Estudio del sulfato de magnesio como estabilizador superficial en caminos no pavimentados

Abstract

In arid regions, maintenance of unpaved roads requires a high consumption of machinery, human and economic resources, and water for the periodic irrigation of those roads. Surface stabilization products consisting of salts of magnesium chlorides, potassium, calcium, etc., have been used to keep the road passable, and reduce dust emission due to vehicular traffic. However, most of these products are imported and have high transport costs. This paper presents a series of studies carried out to evaluate the feasibility of using natural magnesium sulfate, extracted locally in San Juan, as an alternative product of surface stabilization. Laboratory studies and field tests were performed, arriving to the following recommendations, to optimize the use of magnesium sulfate: Use about 3% dissolved magnesium sulfate. Use good quality granular materials, with very small amount of non-plastic fines. Consider thicknesses between 5 to 7 cm for the treated granular material. Following these recommendations, the treated material shows an acceptable performance, and is competitive with other salts and products currently used in unpaved road preservation.