Stabilization Selection Guide for Aggregate - Illinois Department of ...

CHAPTER TWO
Chemical Stabilization
Chemical Stabilization
SELECTING A TRAdITIONAL CHEMICAL AddITIVE
Consider these factors when selecting a chemical stabilizer:
q Type of soil to be stabilized.
q Purpose of the stabilized layer.
q Type of soil improvement desired (modification or
stabilization/improvement of strength characteristics).
q Required strength and durability of the stabilized layer.
q Cost.
q Environmental conditions.
Traditional chemical stabilizers include:
q Cement.
q Lime.
q Fly ash.
q Bituminous materials.
q Combinations of the above.
Selection Process
Two procedures for selecting a traditional stabilizer are provided by
table 2.1.
Both methods require soil testing. The first method requires a
gradation and Atterberg limit test; the second method requires some
additional testing as noted in the procedure. General information on
each stabilizer follows table 2.1.
Follow the USACE procedure to optimize the type and quantity
of stabilizer required to achieve the desired characteristic and to
minimize cost. The reason to do this is because there is generally
more than one stabilizer applicable for any one soil type. However,
based on features, such as soil granularity, plasticity, or texture,
some stabilizers are more applicable to certain soils than others
(Army 1994). The USACE procedure enables optimal selection
of the right stabilizer for the particular soil, and optimizes the
cost by determining the minimal quantity of stabilizer required to
achieve the desired strength. The USACE procedure also provides
quantities for modification. The simplified procedure is significantly
easier; it just requires looking at tables for the known gradations
and Atterberg limits. However, the quantities for modification will still
require looking at tables for the USACE procedure.
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