Citation:
Abstract:
The sabkha soils of the Aïn M’lila region present major geotechnical challenges, including high salinity, significant gypsum and soluble salt contents, and low mechanical strength. To improve their geotechnical performance, this study evaluated the effectiveness of cement–lime stabilization at various mixing ratios. Mechanical tests, including compressibility, California bearing ratio (CBR), and unconfined compressive strength (UCS), were conducted to identify the optimal dosage. The 6/4% cement–lime mixture exhibited the best performance, showing a significant increase in bearing capacity and soil cohesion. Based on these results, an X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was carried out exclusively on this optimal mixture to examine the associated mineralogical transformations. The XRD results revealed a pronounced structural reorganization characterized by the formation of secondary carbonates and pozzolanic products (C-S-H and C-A-H), which contributed to matrix densification and improved mechanical resistance. Despite the persistence of certain evaporitic phases such as gypsum and halite, the 6/4% cement–lime mixture proved to be the most effective, confirming the suitability of this approach for the sustainable stabilization of sabkha soils.