Effect of the Use of a Polymeric Stabilizing Additive on Unconfined Compressive Strength of Soils

Abstract

In Australia, the mechanical and chemical stabilization of pavement materials has been under way for more than 30 years. Recently, new polymeric-based additives have been shown to provide superior sustain-ability advantages for the construction and maintenance of low-volume roads (particularly unsealed roads) over traditional cement-blended additives. However, little quantifiable information has been published on the improved geotechnical characteristics resulting from the use of such polymeric-based additives. This paper reports on a series of uncon-fined compressive strength tests that were performed on three typical pavement material types, which were all treated with a single type of polyacrylamide additive. The compaction effort was varied at three levels (i.e., 25, 35, and 45 blows per layer with modified compaction effort). All samples were cured for 14 days prior to testing. The results of this study confirmed an increase in dry density and unconfined compressive strength for the three soils treated with the polyacrylamide additive.