Technical and Economic Improvement of Soil-Lime in Subfloors for Rural Constructions

Urcuhuaranga J.R.; Aguilar M.H.; Pocomucha S.J.T. · SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering (2026) · DOI: 10.14445/23488352/ijce-v13i8p112

Resumen

The aim of the research is to assess the technical and economic viability of lime-stabilized soil in creating sub-floor layers for rural homes in the Chilca district, located in Junín (Peru). The study focuses on a geographic area characterized by a high degree of dilapidation due to poverty among families that live there; therefore, it considers the construction of poorly-built houses that lack finishing materials for walls and floors. To establish the technical characteristics of the soil, the author used Modified Proctor Test, unconfined compressive strength and durability tests. The tested lime content included 0%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%. A lime content of 6% was found to give the most favourable results when used in a sub-floor layer application while meeting the strength and durability criteria with less lime than that used at other higher levels of addition. A unit price analysis was performed to evaluate the economic feasibility of the subfloor layer constructed with lime-treated soil. This analysis used the unit of an area of 1 m². According to the quantitative analysis findings, the lime-based alternative has an approximate 47.23% less cost than the standard concrete system. Furthermore, lime-based construction has a straightforward installation process, which makes it a practical and viable choice. Using a lime-based product may also limit the use of materials purchased from outside sources because the method encourages using as many locally sourced materials from the area as possible, with the exception of lime, which is the only material added from an outside source.

Instituciones: Universidad Continental