What is the most common stabilizer used to improve subgrade soil properties?

Lime is widely recognized as the most common stabilizer used to enhance the properties of subgrade soils. Its effectiveness in improving soil performance lies in its chemical and physical interactions with the soil particles. When lime is mixed with moisture and soil, a series of chemical reactions occur that result in the formation of cementitious compounds. These compounds help bind soil particles together, increasing the soil's strength and stability.

The use of lime is particularly beneficial for clay soils, which can exhibit poor engineering properties when wet or unfavorably compacted. By adding lime, the plasticity of the clay is reduced, leading to an improvement in workability and load-bearing capacity. This stabilization process ultimately makes the soil less susceptible to deformation and enhances its resistance to moisture-related issues.

While gypsum, cement, and bitumen can also be utilized as stabilizers, they have more targeted applications and may not be as universally effective as lime for subgrade improvement in terms of general soil types. Gypsum primarily helps to improve the structure of saline and sodic soils, cement offers considerable strength but can be more costly, and bitumen is often used for water-proofing and surface stabilization rather than for subgrade soil enhancement.

Thus, lime stands out due to its cost-effectiveness,