SB: Re:Mud Daubing > add lime to stabilize clay

[Charmaine R Taylor <tms@northcoast.com>]

David, notorious clays like yours can be stabilized with hydrated lime.
Chemically what happens is the  water lovin' gumbo clay gets its
affinity for water molecules "knocked off" by addition of 3-12% (or so)
lime (by volume), thus rendering it stable and non-expansive. I
"picture" clay molecules with  (up to) 79 molecules of water as
"hoopskirts" surroundingtheir bodies.. when lime is added  it breaks the
bonds to the water, permanently, and it also has the nice effect of
lightening the mud color and adding a slight antiseptic property.
but wear gloves always with wet or dry lime , as it is harshly drying
but NOT toxic.

Texas airports and building sites have used hydrated lime tilled into
the soils and compacted since the 1960s-70s due to the problems they
encounter.

You have to experiment with the amount of lime, but it can be simply
tilled/rolled in during rainy weather on the ground to stop mud, and
then added to mud plasters before use once you determine the mix. Lime
will sieze up the clay..as they both are "grabbing" the water when
mixed.

fiber is needed to prevent cracking of plasters too

Charmaine  Taylor/ Taylor Publishing
PO Box 6985, Eureka CA 95502
707-441-1632
http://www.dirtcheapbuilder.com




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