Chemical soil stabilization designers rely on either empirical data or past experience coupled with engineering tests. TRB hosted a webinar on Thursday, April 14, 2021 to address the importance of considering soil mineralogy together with engineering tests to identify the suitable type and application rate of chemical stabilizer for soils. Presenters provided a brief overview of geochemistry in chemical soil stabilization and present case studies as examples. They discussed correlating advanced mineralogical characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction and themogravimetric analysis with conventional engineering tests. Presenters also went over the concept of geochemical modeling as a tool for predicting formation of deleterious and pozzolanic products in lime-treated clayey soils.

This webinar was organized by TRB’s Standing Technical Committees on Stabilization of Geomaterials and Recycled Materials; Geo-Environmental and Climatic Impacts of Geomaterials; Transportation Earthworks; and Geotechnical Instrumentation and Modeling.

The recording is available.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. Overview of applying geochemistry in chemical soil stabilization: Dallas Little, Texas A&M University
2. Computational geochemistry and mineralogy to predict ettringite formation case study: Pavan Akula, Texas A&M University
3. Engineering and mineralogical characterization to evaluate the durability of a lime-treated embankment case study: Narain Hariharan, Graymont
4. Correlating advanced mineralogical characterization methods with conventional engineering tests: Anand Puppala, Texas A&M University
5. Question and answer session: Moderated by Erol Tutumluer, University of Illinois at Urbana

The first 90 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 30 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Determine the role of mineralogy in chemical soil stabilization.
2. Describe the basics of mineralogical tests such X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis.
3. Apply appropriate modeling techniques to mineralogy.

Professional Development Hours

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.