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By: Matthew W. Singel When stabilizing soils with calcium-based additives (cement, lime, etc.), accurately determining the presence and concentration of sulfates (gypsum) is important. If high sulfate concentrations are present and not recognized in advance, sulfate-induced heave can occur. To identify the presence of sulfates, testing labs will collect random soil samples from a project site and test them individually. The testing procedures are reliable; however, on-site soil conductivity measurements may offer a targeted approach for obtaining the soil samples. A breakthrough study by three Texas researchers shows that measuring the bulk electrical conductivity eliminates low-risk areas, allowing testing professionals to narrow their focus on a smaller area in question. Soil conductivity testing, adapted from the agricultural industry, does not guarantee the presence of sulfates as other salts can also exhibit a high bulk soil conductivity. It does, however, allow us to eliminate sampling in areas that exhibit a low conductivity readings and target areas where a higher probability exists. Using field-acquired soil conductivity data in conjunction with existing geological maps, (USDA/NRCS) soil maps and data available from state and local agencies will increase awareness, reduce unnecessary testing and reduce the potential for surprises during construction. Presented at the 91st (2012) Transportation Research Board Meeting in Washington, D.C., the research was conducted by Pat Harris of Sam Houston State University along with Omar Harvey and Stephen Sebesta of the Texas Transportation Institute. "This blog was previously posted in the Cement Council of Texas' "Texas Cement and Concrete Blog" (now inactive) and was carried forward to the current blog ("Cementx Pavement Blog") as it contains content that may be of interest to the reader".
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PURPOSEThe Cementx Pavement Blog seeks to make pavement owners, engineers and contractors smarter about selecting, designing, constructing and maintaining pavements. New blog postings began February 1, 2017; however, we carried over pavement-related blog postings from our older blog, the "Texas Cement and Concrete Blog," which ran until December 2016.
AuthorsJan R. Prusinski, PE Category Filters
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The Cement Council of Texas promotes the proper use of cement and concrete in pavements, infrastructure, buildings, homes and other construction applications. We are the non-profit trade association of portland cement manufacturers and shippers in Texas.
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The materials and information contained herein are for general guidance and reference purposes only for professionals competent to evaluate the significance and limitations of their content. The materials and information do not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Third party materials reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the accuracy of the facts, data, opinions, findings, and conclusions presented therein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Cement Council of Texas.