Improvement of calcareous expansive soils in semi-arid environments

The semi-arid climate and geology of Cyprus have caused the formation of calcareous expansive soils on the island. In some areas, swelling has caused serious foundation problems. The industrial by-product Soma fly ash has been used to improve the engineering properties of the soil. Fly ash treatment has shown tremendous potential as an economical method for the stabilization of the soil. Significant reduction in the swell potential and an increase in the hydraulic conductivity values are obtained. Use of fly ash with a small percentage of lime produces even more dramatic results. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) values substantiate the formation of the new pozzolanic reaction minerals which result in more stable silt-sand like structures.