Application of Organo-Polymer-Stabilized Clay in Road Pavement Layers Construction

Clay is one of the sensitive soil types in civil engineering projects, especially during road embankment construction. When exposed to surface water from rain and melted snow, clay absorbs water, leading to swelling and volume increase. Conversely, when ambient temperature rises, the loss of moisture and creation of voids in clayey soil layers result in shrinkage, volume reduction, and a decrease in bearing capacity. The aim of the present research is to investigate the effect of an mineral-polymeric material on Tabriz clay for application in road pavement layer construction. In this study, clay was mixed with the polymeric material at concentrations of ۴%, ۶%, and ۱۰%, and cured for ۲۸ days. To achieve the research objectives, tests for plastic properties, compaction, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) (in both dry and saturated conditions) were conducted. The results indicate that when the polymer content reaches ۱۰%, the plasticity index of the stabilized clay decreases by ۳۶%. Furthermore, the California Bearing Ratio increases by ۱۶.۶%. These conditions suggest the feasibility of using the optimized mix for constructing road subgrade layers.

Keywords:

Clay , Polymeric Material , Stabilization , Road Pavement , Pozzolanic Reaction