EVALUATION OF REEF SHELL EMBANKMENT

This report discusses a method of constructing an embankment over marshland soils by end-dumping reef shell directly onto the marshland with no other major subgrade preparation. The dumped reef shell is then spread out to form a "floating" embankment over the soft marshland. This report compares the subsidence characteristics of a reef shell embankment with those of a clam shell embankment and determines if such a reef shell embankment would provide adequate structural support for traffic. The report indicates it is physically and economically feasible to construct a reef shell embankment on soft organic marshland soils. A properly constructed reef shell embankment develops into a homogeneous floating slab of substantial stability and strength capable of supporting allowable traffic loads.

Record URL:
Corporate Authors:
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

Research and Development Section, P.O. Box 94245 Capitol Station
Baton Rouge, LA United States 70804-9425

Federal Highway Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590
Authors:
- Melancon, J L
- Bokun, S G
Publication Date: 1980-12

Media Info

Pagination: 75 p.

Subject/Index Terms

TRT Terms: Building materials; Construction; Coral; Embankments; Feasibility analysis; Floating foundations; Marine deposits; Marshes; Organic soils; Roads; Settlement (Structures); Shells (Structural forms); Subsidence (Geology); Swamps; Traffic loads; Trafficability
Geographic Terms: Louisiana
Old TRIS Terms: Settlement structural; Shell
Subject Areas: Construction; Freight Transportation; Geotechnology; Highways; I42: Soil Mechanics; I51: Earthworks and Soil Drainage;

Filing Info

Accession Number: 00343727
Record Type: Publication
Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
Report/Paper Numbers: RR-129 Final Rpt., LA-77-1S-B
Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
Created Date: Oct 28 1982 12:00AM