MODIFICATION BY ADMIXTURES
Granular Admixtures
The strength coarse-grained materials is largely related to their
density, which in turn depends significantly on the particle size
distribution. Maximum density is obtained in soils which have a
particle size distribution which can be approximated by
(NAASRA, 1986):
d
p 100
where:
p = percentage passing the sieve with aperture d
D = maximum particle size
n = exponent
For most soils used in pavement construction, densest particle
packing is achieved when n is in the range of 0.45 to 0.5 well
graded soil.
Portland Cement
Sf
SL
Where:
Sf = the strength of the soil mixed in the field
SL = the strength of the soil mixed in the laboratory
Good construction procedures may result in efficiencies in excess
of 80%.
Typical cement contents in soil stabilization range from 2 to 10%.
Lime
Lime is used in the form of quicklime, CaO, or hydrated
lime, Ca(OH)2. A third version of lime, CaCO3, is used
for agricultural purposes only.
Ion Ca++; Mg++; Na+; Ka+.
Calcium Chloride
Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) has been used in highway
construction and maintenance since early 20th century.
Today, CaCl2 still has a variety of uses, but it is probably
most appreciated as a dust palliative on highly trafficked
unpaved roads, such as haul roads in mining and on
large earth-moving projects.
Fly Ash
Fly ash is a solid waste product created by the
combustion of coal.
Only 15 to 20% of fly ash produced in the USA in 1986
was used constructively, less than half of that was used in
the manufacture of concrete.