Evaluation of Foamed Plastics for Use as Structural Supporting Layers in Pavements and Foundations.
Abstract
The objective of the study was to develop engineering criteria for the performance of foamed and/or extended plastics, polyester resins, or other similar systems as structural layers. Tests were conducted on polystyrene with a density of approximately 4.0 pounds/cubic foot and a foamed-in-place polyurethane formulation with a nominal density of approximately 7 pounds/cubic foot. Various combinations of load, soil strength, tire pressure, and thickness were used in the study. Multiple statistical regression analyses were performed on the field data, and it was determined that a curvilinear equation gave the best correlation coefficients. Results of the study indicate that foamed plastics can be used as a structural layer in special cases where the soil will not support conventional construction equipment or when conventional methods of construction are too difficult or too expensive to be considered. Using the proper design and construction procedure, extended plastics can be used to support rolling and static loads on very low- strength soils. (Author, modified-PL)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0733874
Entities
People
- Alfred H. Joseph
- Ralph D. Jackson
- Thomas B. Rosser Iii