Use of Surcharges in Highway Construction

The benefits of surcharges and waiting periods in highway construction are predicted by the application of the principles of soil mechanics. The use of these methods of construction minimizes the amount of detrimental settlement subsequent to paving. Time-consolidation data are used to determine the length of waiting periods. Unconfined and quick-undrained triaxial compression test results are used to determine the safe height of embankments. Berms permit construction to greater heights. Time studies and consolidated quick-undrained triaxial compression test data can be used to determine the increase in strength compatible with controlled rate of loading, but interpretation of test data and engineering judgment are significant factors. Comparison of field measurements and calculations based on test data indicate that predictions of the amount of settlement are more reliable than predictions of the rate of settlement.