute SWRC PSD, but contributed increase measured method. changed bi-modal characteristics (w > 14 %) tri-modal pattern ≈ 8 %), finally recovered 3 due shrinkage-related cracking clay fraction. lime inhibited shrinkage, whereas effects drying-induced insignificant.