LIME TREATMENT OF SUBGRADE

In an effort to improve track drainage, subgrade soils were treated with lime. Two samples of heavy silt clay soil with three and five percent lime added were tested to check plasticity factors, maximum density, optimum moisture and increases of strength with the lime additive. Economics appeared to be in favor of lime stabilization. Test results were tabulated. A field installation, with pulverized hydrated material added was described. Complete pulverization required two to three days. After a hydration period additional water was required to bring the soil mixture to the optimum content for efficient compaction. It appeared that sub-ballast was not needed, and a top ballast of screenings with subgrade was sufficient to produce a stable track for the anticipated traffic. A hurricane in the area resulted in water flow across the tracks where the current had removed the top ballast, but the supporting power of the subgrade appeared unaffected.

  • Corporate Authors:

    American Railway Engineering Association

    59 East Van Buren Street
    Chicago, IL  United States  60605
  • Publication Date: 1962-2

Media Info

  • Features: Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 586-589
  • Serial:
    • AREA BULLETIN
    • Volume: 63 N
    • Issue Number: 570
    • Publisher: American Railway Engineering Association

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00052328
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Association of American Railroads
  • Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jul 15 1974 12:00AM