IMPROVEMENT OF SANDY SOIL WITH INCLUSION OF LIME (5%, 10% AND 15%): GRANULOMETRIC ANALYSIS, CONSISTENCY LIMITS AND PROCTOR COMPACTION

Abstract

This research evaluated the effect of including hydrated lime at proportions of 5%, 10%, and 15% on the improvement of a sandy soil in the Cajamarca Department of Peru. The study employed an experimental methodology based on laboratory tests according to standardized technical norms: sieve analysis (ASTM D421), determination of consistency limits (Atterberg Limits), and modified Proctor compaction test (ASTM D1557). The results demonstrated that the addition of lime significantly modifies the soil properties, increasing the optimum moisture content for compaction from 12.72% (natural soil) to 13.91%, 15.10%, and 14.25% for the proportions of 5%, 10%, and 15%, respectively, while the maximum dry density showed values of 1.61, 1.60, 1.58, and 1.60 g/cm3 for the same proportions. It is concluded that a 5% lime ratio represents the most efficient alternative, maintaining an adequate dry density (1.60 g/cm3) with a moderate increase in optimum moisture content (13.91%), thus improving the compaction and stability of the sandy soil. These findings provide technical evidence for the use of lime as an economical and sustainable stabilizer in civil engineering projects in areas with sandy soils.