Abstract: An indoor test of improving silt in Taizhou by using lime and sodium silicate was carried out, and the improvement effects of different mix proportions of lime and sodium silicate were studied: 1% lime and 3% sodium silicate, 3% lime and 1% sodium silicate, 3% of lime and 3% sodium silicate, respectively. Results revealed that, 1) lime and sodium silicate could effectively improve silt’s properties, with obvious increase of CBR value in comparison with plain soil; 2) the CBR value and unconfined compressive strength of improved soil obviously increased with the increase of curing age and compaction degree; 3) 1% lime and 3% sodium silicate could achieve the best improvement effect, while 1% lime and 3% sodium silicate could rapidly improve the early strength of soil. The test results can be taken as reference for determining the blending proportions of lime and sodium silicate according to needed strength.

Key words: improvement test of silt, lime, sodium silicate, CBR value, unconfined compressive strength, curing age, degree of compaction