UTC 2022 Funding - Cycle 2 Research Projects

Project Number: CY2-TTI-02
Project Title: Realistic Testing Protocols for Evaluating and Promoting Sustainable Technologies for Stabilizing Highly Expansive Clay Soils
Performing Institution: Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Principal Investigators: Stephen Sebesta and Tom Scullion
Proposed Start and End Date: 10/01/2024 to 09/30/2025
Project Description: Most subgrade soils in Region 6 are problematic because they consist of expansive soils and weak cohesive soils. Much of the observed damage occurring to pavements and other geotechnical assets is directly linked to the shrink-swell characteristics of these highly plastic soils. Extreme weather causes further problems associated with treated bases and subgrades creating hazardous conditions, premature failures, and reduced performance/service life. This research will explore possible ways to enhance the durability of stabilized geomaterials using innovative next-generation materials including: geopolymers, enzymes, acid-based additives, and other non-calcium-based stabilizers. This study will develop realistic laboratory evaluation techniques for documenting the benefits of these non-traditional stabilizers for both soil stabilization and full depth reclamation purposes. The treatments that perform well in the laboratory will be implemented, where possible, in the field in on-going DOT projects. Additionally, a comparison will be made to traditional stabilizers and a cost-benefit analysis performed to document both financial and environmental saving from the new treatments.
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