1. Chemical Stabilization of Subgrades Section Engineers ’ Meeting Lake Cumberland State Resort Park March 5-7, 2013

2. Why should soil subgrades be stabilized? Improve Bearing Capacity CBR of Clays Soils are 1 to 5 CBR of Silts 4 to 10 Silts Very Susceptible to Changes in Moisture Stabilized Subgrade Will Last for Many Years 85% of Soils in Kentucky are Silts and Clays

3. Types of chemical stabilization Lime: Lean to Fat clays Plastic Index Predominantly > 15 Cement: Sandy and Silty Soils Plastic Index <20 PI 15 to 25: Lime or Cement may be used Lime Kiln Dust: Clays Cement Kiln Dust: Sandy Soils Kiln Dust is byproduct from cement and lime manufacturing Cheaper but more may be needed Good for drying wet soils (modification)

4. Types of chemical stabilization Lime: takes longer (mellowing period initial and final mixing) Cement: Mixed and compacted within a few hours Kiln Dust: Lower Cost; not as much active calcium available

5. When should soil subgrades be stabilized? CBR of Clays Soils are 6 or less 15 samples

6. When should soil subgrades be stabilized? CBR of Clays Soils are 6 or less

7. How much stabilizer should be used Eads and Grim Test (ASTM D 6276) The lowest amount needed to reach a pH of 12.4

8. Unconfined Compressive Strength, Q u, test on lime stabilized sample How much stabilizer should be used

9. How much stabilizer should be used? The lowest amount needed to reach a specified strength

10. Procedures (Lime Stabilization) Construct subgrade to plan elevation

11. Sampling before starting Send samples (1 per 1,000 feet min.) to Geotechnical Branch at least 3 weeks before starting stabilization Proctor tests may take 2 weeks If you think a soil needs stabilization call Geotech

12. Procedures (Lime Stabilization) Quick Lime is delivered and transferred to mixing (slaking tank) CaO + H 2 oCa(OH) 2 Quick Lime is converted to Hydrated Lime

13. Procedures (Quick Lime Stabilization) Lime Slurry is transferred to dispensing truck

14. Procedures (Quick Lime Stabilization) Scarify Subgrade

15. Procedures ( Quick Lime Stabilization) Apply lime slurry to scarified subgrade

16. Procedures (Quick Lime Stabilization) Apply lime slurry to scarified subgrade

17. Procedures (Lime Stabilization) Mix slurry and soil to specified depth

18. Procedures (Lime Stabilization quick lime) Mix slurry and soil to specified depth

19. #4 Sieve, 1 Inch Sieve, 2 Inch Sieve

20. Procedures (Lime Stabilization) Lightly Compact

21. Procedures (Lime Stabilization) Mellow for one day and mix againClay will have a silty texture

22. Procedures (Lime Stabilization) Mellow for one day and mix again

23. Procedures (Lime Stabilization) Final Compaction (24- 72 hours)

24. Dry (hydrated lime) application Ca(OH) 2 Hydrated lime is delivered in tanker Transported to spreader truck Procedures (Hydrated Lime Stabilization)

25. Dry (hydrated lime) application Ca(OH) 2 Hydrated lime spread on subgrade

26. Dry (hydrated lime) application Water added during mixing Compaction same as for quick lime

27. Procedures (Lime Stabilization) Check compaction

28. Procedures (Lime Stabilization) Cut to final grade

29. Procedures (Lime Stabilization) Cut to final grade

30. Procedures (Lime Stabilization) Check Depth of chemical stabilization

31. Lime Testing Soil sampler

32. Depth Testing Phenolthalein lime testing solution

33. Procedures (Lime Stabilization) Depth of chemical stabilization

34. Procedures (Lime Stabilization) Depth of chemical stabilization

35. Procedures (Lime Stabilization) Keep moist

36. Procedures (Lime Stabilization) Apply an asphalt seal No additional moisture is needed after sealing Typical cure time is seven days maximum

37. Why is quick lime paid at 1.25 times actual quantity? Quick lime is delivered and transferred to mixing (slaking tank) CaO + H 2 oCa(OH) 2 quick lime is converted to hydrated lime CaO + H 2 OCa(OH) 2 Molecular Weight CaO Ca 40.08 x 1 = 40.08 O 16.00 x 1 = 16.00 Total 56.08 Molecular Weight Ca(OH 2 ) Ca 40.08 x 1 = 40.08 O 16.00 x 2 = 32.00 H 1.00 x 2 = 1.02 Total 74.10 74.10/56.08 = 1.32 Close to 1.25?

38. Truck being filled with Cement

39. Procedures (Cement Stabilization) Mix one time and compact soon Dry application

40. Water Applied to Soil

41. Procedures (Cement Stabilization) Water can be applied to mixer directly Typical cure time sometimes shortened

42. Procedures (Cement Stabilization) Water applied to mixer directly

43. Field testing to determine long-term strengths And durability of chemically stabilized subgrades

44. Field testing to determine long-term strengths And durability of chemically stabilized subgrades

45. SPT TESTS

46. Coring a stabilized subgrade using compressed air as cooling medium

47. Core of stabilized subgrade and asphalt about 30 years old

48. Shelby Tubes of stabilized subgrade (special tubes made) and layer below the stabilized subgrade

49. Field CBR test on stabilized subgrade and below stabilization

50. Percentile Test Value In Situ CBR From University of Kentucky Transportation Center

51. DCP Tests on stabilized subgrade

52. Implementation Stabilization or modification of all new highways with CBR’s of 6 or less is recommended by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Chemical stabilization is now a standard in highway construction Many industries and businesses use chemical stabilization

53. Benefits Economical Prevents pavement failures during construction Structural credit can and is be given to stabilized subgrade Reduces subgrade swell Long-term 30 years or more

54. Spreads Loads Unstabilized Granular Base Stabilized Base 100 psi 15 psi 100 psi 4 psi

55. Eliminates Rutting Below Surface Rutting can occur in surface, base and subgrade of unstabilized bases due to repeated wheel loading Stabilized bases resist consolidation and movement, thus virtually eliminating rutting in all layers but the asphalt surface. Unstabilized Base Stabilized Base

56. Reduced Moisture Susceptibility High water table Unstabilized Granular Base Stabilized Base

57. Thank You