A laboratory investigation on the quicklime stabilization of sensitive clays has shown that, even at a water content above the liquid limit, significant strength increase can be obtained if enough time and lime are provided. The understanding of strength development is based on the recognition of physical bridging between soil particles, as in a cementation process. The physical and mechanical significance of lime stabilization is described by means of conceptual models. The better the mixing, the better the dispersion and the diffusion of lime and, consequently, the stabilization process. It has been found that the relationship between water content and strength, at a given time, follows a power law that makes possible the establishment of laboratory charts for lime stabilization of such clays. Key words: quicklime stabilization, sensitive clays, cementation, cohesion, shear strength, microstructure, conceptual model, laboratory charts.