ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Construction of airfields and roadways in Western and Northwestern Alaska is expensive, not only because of the remote location, but also because gravel sources are scarce. Consequently, the readily available silts and sands are used to the greatest extent possible. Any required gravel is barged in at costs in excess of $300/m3. Engineers continually look for methods which allow the increased use of local materials. A newly developed soil stabilization technique was investigated through a systematic experimental study. In this technique, two non-traditional stabilizer agents, geofibers and synthetic fluid, are used to improve the bearing capacity of the soil. The effectiveness of the technique was tested on a silty sand through CBR tests. Additionally, the performance and strength of the soil before and after improvement were evaluated through triaxial compression tests. Based on this initial laboratory study, it was found that the addition of geofibers and synthetic fluid can significantly increase the strength and bearing capacity of silty sands.
