Establish Policies and Procedures for Use of Subgrade Stabilization in Michigan

The benefits of subgrade stabilization have long been identified by many government and private highway agencies. Subgrade stabilization can accelerate construction by eliminating the need to remove and replace soft and wet subgrade soils. This research study aimed to develop comprehensive guidelines for subgrade stabilization project site selection, mix design, and construction. A comprehensive literature review, a survey of Michigan and other state departments of transportation practices, and interviews of personnel experienced with subgrade stabilization were conducted during this study. Results indicated that the most common stabilizers used for subgrade stabilization included lime and cement, but some agencies used other materials such as fly ash, cement kiln dust, or lime kiln dust. Based on the broader findings, comprehensive guidelines for site evaluation and selection were developed during this study. A mix design guidance document was also developed to facilitate the review of contractor-developed mix designs for subgrade stabilization projects by Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) engineers. A decision tree was included in these guidelines to support the preliminary selection of stabilizers based on site-specific geotechnical investigation results. Finally, a comprehensive construction guidance document was developed to guide MDOT engineers and construction staff through the important steps for subgrade stabilization, including selection of proper equipment, construction of a test strip, and performance of quality control/quality assurance processes. A construction specification for chemically stabilized subgrades was also developed for use in future subgrade stabilization projects. An evaluation of pavement design parameters was conducted using the AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design software to determine the sensitivity of pavement performance to geotechnical inputs. MDOT can readily implement some of the recommendations from this study. Other recommendations require further study before they can be considered for inclusion in specifications or special provisions.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/-/media/Project/Websites/MDOT/Programs/Research-Administration/Final-Reports/SPR-1733-Report.pdf?rev=c246ec086d1d4f8d82b3160bb89c22ae&hash=DFE9CA6B24C4F2F506588617D6AECE8F
• Summary URL:
  • https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/programs/research/research-projects/recently-completed-projects/spr-1733
• Summary URL:
  • https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/-/media/Project/Websites/MDOT/Programs/Research-Administration/Research-Spotlights/SPR-1733-Spotlight.pdf?rev=db7001a56f9b4996be957461d77f2f26&hash=FAE4E40A94036CA8EC8FF00C0F9C157B
• Corporate Authors:

  Lawrence Technological University

  Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering
  Southfield, MI  United States 

  Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Bryan

  1111 Rellis Parkway
  Bryan, TX  United States  77807

  Michigan Department of Transportation

  Lansing, MI  United States  48909

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Bandara, Nishantha
  • Jensen, Elin
  • Sebesta, Stephen
• Publication Date: 2024-3-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 285p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Decision trees; Geotechnical engineering; Mix design; Soil stabilization; Subgrade (Pavements)
• Geographic Terms: Michigan
• Subject Areas: Construction; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01926155
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: SPR-1733
• Contract Numbers: 2019-0309 Z4
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jul 30 2024 5:03PM