LIME TREATMENT: EFFECTS ON EROSION RESISTANCE AND AGING OF CLAY FOR DIKES

This research focuses on the behavior of lime-treated clay, using low lime contents ranging from 0.5% to 4%, to determine its impact on erosion resistance and aging. A series of laboratory tests, including index classification, Mini Jet Erosion Tests (Mini-JET), Pulse Erosion Tests (PET), and shrinkage tests, were conducted on clay from the Waalbanddijk Neder-Betuwe dike reinforcement project in Gelderland, The Netherlands. The results show that lime treatment reduces the water content, decreases the Plasticity Index (PI), and improves the workability of the clay. Lime treatment also increases the shrinkage limit, reducing volume changes and resulting cracks. Improvements in erosion resistance and aging were already observed with 0.5% lime addition however, significant enhancements were noted increasing the lime addition to 2%. The findings of this study show that lime treatment can help ensure dikes meet safety standards.