Cement Stabilization of Embankment Materials, 2015

Embankment subgrade soils in Iowa are generally rated as fair to poor as construction materials. These soils can exhibit low bearing strength, high volumetric instability, and freeze/thaw or wet/dry durability problems. Cement stabilization offers opportunities to improve these soils conditions. The objective of this study was to develop relationships between soil index properties, unconfined compressive strength and cement content. To achieve this objective, a laboratory study was conducted on 28 granular and non-granular materials obtained from 9 active construction sites in Iowa. The materials consisted of glacial till, loess, and alluvium sand. Type I/II portland cement was used for stabilization. Stabilized and unstabilized specimens were prepared using Iowa State University 2 in. by 2 in. compaction apparatus. Specimens were prepared, cured, and tested for unconfined compressive strength (UCS) with and without vacuum saturation. Percent fines content (F200), AASHTO group index (GI), and Atterberg limits were tested before and after stabilization. The results were analyzed using multi-variate statistical analysis to assess influence of the various soil index properties on post-stabilization material properties. Results indicated that F200, liquid limit, plasticity index, and GI of the materials generally decreased with increasing cement content. The UCS of the stabilized specimens increased with increasing cement content, as expected. The average saturated UCS of the unstabilized materials varied between 0 and 57 psi. The average saturated UCS of stabilized materials varied between 44 and 287 psi at 4% cement content, 108 and 528 psi at t 8% cement content, and 162 and 709 psi at 12% cement content. The UCS of the vacuum saturated specimens was on average 1.5 times lower than that of the unsaturated specimens. Multi-variate statistical regression models are provided in this report to predict F200, plasticity index, GI, and UCS after treatment, as a function of cement content and soil index properties.

Low Cost Fly Ash - Sand Stabilization Roadway, Construction Report, HR-259, 1986

Fly ash, a by-product of coal-fired electricity generating plants, has for years been promoted as a material suitable for highway construction. Disposal of the large quantities of fly ash produced is expensive and creates environmental concerns. The pozzolanic properties make it promotable as a partial Portland cement replacement in pc concrete, a stabilizer for soil and aggregate in embankments and road bases, and a filler material in grout. Stabilizing soils and aggregates for road construction has the potential of using large quantities of fly ash. Iowa Highway Research Board Project HR-194, "Mission-Oriented Dust Control and Surface Improvement Processes for Unpaved Roads", included short test sections of cement, fly ash, and salvaged granular road material mixed for a base in western Iowa. The research showed that cement fly ash aggregate (CFA) has promise as a stabilizing agent in Iowa. There are several sources of sand that when mixed with fly ash may attain strengths much greater than fly ash mixed with salvaged granular road material at little additional cost

Low Cost Techniques of Base Stabilization, HR-312, Construction Report, 1989

This research project was initiated in 1988 to study the effectiveness of four different construction techniques for establishing a stable base on a granular surfaced roadway. After base stabilization, the roadway was then seal coated, eliminating dust problems associated with granular surfaced roads. When monies become available, the roadway can be surfaced with a more permanent structure. A 2.8 mile section of the Horseshoe Road in Dubuque County was divided into four divisions for the study. This report discusses the procedures used during construction of these different divisions. Problems and possible solutions have been analyzed to better understand the capabilities of the materials and construction techniques used on the project.

Soil Stabilization With Chemicals, Iowa Highway Research Board Bulletin No. 22, 1960

In the search for new soil stabilizing agents the effects of six organic cations on plastic limit, liquid limit, shrinkage limit, air-dry strength and rate of slaking of a highly plastic clay subsoil were studied. In all cases the plasticity index and shrinkage were reduced by the treatments. The air-dry strength was lowered in varying degree, which was the only undesirable effect noted. With one exception resistance to slaking was improved. It is concluded that large organic cations show promise as possible stabilizing agents for highly plastic fine-grained soils.

Soil Stabilization with Lime Fly Ash, Iowa Highway Research Board Bulletin No. 26, 1961

The sixth in a series, this bulletin further compiles the reports on completed research done for the Iowa State Highway Research Board under its Project HR-1, The loess and glacial till materials of Iowa; an investigation of their physical and chemical properties and techniques for processing them to increase their all-weather stability for road construction. The research, started in 1950, has been conducted by the Iowa Engineering Experiment Station at Iowa State University under its Project 283-S.

Soil Stabilization with Cement, Iowa Highway Research Board Bulletin No. 23, 1961

This is the fourth publication in a series of compilations of the reports on research completed for the Iowa State Highway Commission. This research was done for the Iowa State Highway Research Board Project HR-1. The Loess and Glacial Till Materials of Iowa; an Investigation of Their Physical and Chemical Properties and Techniques for Processing Them to Increase Their All-Weather Stability for Road Construction. The research, started in 1950, was done by the Iowa Engineering Experiment Station under its project 283-S. The project was supported by funds from the Iowa State Highway Commission.

Soil Stabilization with Lime, Iowa Highway Research Board Bulletin No. 25, 1961

This is the fifth publication in a series of compilations of the reports on research completed for the Iowa State Highway Commission. This research was done for the Iowa State Highway Research Board Project HR-1, "The Loess and Glacial Till Materials of Iowa; an Investigation of Their Physical and Chemical Properties and Techniques for Processing Them to Increase Their All-Weather Stability for Road Construction." The research, started in 1950, was done by the Iowa Engineering Experiment Station under its project 283-S. The project was supported by funds from the Iowa State Highway Commission. The principal objectives of the project may be summed up as follows: 1. To determine by means of both field and laboratory studies the areal and stratigraphic variation in the physical and chemical properties of the loess and glacial till materials of Iowa. 2. To develop new equipment and methods for evaluating physical and chemical properties of soil where needed. 3. To correlate fundamental soil properties with the performance of soils in the highway structure. 4. To develop a scientific approach to the problem of soil stabilization based on the relationships between the properties of the soils and those of the admixtures. 5. To determine the manner in which the loess and glacial till materials of Iowa can be processed for optimum performance as highway embankments, sub-grades, base courses, and surface courses.

Chemical Stabilization and Physicochemical Properties of Soils, HR-97, Special Report, 1966

This project was initiated to gain a better understanding of the phenomena which affect the engineering behavior of soils containing colloidal size particles and to find chemical methods of treatment which could improve the engineering performance of such soils.

Chemical Stabilization and Physicochemical Properties of Soils, HR-97, Final Report, 1966

This project was initiated to gain a better understanding of the phenomena which affect the engineering behavior of soils containing colloidal size particles and to find chemical methods of treatment which could improve the engineering performance of such soils.

Review of Stability Berm Alternatives for Environmentally Senstitive Areas, 2005

Stability berms are commonly constructed where roadway embankments cross soft or unstable ground conditions. Under certain circumstances, the construction of stability berms cause unfavorable environmental impacts, either directly or indirectly, through their effect on wetlands, endangered species habitat, stream channelization, longer culvert lengths, larger right-of-way purchases, and construction access limits. Due to an ever more restrictive regulatory environment, these impacts are problematic. The result is the loss of valuable natural resources to the public, lengthy permitting review processes for the department of transportation and permitting agencies, and the additional expenditures of time and money for all parties. The purpose of this project was to review existing stability berm alternatives for potential use in environmentally sensitive areas. The project also evaluates how stabilization technologies are made feasible, desirable, and cost-effective for transportation projects and determines which alternatives afford practical solutions for avoiding and minimizing impacts to environmentally sensitive areas. An online survey of engineers at state departments of transportation was also conducted to assess the frequency and cost effectiveness of the various stabilization technologies. Geotechnical engineers that responded to the survey overwhelmingly use geosynthetic reinforcement as a suitable and cost-effective solution for stabilizing embankments and cut slopes. Alternatively, chemical stabilization and installation of lime/cement columns is rarely a remediation measure employed by state departments of transportation.

Effective Shoulder Design and Maintenance, 2007

Granular shoulders are an important element of the transportation system and are constantly subjected to performance problems due to wind- and water-induced erosion, rutting, edge drop-off, and slope irregularities. Such problems can directly affect drivers’ safety and often require regular maintenance. The present research study was undertaken to investigate the factors contributing to these performance problems and to propose new ideas to design and maintain granular shoulders while keeping ownership costs low. This report includes observations made during a field reconnaissance study, findings from an effort to stabilize the granular and subgrade layer at six shoulder test sections, and the results of a laboratory box study where a shoulder section overlying a soft foundation layer was simulated. Based on the research described in this report, the following changes are proposed to the construction and maintenance methods for granular shoulders: • A minimum CBR value for the granular and subgrade layer should be selected to alleviate edge drop-off and rutting formation. • For those constructing new shoulder sections, the design charts provided in this report can be used as a rapid guide based on an allowable rut depth. The charts can also be used to predict the behavior of existing shoulders. • In the case of existing shoulder sections overlying soft foundations, the use of geogrid or fly ash stabilization proved to be an effective technique for mitigating shoulder rutting.

Low Water Stream Crossing: Design and Construction Recommendations, December 2001

Most counties have bridges that are no longer adequate, and are faced with large capital expenditure for replacement structures of the same size. In this regard, low water stream crossings (LWSCs) can provide an acceptable, low cost alternative to bridges and culverts on low volume and reduced maintenance level roads. In addition to providing a low cost option for stream crossings, LWSCs have been designed to have the additional benefit of stream bed stabilization. Considerable information on the current status of LWSCs in Iowa, along with insight of needs for design assistance, was gained from a survey of county engineers that was conducted as part of this research (Appendix A). Copies of responses and analysis are included in Appendix B. This document provides guidelines for the design of LWSCs. There are three common types of LWSCs: unvented ford, vented ford with pipes, and low water bridges. Selection among these depends on stream geometry, discharge, importance of road, and budget availability. To minimize exposure to tort liability, local agencies using low water stream crossings should consider adopting reasonable selection and design criteria and certainly provide adequate warning of these structures to road users. The design recommendations included in this report for LWSCs provide guidelines and suggestions for local agency reference. Several design examples of design calculations are included in Appendix E.

Statewide Economic Impacts of Disaster-Related Payments to Support Household and Private and Public Sector Recovery in Iowa, January 2010

There have been a multitude of programs providing assistance to the state of Iowa in the past 18 months. Springtime 2008 disasters resulted in tornado damage and widespread flood damage to large fractions of the state. In consequence, there was a very large flow of federal and state resources dedicated to assisting community and statewide recovery efforts. The nation was in recession as well and continued to be in recession through much of 2009. A sizeable amount of assistance found its way to Iowa under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in the forms of infrastructure stimulus spending, income supports and other safety net spending for households, and stabilization assistance for essential public services like education. On top of that, the state of Iowa authorized the I Jobs program as an additional infrastructure development program, and as a jobs stimulus program. The total amount of spending for all types of programs, disaster or economic recovery related, is perhaps as high as $7.5 billion over the next few years.

Final Report Factors Influencing Stability of Granular Base Course Mixes

To evaluate the various factors influencing the stability of granular base course mixes, three primary goals were included in the project: (1) determination of a suitable and realistic laboratory method of compaction; (2) effect of gradation, density and mineralogy of the fines on sheara ing strength; and (3) possible improvement of the shear strength with organic and inorganic chemical stabilization additives.

Low Water Stream Crossing: Design and Construction Recommendations, Decemeber 2001

Most counties have bridges that are no longer adequate, and are faced with large capital expenditure for replacement structures of the same size. In this regard, low water stream crossings (LWSCs) can provide an acceptable, low cost alternative to bridges and culverts on low volume and reduced maintenance level roads. In addition to providing a low cost option for stream crossings, LWSCs have been designed to have the additional benefit of streambed stabilization. Considerable information on the current status of LWSCs in Iowa, along with insight of needs for design assistance, was gained from a survey of county engineers that was conducted as part of this research (Appendix A). Copies of responses and analysis are included in Appendix B. This document provides guidelines for the design of LWSCs. There are three common types of LWSCs: unvented ford, vented ford with pipes, and low water bridges. Selection among these depends on stream geometry, discharge, importance of road, and budget availability. To minimize exposure to tort liability, local agencies using low water stream crossings should consider adopting reasonable selection and design criteria and certainly provide adequate warning of these structures to road users. The design recommendations included in this report for LWSCs provide guidelines and suggestions for local agency reference. Several design examples of design calculations are included in Appendix E.