LIGNIN SULFONATE: LOW-COST SOLUTION TO LONG-LIFE BASE STABILIZATION?

In an experiment conducted three years ago in Taylor County, Iowa, three test sections were base stabilized with lignin sulfonate to determine the effects this low-cost solution to secondary road maintenance and base stabilization. Lignin sulfonate is a by-product of wood made up of cellulose and lignin. As a base course course application, lignin glues the road material together. Research on lignosulfonate showed that it was effective in dust palliation and surface improvement of unpaved secondary roads, compressive strength increased with application, resistance to disintegration under water increased, dry density increased, and moisture content decreased. Tests on three sections of local secondary roads with general surface deterioration were made in 1973 and 1974. All sections received a slightly different rate of application, but the method of construction was the same. Even without seal coats, the test sections have shown good results in staying free of dust problems, potholes, or washboarding problems. Although absolute conclusions cannot yet be drawn, evidence seems to show that lignin sulfonate may be the best material in providing low cost, long life stabilization.

• Corporate Authors:

  Scranton Publishing Company

  434 South Wabash Avenue
  Chicago, IL  United States  60605
• Authors:
  • Blunck, T R
• Publication Date: 1976-5

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 54-55
• Serial:
  • Rural and Urban Roads
  • Volume: 14 N
  • Issue Number: 5

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Dust control; Highway maintenance; Lignin; Lignosulfonate; Pavement base course; Secondary roads; Stabilized materials; Surface course (Pavements); Test sections
• Uncontrolled Terms: Dust palliatives
• Old TRIS Terms: Low costs
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00141299
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 26 1976 12:00AM