Construction methods to control expansive soils in South Dakota : McDonald, E B Trans Res RecN1089, 1986, P57–62

Abstract

A review is presented of the stabilization and construction methods used by the South Dakota Department of Transportation during the past 17 years. The nature of the soils involved is discussed and a short history of the problems encountered is given along with the techniques of grading and stabilization used to control the expansive properties of the Pierre shale. The 1967 performance of the roadway surface is compared with that in 1984. The conclusion is that rideability will be better over a longer period of time at lower maintenance costs on highways placed on expansive soils when the soils have been undercut, reworked, and replaced at controlled moisture and densities than on highways placed on these soils using normal methods. Stabilizing the upper portion of the replaced soil with lime perserves the high moisture content used in placing the soils and provides added support for the prevention of rutting by the equipment used in the placement of the surfacing courses.