Effect of different proportion of cement mix with dredged river sand

on the stability of embankments

S. Islam 1, H.M. Shahin2

1,2 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, IUT, Gazipur, Bangladesh (samiul8@iut-dhaka.edu)

Abstract

This study examines the stability of slopes using cement sand mix in different proportions (3%, %5 and 7%) on
the basis of limit equilibrium analysis to optimize the embankment width and extent of land acquisition in
constrained areas. Unconfined Compression Test to determine undrained cohesion value, C has been carried out
for different ratios of cement mixes using dredged sand from Meghna River for the study purpose. The
compressive strength of the cement treated soils was determined for a curing period of the cement equal to 3, 7
and 28 days. It was obvious that the soil type is a controlling factor on the rate of increase of compressive
strength with increasing cement content. Other factors affecting strength are the curing time of cement and the
optimum water content. Permeability of the cement treated soil is also a major consideration to be taken into
account to mitigate issues related to development of pore pressure within the embankment. Cement – sand mix
can be considered as a cost-effective solution for embankment stability in the context of Bangladesh as the
construction can be done using locally available material and the construction technology is also simple.

Keywords: Slope Stability, Ground treatment, Limit Equilibrium Analysis, Cement – Soil mix, Geotechnical
Engineering.