Improvement of the physical and mechanical properties of the gypseous soil by additives

This study examines the possibility of how can improve the gypseous soils located in the gyspsum levels of the Handere Formation exposed in the vicinity of Adana (S. Turkey), one of the largest cities in southern Turkey. The Handere Formation is stratigraphically at the upper most part of the marine sediments of the Tertiary aged Adana Basin. It is located at the northern part of Adana city. The samples were determined and examined in the laboratory of soil mechanics in order to determine the effect of the fly ash on the mechanical and physical properties of the gypseous soil and its ability to improve the soil, It is to note that the percentage of the gypsum is above 50% in the sample of Gypseous soil taken from the field. Atterberg limits,, shear box, and Standard Proctor were applied on the samples . It has been shown that the fly ash used has the potential to improve soil properties and can be used as a soil stabilizer. The plasticity values of the soils were reduced by fly ash addition. Besides, it was determined that the highest maximum dry unit weight and the lowest optimum moisture content were obtained by 20% fly ash addition.