Utilization of a new soil stabilizer for silt subgrade

Silt cannot satisfy the requirements of highway construction because of its low strength. A new stabilizing agent (SEU-2) was developed to improve the mechanical performance and applicability of silt in road. Laboratory tests, including unconfined compression and shrinkage tests, were performed. Test results show that the new stabilizing agent can significantly increase the strength and the water stability, and decrease the shrinkage strain of silt. Field tests were also carried out and the results indicated that the new stabilizing agent could effectively improve the entire stiffness of subgrade. From the point of view in mechanics and applicability in road, adding 4% new stabilizing agent is an economic and reasonable method to stabilize the silt. The stabilized silt has high early strength, small shrinkage deformation, and high entire stiffness. It can satisfy the requirements of highway subgrades.