Innovative ground improvement techniques for expansive soils

Abstract

Annual infrastructure damage expenses arising from expansive problematic soils cost millions of dollars. These damages signify the need to study the treatment methods in a much more comprehensive manner with a focus on resiliency and sustainability elements. Many advances are made in recent years with respect to chemical additive-based stabilization methods. This keynote paper covers innovative ground improvement advances majorly focusing on civil and transportation infrastructure. Four research studies highlighting the importance of additive soil stabilization are presented. Chemical stabilization advances ranging from shallow stabilization design guidelines with incorporation of fundamental soil chemistry principles, clay mineralogy, novel chemical additives, durability studies and resiliency elements are covered. Enhancement of soil strength due to the addition of lime and cement and the mixture’s resiliency to climatic changes are studied. Sustainable biopolymer treatments to arrest desiccation cracking on slopes have been addressed. In the case of deep soil treatment, deep soil mixing technologies are described for stabilization of soils to support pavement infrastructure. Future research directions related to sustainable ground improvement practices are presented.