What is the term for the improvement of the engineering properties of a soil by adding physical or chemical admixtures?

Soil stabilization refers to the process of improving the physical and chemical properties of soil to enhance its performance, particularly in construction and engineering applications. This is achieved through the addition of various materials, such as lime, cement, or other admixtures, which can modify the soil's characteristics, making it more suitable for load-bearing or construction purposes.

The process of soil stabilization is critical in civil engineering projects, as it can significantly increase soil strength, durability, and resistance to erosion or weathering. It is commonly used in road construction, foundation preparation, and other applications where the stability of the ground is paramount.

In contrast, the other terms like ground compression and subgrade treatment generally refer to different processes or specific aspects of soil treatment rather than the broad concept of improving soil properties through admixtures. Soil enhancement might seem synonymous, but it is not a widely recognized term in engineering literature. Therefore, the term that specifically encompasses the addition of admixtures to improve soil properties in engineering contexts is soil stabilization.