The behaviour of organic matter in the process of soft soil stabilization using cement

In some projects where cement is used to stabilize soft soil foundations, it is found that the organic matter influences the stabilization effect. As a consequence, extra admixtures are added to accelerate the reactions of cement and improve the stabilization effect. In this study, different kinds of extra admixtures were used with cement to stabilize a soft soil with a high organic content. Direct shear and unconfined compression tests were undertaken and the mechanical indices in different conditions obtained. The total amount and components of the organic matter in every sample were also determined. The results show that the addition of extra admixtures improves the properties of cement-stabilized soils and that different extra admixtures play a different role.