DEMONSTRATION OF SULPHUR AS A LOAD BEARING MATERIAL.
Abstract
In this project the feasibility of using sulphur, which costs $0.01 per pound, as a replacement for currently used resin materials, which cost $0.30 to $0.50 per pound, has been demonstrated in the field for the construction of aircraft hardstands, shelter floors, and helicopter landing sites. Three 20 ft. x 30 ft. aircraft hardstands were constructed using different techniques. The most attractive method employed consisted of pouring molten elemental sulphur into a loose aggregate fill wherein the sulphur flowed into the void spaces of the aggregate and upon solidification converted the loose aggregate into a rigid concrete-like mass. Three 16 ft. x 32 ft. shelter floors and one 120 ft. diameter helicopter landing site were constructed by spraying down glass fiber mat with molten elemental sulphur. All of these sites were then tested under rolling loads of varying magnitudes. These sites were further tested by landing and maneuvering over them with a helicopter. From the standpoint of rapid site preparation, it was demonstrated that the sulphur system is more rapid, requires less equipment, simpler equipment, and less labor than other resin systems currently in use. From the standpoint of physical performance, the full potential of the materials employed was not achieved. To conduct this demonstration, it was necessary to use glass fiber material that had a surface treatment designed for polyester resin. This surface treatment did not allow the sulphur to penetrate and wet out the glass fiber properly, and consequently, physical performance was hindered. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0813858
Entities
People
- John M. Dale
Organizations
- Southwest Research Institute