On the sustainable ground improvement aspects of pyrite bearing clay using lime activated slag

This study investigates the effect of pyrite content on the strength behavior of EngClay, a mixture of 85% kaolin and 15% bentonite, using lime activated slag. In this experiment, pyrite containing EngClay was prepared by mixing it with commercial pyrite powder (FeS2) in various proportions ranging from 0 to 7%. The prepared clay was then treated with a fixed lime content of 10% (which is well above the lime saturation point of all the pyrite containing samples of EngClay) and slag contents of 10 to 25%. Unconfined compressive strength tests were conducted to determine the strength of treated soils after 1 and 3 months of curing. pH and Atterberg limit tests were also conducted to monitor changes in pH and plasticity with curing. Based on this study, it has been found that pyrite containing soil may be effectively treated with slag activated by a lime content higher than the lime saturation point. When treated with such a …