A Review of Engineering Experiences with Expansive Soils in Highway Subgrades.
Abstract
Volume change resulting from moisture variations in expansive soil subgrades is estimated to cause damage to streets and highways in excess of $1.1 billion annually in the United States. Expansive soils are so areally extensive within parts of the United States that alteration of the highway routes to avoid the material is virtually impossible. This report presents the results of a review of current literature combined with details of experiences of selected state highway agencies on procedures for coping with problems associated with expansive soil subgrades. The report discusses the geologic, mineralogic, physical, and physiochemical properties which influence the volume change characteristics of expansive soils. Currently used techniques for sampling, identifying, and testing expansive materials are reviewed and discussed. Treatment alternatives for the prevention or reduction of detrimental volume change of expansive soil subgrades beneath new and existing pavements are presented and discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA020309
Entities
People
- David M. Patrick
- Donald R. Snethen
- Frank C. Townsend
- Lawrence D. Johnson
- Philip J. Vedros