Application of Microfiber Reinforcement to Weak Soils for Alternative Road Stabilization Strategy
The lime stabilization does not work well for less pozzolanic reactive soils. Microfiber reinforcement has been a beneficial option to control swelling and shrinkage durably and economically in many geotechnical applications, such as foundation soils by generating frictional and tensile resistance between clay particles and the fiber filaments that distribute external forces. Accordingly, the microfiber reinforcement could be promising for enhancing the performance of the subgrade as an alternative to lime stabilization. The objective of this study is to identify the effectiveness of fiber reinforcement on reducing swelling/shrinkage potentials and controlling the plasticity of poor subgrade. Currently, there are no well-defined provisions regarding microfiber reinforcement design for subgrade soils. Thus, a systematic study is needed to help Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) facilitate its usage of fiber-reinforced subgrade stabilization. The scope of work includes: (1) extensive literature review from other states’ cases and practices that applied microfiber reinforcement to weak soils, in particular, subgrade stabilization, (2) evaluate geotechnical properties including strength and stiffness of fiber-reinforced soils as of NE soils mixed with fiber reinforcement at various percentages (0% to 2% wt), (3) compare the performance of lime stabilized and fiber-reinforced subgrade soils via the Large Scale Track Wheel (LSTW) test, and (4) the site-specific applicability and cost-effectiveness of microfiber-reinforced subgrade will be identified. This project is directly related to the focus areas of the Mid-America Transportation Center in enhancing the safety of road conditions and improving roadway serviceability.
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $161,166
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Contract Numbers:
69A3551747107
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Sponsor Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
Mid-America Transportation Center
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
2200 Vine Street, PO Box 830851
Lincoln, NE United States 68583-0851 -
Project Managers:
Stearns, Amy
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Performing Organizations:
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
1400 R Street
Lincoln, NE United States 68588 -
Principal Investigators:
Eun, Jongwan
- Start Date: 20211101
- Expected Completion Date: 20230630
- Actual Completion Date: 0
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
- Source Data: RiP Project 91994-104
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Fibers; Geosynthetics; Soil stabilization; Subgrade (Pavements)
- Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Pavements;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01844248
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Mid-America Transportation Center
- Contract Numbers: 69A3551747107
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Apr 27 2022 2:52PM