Étude expérimentale sur la formulation des sols-ciment en contexte québécois

Abstract

This research project focuses on the study of the soil-cement technology applied to the Quebec road environment. This is motivated by the lack of knowledge of the technology and the previous recommendations to explore an in situ approach, the French plate bearing test (NF P 94-117-1). To do this, a revision of the literature is carried out in order to associate the needs of typical Québécois design with design methods at the international level, influence factors and experimental means. The experimentation was carried out as part of an industrial partnership on a soil combined with 67% sand and silt, as well as 33% crushed lime stone. The results reaffirm the significant influence of treatment on the improvement of the physical properties of the receiving soil. The great heterogeneity of the on-site treatment was found by the in situ observations. The study in the laboratory and the literature report the importance of mineralogy, the chemical properties of the soil and its granular proportions. The water content and the cement dosage are both parameters with major influences on the determination of optimal dosage. It was noted that the dosage and compaction around the Proctor Optimum achieves the best performance in compression resistance, CBR and alterations by freeze-thaw and drying-wetting cycles. The mixture offering these best performances is equivalent to a dosage composed of 7% cement for 12.7% water. Test methods following ASTM D559 and D560 for drying-wetting and freezing-thawing are not recommended for solely conclude on the durability of the treatment. In addition, the French plate bearing test (NF P 94-117-1) is recommended to the detriment of the American plate bearing test (ASTM D1195 and D1196) for its rapidity of execution. Treatment with hydraulic binders is recommended for the Quebec context as an alternative to rehabilitate the soils in place in order to improve the mechanical performance and reduce the costs of relocating materials. Finally, the need for a study of optimal dosage and in situ reference tests are strongly recommended.

Date	26 Oct 2018
Original language	French
Awarding Institution	École de technologie supérieure
Supervisor	Gabriel J. Assaf (Supervisor)