Soil Stabilization Further Research

  The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of chemical stabilization practices on unpaved roads.  A 550-ft-long segment of Hurley Lane, a gravel road in Loudoun County, was selected for testing.  The construction technique known as full-depth reclamation (FDR) was used.  The existing unpaved road section was pulverized to a depth of 12 in and subsequently blended with 5% cement by weight using road reclaiming equipment.  The surface was then covered with a double chip seal.  The main objective of this project was to provide stability while still maintaining the appearance and “feel” of a gravel road.
 

The objectives of this Texas DOT funded study were to provide an update to the current TXDOT mixture design specification based on comprehensive laboratory testing and develop and calibrate a new generation fatigue performance model that accounts for strength and shrinkage cracking potential of cement treated aggregate base and subgrade soils.

This study was centered on elucidating the chemical reactions that bring about soil stabilization and modification.  It has been established that the chemical compounds found in soil; quartz, feldspar, dolomite, calcite, montmorillonite, kaolinite etc. react with the chemical constituents found in different identified chemical stabilizers. This research work will better place designers, constructors and researcher on the choice of soil chemical stabilizer and techniques and the extent of chemical reactions that take place during soil chemical stabilization.