Advances in ground modification with chemical additives: From theory to practice

This keynote paper describes recent advances in chemical stabilization with a particular focus on applications related to transportation infrastructure. Chemical stabilization advances ranging from stabilization design guidelines with incorporation of fundamental soil chemistry principles to novel chemical additives for future stabilization are covered. This paper focuses on chemical treatments of shallow to moderate subgrade depths for supporting transportation pavement infrastructure. A background summary of stabilization methods along with modifications to the current design practices is presented. This section is followed by a comprehensive experimental program on chemical treatments of expansive subsoils. Both clay mineralogy influence and durability issues are fully addressed. Stabilization leachate studies and their implication in relation to real field performance are also addressed. The final outcome of this research is a more comprehensive stabilization methodology that addresses soil types and performance based testing methodologies. The last two sections cover a brief summary of new treatments of immense interest to addressing sustainable elements in ground improvement practices.