Swelling and permeability characteristics of New Mexico clays modified with various recycled materials

An experimental investigation was conducted to examine the swell potential and permeablity of two expansive New Mexico clays stabilized with recycled materials. The recycled materials examined are Class C fly ash, shredded recycled tires, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) strips from post-consumer milk jugs. One-dimensional free swell, unconfined compressive strength, Standard Proctor compaction, and hydraulic conductivity tests were conducted on both unmodified and modified samples. The results of these tests were analyzed for the effectiveness of reinforcement on free swell, compressive strength, density and saturated moisture content of the two expansive New Mexico clays. Results indicate that soils modified by the aforementioned recycled materials exhibit a decline in one-dimensional free swell, density, compressive strength and saturated moisture content and an increase in hydraulic conductivity.