Field and lab assessment for cement-stabilized subgrade in Chatham, Ontario

Cement stabilized subgrades have been extensively used to improve the engineering performance of pavement structures. Due to the effects of cementitious hydration, pozzolanic reaction, as well as, cation exchange, chemical bonding is generated between fine soil particles. Therefore, the geotechnical characteristics of difficult clay soils will be improved in terms of plasticity, strength, stiffness, and durability. The cement modified soils (CMS) will then function as a new pavement layer which partially or totally preplaces the thickness of granular base layer as commonly found in traditional road constructions. This paper first introduced a subgrade stabilization project located in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, followed by the field testing of subgrade stiffness using a light weight deflectometer (LWD) test on the stabilized subgrade surface. Five different low-volume roads were chosen as test sections for LWD stiffness test. The stiffness of the subgrades was measured before the construction, 3 hours after the stabilization followed by testing at 3 days, 7 days, 28 days, and 1 year respectively. Field test results indicated a significant increase of the subgrade stiffness after the cement stabilization and compaction; moreover, the stiffness continued growing along with the curing time. Soil sampled from one of the test sections was tested in lab facilities. Laboratory testing including: unconfined compressive strength (UCS) at 7 days and 28 days, durability test and pH values test for cement stabilized soil. Stabilized soil had 7 days UCS value of 0.83 MPa with 6% cement, and 1.43 MPa with 12% cement. Moreover, 5% to 6% cement stabilized T38 soil specimens had improved durability properties against freezing and thawing and met the weight loss limit requirements. Results also indicated that the cement stabilization changed the soil environment from slightly acidic to alkaline, and reduced the potential for growing of organics. It is also recommended future studies evaluate mixes with supplementary cementing materials to provide a more environmentally friendly stabilized subgrade. The paper finally introduces alternative Hydraulic road binders (HRB) as a more economic, sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to the construction and rehabilitation of Canada’s low-volume roads.

• Record URL:
  https://www.tac-atc.ca/sites/default/files/conf_papers/wangs-field_and_lab_assessment.pdf
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Association of Canada (TAC)

  401-1111 Prince of Wales Drive
  Ottawa, Ontario  Canada 
• Authors:
  • Wang, Shunchao
  • BAAJ, H
  • Zupko, S
  • Smith, T
• Conference:
  • TAC 2018: Innovation and Technology: Evolving Transportation - 2018 Conference and Exhibition of the Transportation Association of Canada
• Publication Date: 2018

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Pagination: 1 PDF file, 699 KB, 19p.
• Monograph Title: TAC 2018: Innovation and Technology: Evolving Transportation - 2018 Conference and Exhibition of the Transportation Association of Canada

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Base course (Pavements); Cement; Conferences; Evaluation; Field tests; Laboratories; Secondary roads; Soil stabilization; Subgrade (Pavements)
• Geographic Terms: Canada
• ITRD Terms: 8018: Canada; 4758: Cement; 8525: Conference; 9020: Evaluation (assessment); 6226: In situ; 6237: Laboratory (not an organization); 2961: Roadbase; 2773: Secondary road; 3689: Soil stabilization; 2950: Subgrade
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01683287
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transportation Association of Canada (TAC)
• Files: ITRD, TAC
• Created Date: Oct 16 2018 2:05PM