Frost Susceptibility and Strength of Cement-Treated Fine-Grained Soils
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2020-12-01
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Edition:Final Report (10/1/19-12/31/20)
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Abstract:Cement treatment is one way to improve the strength and stability of embankment materials when high-quality aggregate is not available. Concerns with using cement-treated fine-grained soils are potential frost susceptibility and subsequent thaw weakening. Previous research on this topic suggests that cement treatments of 3% to 4% are generally sufficient to mitigate frost heave and improve post-heave bearing capacity; however, the literature contains variable results, and recommends testing the effects of cement treatment on individual soils. We conducted frost heave and unconfined compressive strength tests for Alaska Highway embankment material passing the No. 4 sieve at 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% Portland Type I cement treatment levels. Each sample was subjected to five freeze-thaw cycles. The untreated soil demonstrated a medium to high frost susceptibility rating, and test results indicated that the addition of cement at any treatment level reduced frost heave and improved bearing capacity. Cement treatments of 2% or greater effectively mitigated the soil’s frost susceptibility as evidenced by: 1) negligible frost heave; 2) minimal reduction in post-heave compressive strength; 3) insignificant changes in moisture content post-heave suggesting no measureable frost heave damage; and 4) deformation patterns indicative of an undisrupted/unbroken cementitious matrix.
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