NEx Releases New NEx-Sponsored Guideline

NEx, an ACI Center of Excellence just released a new document!

SG23.01(24): “NEx Guideline: Soil Stabilization using Synthetic Organic Polymers” 

This document was authored by Jianxin Huang and Anand J. Puppala, of Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. 

This report discusses the stabilization and treatment of subgrade soils with synthetic polymers and serves as a general guideline for doing so. It summarizes the current research studies on soil stabilization using various synthetic polymers and provides guidelines on the applications of synthetic polymers in the laboratory and in the field. Different types of synthetic polymers that are widely used by researchers and engineers are discussed, including acrylic polymers, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane resins, polyethylene, polypropylene, and their derivatives. New practices of the conjunctive use of polymers with traditional stabilizers are also noted. 

The report examined the short-term engineering properties of different types of soil treated with various polymers, which include the Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, un-confined compressive strength, soil shear strength properties, resilient modulus, California Bearing Ratio (CBR),  permeability, erosion, and volume stability-related soil properties. Current durability evaluations that correlate to the long-term performance of polymer-treated soil structures are summarized. Recommendations regarding laboratory tests and field applications are outlined. 

This report can be used as a reference by researchers and engineers who are interested in using synthetic organic polymers for different soil stabilization projects.

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