ABSTRACT

Shear strength plays a prominent role in construction activities. It is important in

dealing the problems related to geotechnical engineering such as bearing capacity of
foundations, slope stability and lateral pressure on retaining soil, etc. In this study, the
performance of pH with respect to shear strength of different soils has been studied. A
series of direct shear tests were conducted on the soil samples. Lime is used as a
stabilizing agent to increase the pH of soil. The quantity of Lime added to the soil is
recorded in percentages along with their corresponding pH values. Shear test is
carried out by selecting the percentage of Lime at which pH has been increased. For
Sandy soils, Red (Laterite) soils and Mixed Colour soil, pH increased with the
addition 5% of Lime, whereas for Black soils, pH increased at 20% of Lime. The
samples were tested and identified for its properties using the laboratory tests namely,
Plastic Limit, Liquid Limit, Sieve Analysis, Shear Test, pH before and after the
addition of lime.