Estabilização de um solo fino laterítico pelo ácido fosfórico

Abstract

A laboratory research work was performed in order do verify the possibilities of stabilizing a fine lateritic soil with phosphoric acid. A sample of "terra roxa legítima" from Campinas, São Paulo, was studied. This is a lateritic soil resulting from the weathering of a diabase, and presenting 20% of free Fe2 O3; it has 100% passing no. 20 sieve and 74.1% passing no. 200 sieve. The experimental work was carried out mainly through unconfined compression tests in order to observe the influence on strength of the following variables. I- Percentage of phosphoric acid (on a dry soil weight basis); II- Amount of solution used in compacting the soil; III- Curing time; IV- Compaction energy; V- Curing temperature. A few other secondary studies were also performed: a) tensile strength from diameter compression tests; b) unconfined compression tests of soil treated with Portland cement, to compare with a common stabilizing agent. According to the results obtained, the soil that was inadequate to be used in a pavement layer, became strong enough for that purpose when treated with phosphoric acid.