Final answer:
Cement stabilization is a construction technique that involves mixing soil with cement to improve its properties.
Factors that affect soil-cement stability include soil characteristics, curing time, cement content, and quality.
Various construction methods can be used, such as on-site mixing or mixing at a central plant.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cement stabilization involves adding cement to the soil and thoroughly mixing the two materials to create a stable and durable mixture. The cement reacts with water to form a chemical bond with the soil particles, resulting in increased strength and stability.
There are several factors that affect the stability of soil-cement mixtures. The first factor is the type and characteristics of the soil.
Different soils have different properties, such as particle size distribution, plasticity, and compaction characteristics, which can influence the effectiveness of cement stabilization.
In general, cohesive soils, such as clays, tend to be more suitable for stabilization than granular soils, such as sands.
Another factor is the curing time, which is the time required for the cement to gain strength. Longer curing times generally result in higher strength and better stability.
The amount of cement and the cement content also play a crucial role. Higher cement content usually leads to better stabilization, but excessive cement can result in shrinkage and cracking. The quality of the cement and the mixing process also affect stability.
As for construction methods, soil-cement can be constructed using various techniques. Mixing can be done by spreading the cement over the soil surface and then mixing them using a disc harrow or rotavator.
Alternatively, the soil and cement can be mixed in a central plant and then transported to the construction site. After the mixing process, the soil-cement mixture is compacted using rollers or other compaction equipment to achieve the desired density and strength.