Integrating Engineering Properties and Microstructural Behaviour in Lime-Stabilised Soils: A Review

Authors

• Roslizayati Razali, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Johor, Malaysia
• Diana Che Lat, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Johor, MalaysiaFollow
• Hairol Anuar Haron, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Johor, Malaysia
• Siti Nur Aishah Mohd Noor, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Johor, Malaysia
• Nadia Zalikha Sailfullizam, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Johor, Malaysia
• Nur Syazwani Noor Rodi, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Johor, Malaysia
• Nor Azizah Che Azmi, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Johor, Malaysia

Keywords

Lime, stabilisation, fine-grained soils, engineering properties, microstructural behaviour, ground improvement, durability

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

Lime stabilisation is a widely used ground improvement technique for enhancing the engineering performance of problematic fine-grained soils. This review summarises recent studies on the mechanisms of lime stabilisation and their effect on the engineering properties and microstructural behaviour of stabilised soils. Lime treatment improves soil performance through cation exchange, flocculation, and pozzolanic reactions, resulting in the formation of cementitious compounds such as calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and calcium aluminate hydrate (CAH). These reactions reduce plasticity and swelling while improving strength and durability. The review also discusses the influence of soil type, lime content, and curing period on the effectiveness of lime stabilisation. In addition, microstructural evidence from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) is reviewed to explain the relationship between physicochemical reactions and engineering performance. Current research gaps, including optimum lime content (OLC), long-term performance, and the need to integrate engineering and microstructural analyses, are also highlighted. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between lime stabilisation mechanisms, engineering properties, and microstructural behaviour, offering useful guidance for future research and geotechnical applications

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Recommended Citation

Razali, Roslizayati; Che Lat, Diana; Haron, Hairol Anuar; Mohd Noor, Siti Nur Aishah; Sailfullizam, Nadia Zalikha; Noor Rodi, Nur Syazwani; and Che Azmi, Nor Azizah (2026) "Integrating Engineering Properties and Microstructural Behaviour in Lime-Stabilised Soils: A Review," Platform: A Journal of Engineering (PAJE): Vol. 10: Iss. 2, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61762/pajevol10iss2art005
Available at: https://journal.utp.edu.my/paje/vol10/iss2/5

Publication Date

30-6-2026

First Page

50

Last Page

64