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The clay in Iaşi City, also known as Bahlui clay, has a highly active character because of its rich montmorillonite/smectite content. The swell potential increases under water content variations by the montmorillonite content, the dry density and, respectively, by the cationic exchange capacity, causing degradations of structures. To realize a direct foundation on these soils, the designer can chose: either to remove the active clay layer with negative effects on the future construction and to replace it (solution that implies high costs), or to use the local available soil with the condition of improving its properties through chemical stabilization with mineral binders. This paper aims to highlight both the physical and mechanical properties of Bahlui clay as a result of chemical stabilization with cement and a lime-cement mixture, following the evolution of grain size, swelling pressure, plasticity index and unconfined compressive strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]