Roadways on Expansive Clays: Characterization and Solution with Geosynthetics

Presented by:

Jorge G. Zornberg, Ph.D., P.E., BC.GE., F. ASCE

Professor and Joe J. King Chair in Engineering

The University of Texas at Austin

Past-President, International Geosynthetics Society

The presence of expansive clays has led to poor performance of flexible pavements, which typically develop significant longitudinal cracks during periods of drought. This presentation covers recent developments in (1) the characterization of expansive clays and (2) the use of geosynthetics to stabilize pavements where their presence is prevalent.

A novel approach involving centrifuge technology has recently been developed to characterize clay swelling. What makes the centrifuge approach unique is that the variable of interest (i.e., the vertical rise) is directly measured. The centrifuge approach is particularly appropriate for use with the Potential Vertical Rise (PVR) approach. 

The second part of the presentation includes the results of a comprehensive evaluation program conducted to assess the use of geosynthetics to mitigate pavement problems associated with expansive clays. The field evaluation involved multiple pavement sections with different types of geosynthetics, lime treatment, and control sections. The benefits of using geosynthetic reinforcements were clearly quantified.

Prof. Zornberg has over 35 years of experience in practice and research in geotechnical and geosynthetics engineering. His research focuses on transportation geotechnics, geosynthetics, unsaturated soils, expansive clays, and environmental geotechnics. He served as president of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS). He has authored over 550 technical publications, written several book chapters, and been awarded three patents. Prof. Zornberg received numerous prestigious awards, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), from the President of the United States, as well as the Ralph B. Peck Award, Croes Medal, and Collingwood Prize from ASCE. The IGS established the “Zornberg Lecture,” an honorary lecture recognizing his contributions to the discipline of geosynthetics.

Program Sponsor

Walk-ins welcome, online registration preferred.

Registration starts at 11:30 am

Lunch and Meeting start at Noon.

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