Identification and Stabilization of Problematic Silts

Silty soils are a common occurrence and can exhibit low strengths, and minimal bearing capacity, causing widespread construction and performance problems. These soils are highly moisture-sensitive and their stability is greatly influenced by the degree of densification achieved during compaction. The strength and stiffness of silty-subgrade soils is also greatly reduced when moisture infiltrates the compacted soil during post construction period. This investigation concentrated on further developing the description of the pumping problem for soils with high silt content and the development of guidelines for stabilization of problematic silts. Using documented field experiences of the DOTD districts, the study presents a testing program to investigate the nature of the problem, the character of the silt materials, and their performance with modifying/stabilizing agents. Seven representative silt soil samples were used in the laboratory program. The unique characteristics that identify a soil with a high potential to pump were determined with standard laboratory tests. The response and stability of the silts under compaction and loading with various moisture levels and compaction efforts was also tested. The susceptibility to pumping of the different samples was reviewed in terms of their physical characteristics. In addition to the silt content percentage, the plasticity character was noted as being significant. The potential for the modification/stabilization of the problem silt soils was also studied. The laboratory tests were selected with respect to construction needs and possible post construction conditions. A limited number of specific additives were proposed with consideration for their ability to dry the subgrade silts sufficiently to be compacted and with the strength to provide a "working table" for the construction of the base and pavement. The additives selected included hydrated lime, portland cement, and class c fly ash. A unitary set of guidelines for stabilizing problematic silts is proposed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Year

2005

Author dc:creator

• Barbu, Bogdan

Contributors dc:contributor

• McManis, Kenneth
• Easley, Dale
• Barbe, Donald

• Silts
• Pumping
• Moisture susceptibility
• Tube Suction Test

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/145

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.uno.edu:td-1149