Realistic Testing Protocols for Evaluating and Promoting Sustainable Technologies for Stabilizing Highly Expansive Clay Soils
Most subgrade soils in Region 6 are problematic because they consist of expansive soils and weak cohesive soils. Much of the observed damage occurring to pavements and other geotechnical assets is directly linked to the shrink-swell characteristics of these highly plastic soils. Extreme weather causes further problems associated with treated bases and subgrades creating hazardous conditions, premature failures, and reduced performance/service life. This research will explore possible ways to enhance the durability of stabilized geomaterials using innovative next-generation materials including: geopolymers, enzymes, acid-based additives, and other non-calcium-based stabilizers. This study will develop realistic laboratory evaluation techniques for documenting the benefits of these non-traditional stabilizers for both soil stabilization and full depth reclamation purposes. The treatments that perform well in the laboratory will be implemented, where possible, in the field in on-going state department of transportation (DOT) projects. Additionally, a comparison will be made to traditional stabilizers and a cost-benefit analysis performed to document both financial and environmental saving from the new treatments. The case for this research is based on the fact that the only successful widely used traditional stabilizers for Region 6 expansive soils continue to be either lime or cement. These treatments have a solid record and decades of performance history, but the production of these stabilizers is also a major source of environmental pollution. Non-standard stabilizers continue to be developed, and if successful, could address many of the current environmental concerns as well as the potential secondary issues relating to calcium-based stabilizers such as sulfate heave. These non-standard stabilizers could also offer cost-effective, "greener" alternatives to the traditional stabilizers, but only if they are shown to be effective long-term. This project will develop realistic laboratory testing procedures which mimic field conditions and develop testing guidelines and criteria that can be used to demonstrate the performance of non-standard stabilizers with site-specific materials. The following tasks will be pursued. Task 1: Literature search; Task 2: Identify applications where non-standard stabilizer should be considered; Task 3: Identify commercially available non-standard stabilizers; Task 4: Develop lab testing protocols and procedures; Task 5: Perform case study testing; Task 6: Develop qualification testing guidelines and acceptance criteria; Task 7: Recommend test sections.
- Record URL:
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $160,000.00
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Contract Numbers:
69A3552348306
CY2-TTI-02
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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:
Southern Plains Transportation Center
University of Oklahoma
202 W Boyd St, Room 213A
Norman, OK United States 73019 -
Project Managers:
Dunn, Denise
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Performing Organizations:
Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI)
400 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South
Suite 300
College Station, TX United States 77845-4375 -
Principal Investigators:
Sebesta, Stephen
Scullion, Tom
- Start Date: 20241001
- Expected Completion Date: 20250930
- Actual Completion Date: 0
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Expansive clays; Stabilized materials; Subgrade (Pavements); Sustainable development; Testing
- Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Pavements;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01945971
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Southern Plains Transportation Center
- Contract Numbers: 69A3552348306, CY2-TTI-02
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Feb 13 2025 3:11PM