Subbase Stabilization - Jubail, Saudi Arabia
Subbase Stabilization
Project Description: Terratech used T-PRO® 500 polymer to improve engineering properties of subbase materials and minimize wind erosion of local soils.
Project Objectives: Due to the poor engineering properties of indigenous soil materials in Saudi Arabia, marl is used to improve strength characteristics an create a load bearing subbase for road construction. Marl is a type of soil formed from calcite that had precipitated from water saturated with calcium carbonate. Marl soils are generally coarse grained and non-plastic. Their non-plastic nature makes them susceptible to erosion and significant strength loss when wet. Infusing marl with polymer increases bearing capacity and reduces erosion from strong desert winds which degrade compacted embankments. Improving the engineering properties of marl through polymer stabilization will greatly reduce the maintenance costs associated with road construction in the Saudi Arabia. Post construction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test was perfomed on treated and untreated soil areas. Polymer treated marl soil showed a dramatic improvement in strength and bearing capacity when compared to untreated soil. The field CBR values for treated soil areas were 45% higher than those for untreated areas. The bearing pressure over the treated soil was 44% higher than the bearing pressure carried by the untreated soil.
Equipment Used: Grader, Water Truck with Hose Attachment, Tractor with Harrowing Disk Attachment, Vibratory Compactor.
Application Specifications: Infused application with polymer concentrations at 1.25%. All sections sealed with a 110 ft2/gal topical seal coat.
Maintenance Requirements: Re-compaction of loose material and topical re-application of polymer seal coat, as necessary.
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