Use of crushed seashell by-products for sandy subgrade stabilization for pavement purpose

Published in: Engineering Innovations for Global Sustainability: Proceedings of the 14th Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology
Date of Conference: July 20-22, 2016
Location of Conference: San Jose, Costa Rica
Authors: Gaby Ruiz
Pierre Farfán
Refereed Paper: #53

Abstract:

This research aims to explore an alternative utilization of seashell wastes in sandy subgrade stabilization in order to reduce environmental pollution. Crushed Peruvian Scallop was mixed with silty sand subgrade through mechanical stabilization at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% soil subgrade replacement. Seashells were simply washed and sun-dried before being crushed. Evaluation of the crushed seashell (CSS) reveals that it can be considered as a gravel material, with flat but not elongated particles of 25% of Los Angeles Abrasion loss value. Laboratory testing and analysis determined that it meets the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) requirements for use as a subbase and base coarse material at 45% replacement of fine soil aggregate. The CSS addition in sandy soil increases the maximum density using less water than the control group, with the same compaction energy. The CSS addition also increases the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of sandy soil from 51% to more than 100%. It can be concluded that crushed waste Peruvian Scallop has the potential to perform as a mechanical soil stabilizer, or for soil modification for pavement applications, simply using washing and sun-drying treatment.