TECHNICAL NOTES
Aug 1, 2008

Forensic Investigation of Pavement Premature Failure due to Soil Sulfate-Induced Heave

Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 134, Issue 8

Abstract

Current practice does not recommend stabilizing high sulfate-bearing soils using calcium-based stabilizers due to high potential swell and low retained unconfined compressive strength. In this technical note, a series of tests has demonstrated that a combination of lime and fly ash (Class F) proved to be the most suitable stabilizer for a high sulfate-bearing soil, and a combination of lime and slag seemed to be the most effective stabilizer for a moderate sulfate-bearing soil in terms of retained unconfined compressive strength and three-dimensional free swell potential.

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Acknowledgments

The writer acknowledges and expresses gratitude for the assistance of Ronald Hatcher, P.E., lab supervisor; Darwin Lankford, P.E., director of operations; and Chris Reed, P.E., area engineer in the Childress District.

References

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Little, D. N., Herbert, B., and Kunagalli, S. N. (2005). “Ettringite formation in lime-treated soils–Establishing thermodynamic foundations for engineering practice.” Transportation Research Record. 1936, Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C., 2005, 51–59.
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Scullion, T., and Saarenketo, T. (1997). “Using suction and dielectric measurements as performance indicators for aggregate base materials.” Transportation Research Record. 1577, Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C., 37–44.
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). (2002). Manual of materials testing procedures, Austin, Tex.
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US Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE). (1994). “Soil stabilization for pavements.” Army Rep. No. TM 5-822-14/Air Force AFJMAN 32-1019, Headquarters, Department of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, Washington, D.C.
Wang, L., Roy, A., Seals, K. R., and Metcalf, J. B. (2003). “Stabilization of sulfate-containing soil by cementitious mixtures mechanical properties.” Transportation Research Record. 1837, Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C., 12–19.

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Published In

Go to Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 134Issue 8August 2008
Pages: 1201 - 1204

History

Received: Oct 20, 2006
Accepted: Sep 14, 2007
Published online: Aug 1, 2008
Published in print: Aug 2008

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Authors

Affiliations

Zhiming Si, Ph.D.
P.E.
Materials & Pavements Section, Construction Division, Texas Department of Transportation, 125 E. 11th St., Austin, TX 78701-2483. E-mail: [email protected]

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