Which material is commonly used for soil stabilization in earthwork?

Lime is commonly used for soil stabilization in earthwork because it has the ability to improve the engineering properties of soil. When lime is mixed with soil, it chemically reacts with the natural moisture and clay particles to form cementitious compounds. This process helps to bind the soil particles together, increasing the soil's strength, durability, and load-bearing capacity. Lime stabilization is particularly effective for modifying plastic clay soils, which can be problematic in construction due to their tendency to swell and shrink with moisture changes.

Sand, while it is a component of many soil mixtures and can improve certain drainage characteristics, does not effectively stabilize soil by itself. Clay can actually worsen soil conditions in some instances, as it tends to retain water and can make the soil less stable. Water, on the other hand, is crucial for the hydration process in lime stabilization but does not provide stabilization on its own. Therefore, lime is the preferred choice for improving the stability and performance of soils in construction projects.