Soluble salt damage to thin bituminous road and runway surfaces

Abstract

The paper reviews current knowledge of damage by soluble salts to thin bituminous highway and runway surfacings in warm climates. It critically examines the various recommended maximum salt limits for materials in highway construction and reviews preventative and remedial practices.The study included a laboratory simulation of salt damage using climatic cabinets to identify the cause of salt damage to thin bituminous surfacing of a runway in the West Indies.The work shows the importance of linking relationships and influences of geology, hydrogeology and construction practice with material and salt types, migration and crystallization pressures, crystal properties, hydration/dehydration and climate in order to prevent damage occurring.The term soluble salt is generally used to describe those salts which are relatively soluble in water and

Sulphate attack and ettringite formation in the lime and cement stabilized marine clays

“…The presence of sulphates either in the form of iron sulphite, Fe 2 S (pyrite) or selenite (gypsum) can be seen in lime stabilized clays as reported by Littleton and Willavise (1992) and Azam et al (1998). It has been established that the use of industrial wastes for pavement or other construction works may be contaminated with sodium and magnesium sulphates (Obika and Freer-Hewish, 1990).…”

Fundamentals of soil stabilization

“…In the soils containing sulfates, any calcium-based additives results in heaving and disintegration leading to a loss in strength [79][80][81]. Soil composition, groundwater and mixed water can be the source of sulfates [82][83][84]. Chemical reaction between calcium and aluminum present in the soil mineralogy in the company of soluble sulfate and water produce ettringite and/or thaumasite.…”

Formation and development of salt crusts on soil surfaces

“…Salt precipitation plugs pores and generates crystallization pressure that can damage stone, concrete, and ceramics [4,6,7,17,[25][26][27], affect roads and underground structures [2,19,21,22], and diminish farming land [1,23]. Climate change may worsen salt precipitation and its impacts [11].…”