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Soilworks products are the industry’s top standard due to our insistence on creating high performance soil stabilization and dust control products that stand up to rigorous testing – both in the lab and in the field. Our commitment to quality and performance has led to our involvement and testing in hundreds of real-world situations. The following library of reports, presentations, specifications, approvals and other similar documents provide you, our customer, the transparency and dependable assurance that is expected from Soilworks.

Stabilization of Silty-Sand with Nontraditional Additives (TPD1211002)

Summary

This study investigated the stabilization of silty-sand (SM) soils using nontraditional additives, including polymers, lignosulfonates, petroleum emulsions, and tree resins, to enhance soil strength, waterproofing, and dust control properties. Laboratory testing evaluated the unconfined compressive strength (UCS), compaction characteristics, and durability under wet and dry conditions. Results demonstrated that polymers and cement were the most effective stabilizers, significantly improving load-bearing capacity and erosion resistance. Additionally, polymer-based stabilizers exhibited waterproofing benefits, reducing loss of fines and dust emissions in high-traffic environments.

For long-term soil stabilization and dust suppression, Soiltac provides a high-strength, polymer-based solution that enhances soil durability, reduces erosion, and maintains surface integrity in extreme conditions. Soiltac’s proven waterproofing properties make it ideal for road construction, military infrastructure, and environmentally sensitive areas. Contact Soilworks for engineered solutions tailored to site-specific soil stabilization and dust control challenges.

Objectives:

  • Screen off-the-shelf nontraditional stabilizers
  • Determine the benefits for SM soils

Approach:

  • Develop knowledge base on stabilizers
  • Laboratory investigation
  • Performance capabilities and guidance criteria

Non-Traditional Stabilizers

  • Acids
  • Enzymes
  • Lignofulfonates
  • Polymers
  • Petroleum Emulsions
  • Tree Resin

Non-Traditional Stabilizers

  • Cement
  • Asphalt
  • Lime

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Table – Worldwide Soil Types

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Graph – Particle Distribution Silty Sand (SM)

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Chart – Experiment Design

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Photographs – Specimen Preparation (Including SM Soil Preparation, Additive Preparation, Soil-Additive Mixing, Sample Molding, Sample Compaction and Sample Curing)

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Photographs – Laboratory Test (Including Dry Test, Wet Test, UC Test)

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Graph – Effect of Stabilizer Type on Unconfined Compressive Stress – 1

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Graph – Effect of Stabilizer Type on Unconfined Compressive Stress – 2

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Graph – Effect of Stabilizer Type on Unconfined Compressive Stress – 3

Effect of Wet and Dry Conditions

Disintegration

  • Loss UC strength
  • Alter cross section area

Waterproofing

  • Prevent loss of fines
  • Potential for dust control

Poor Performers

  • Enzymes
  • Acid 1
  • Lignosulfonate 2

Excellent Performers

  • Polymers
  • Cement

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Photographs – Effect of Wet and Dry Conditions

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Graph – Effect of Additive Quantities on Unconfined Compressive Stress – 1

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Graph – Effect of Additive Quantities on Unconfined Compressive Stress – 2

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Graph – Effect of Curing Time on Unconfined Compressive Stress

Repeatability of tests

Samples

  • Wet Condition – 3 samples
  • Dry Condition – 3 samples

Variability

  • Height – 2.54 to 5.08 mm
  • Water Content – 0 to 0.5 %
  • Dry Density – 0-19 kg/m3
  • UC Strength – 0-110.3 kPa

CONCLUSIONS

  • Polymers and cement excellent stabilizers
  • Waterproofing potential
    • Petroleum Emulsion 1
    • Tree Resin 1
    • Lignosulfonate 1
    • Optimum additive quantity
      • Enzymes < 1
      • Lignosulfonates – 5%
      • Petroleum Emulsion – 2%
      • Polymers – 2.5 to 5%
      • Tree Resin – 9%
      • Nontraditional stabilizers gain strength quicker

Recommendations

  • Evaluate long-term performance
  • Conduct field condition and traffic loading
  • Establish stabilization mechanisms
Stabilization of Silty-Sand with Nontraditional Additives (downloadable PDF)

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