Evaluation of Glauconite Aggregate for Pavement Construction

摘要

Glauconite is an abundant aggregate in east central Texas. However, it is rathersoft and thus subject to crushing and abrasion under normal construction processes. The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the quality of glauconite and determine its suitability for use on TxDOT pavement construction projects and if it is suitable, how to optimize its utility. Laboratory tests on chemically stabilized glauconite were conducted. This work was conducted in two phases. Phase I evaluated two unstabilized glauconites: soft and hard. Results of Phase I showed that neither glauconite product was suitable for routine use on TxDOT pavements as a flexible base (Specification Item 247) without some type of stabilization or other strength/durability enhancing strategy. Phase II was conducted to determine selected performance-related properties of stabilized glauconite. The stabilizers included cement, hydrated lime, and lime + fly ash. Unstabilized and stabilized glauconite were compared with unstabilized and stabilized iron ore gravel (which has been used as pavement base materials in East Texas for many years).