ITEM 206 CHEMICALLY STABILIZED SUBGRADE
206.01 Description. This work consists of constructing a chemically stabilized subgrade by
mixing cement or lime into the subgrade soil using the method for the specified chemical. The Contract Documents include an estimated quantity for the specified chemical.
206.02 Materials. Furnish materials conforming to:
Portland cement .................. 701.04, 701.15 Lime (quick lime) ........................ 712.04.B Furnish water conforming to 499.02. For the curing coat, furnish rapid setting emulsified asphalt conforming to 702.04 or non-tracking asphalt emulsion conforming to 702.12.
206.03 Submittals. Submit a report that lists the type of equipment to be used, speed of the
intended equipment usage, rate of application of the chemical, and calculations that demonstrate how the required percentage of chemical will be applied. For phased work, list in th e report the procedure to be used to construct the chemically stabilized subgrade to ensure full depth and continuity across phase interfaces. Submit the report to the Engineer at least 2 workdays before the stabilization work begins. Department acceptance of the report is not required. The absence of Department acceptance does not supersede the Engineer’s authority as defined in 105.01. If the pay item for Mixture Design for Chemically Stabilized Soils is included in the Contract Documents, prepare and submit reports according to Supplement 1120.
206.04 Test Rolling. When specified, test roll prior to chemical stabilization with a proof roller
conforming to 204.06.
206.05 Construction. Perform chemical stabilization work (including the curing period) when
the air temperature is 40 F or above and when the soil is not frozen. Do not perform this work during wet or unsuitable weather. Where phasing for maintenance of traffic uses part width stabilization of the subgrade, ensure that the required chemical spreading rate, mixing depth, and compaction are provided at the interface between adjacent phases.
A.Spreading. Shape the subgrade to the approximate profile grade prior to spreading the chemical so as to permit the construction of a uniformly compacted course of chemically treated soil to the thickness shown on the plans. The addition of the chemical will raise t he subgrade profile approximately 1 inch. Remove this excess material during the fine grading. If the pay item for Mixture Design for Chemically Stabilized Soils is not included in the Contract Documents, use the following spreading percentage rate for the specified chemical. The percentage is based on a dry density for soil of 115 pounds per cubic foot: TABLE 206.05-1 Chemical Spreading Rate Cement 5 % Lime 5 % Spread the chemical uniformly on the subgrade using a mechanical spreader at the approved rate and at a constant slow rate of speed. Use a distribution bar with a maximum height of 3 feet above the subgrade. Use a canvas shroud that surrounds the distribution bar and extends to the subgrade. Minimize dusting when spreading the chemical. Control dust according to 107.19. Do not spread the chemical when wind conditions create blowing dust that exceeds the limits in 107.19. Do not spread the chemical on standing water.
B.Mixing. Immediately after spreading the chemical, mix the soil and chemical as follows.
1.Cement. Mix the chemical and soil using a power driven transverse type mixer equipped with a computer controlled volumetric water readout. Continue mixing until the cement is thoroughly incorporated into the soil and is a uniform color. Do not water during the initial mixing. Perform the initial mixing so that 60 percent of the soil mixture passes the No. 4 sieve (4.75 mm) and 100 percent passes the 1 inch sieve (25 mm), exclusive of aggregate larger than the No. 4 sieve (4.75 mm) size. After the initial mixing, remix the soil and introduce water through the mixer to bring the mixed material to between 2 and 4 percent above optimum moisture. Uniformly distribute the water in sufficient quantity to hydrate the cement. If the chemical and soil can be mixed to the required gradation and the water can be added to bring the soil mixture to the required moisture content in one mixing, then only one mixing of the soil, water and chemical is required. Restrict the addition of water when the moisture content of the soil exceeds 3 percent above optimum moisture. Add water to the mixed soil within 2 hours after the initial mixing. Once the water is added to the mixture, complete the mixing, compacting, and shaping within 2 hours from start to finish.
2.Lime. Mix the lime and soil using a power driven transverse type mixer equipped with a computer controlled volumetric water readout. If necessary, add water to bring the mixed material to at least 3 percent above optimum moisture content. Continue mixing until the lime is thoroughly incorporated into the soil, all soil clods are reduced to a maximum size of 2 inches, and the mixture is a uniform color. After the initial mixing, lightly compact the material to seal it against rain or excessive drying by using a steel wheel or pneumatic tire roller. Allow the lime and soil mixture to cure (mellow) for a period of not less than 24 hours and not more than 7 days. If more than 7 days elapse between initial mixing and final mixing, add an additional 0.5 percent of lime during the final mixing. Furnish the additional lime at no cost to the Department unless the delay beyond the 7 -day limit is caused by conditions beyond the Contractor ’s control. Perform the final mixing until the soil mixture is completely pulverized with all clods reduced to a maximum size of 1 inch and at least 60 percent of the clods passing the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve, exclusive of aggregate larger than the No. 4 sieve (4.75 mm) . Continue mixing until the lime is uniformly distributed throughout the pulverized soil. During final mixing, return the mixture to the moisture contents stated above, then shape and compact the mixture.
3.Mixture Depth Check. Check the uniformity of the mix by digging trenches or a series of holes at regular intervals for the full depth of treatment and inspecting the color and depth of the exposed material. Use diluted hydrochloric acid or phenolphthalein to indicate the presence of calcium and ensure that the chemical is mixed to the desired depth.
C.Compacting. Start compaction no more than 30 minutes after the final mixing. Compact all chemically stabilized subgrade to the requirements in 204.03, except use 98 percent of the maximum dry density for acceptance. Determine the maximum dry density for acceptance by using the Ohio Typical Moisture Density Curves, the moisture density curves from the Contractor ’s mixture design submittal, or the maximum dry density obtained by test section method. Unless otherwise specified in the Contract Documents, the Engineer will perform all compaction tests according to Supplement 1015. Use a vibratory footed roller weighing at least 10 tons. Use the moisture controls according to 203.07.A, except ensure that the moisture content at time of compaction is at or above optimum. Perform the final rolling using a smooth drum roller. Do not use vibration during the final rolling. The Contractor may either shape and fine grade the chemically stabilized subgrade before the curing period, or shape the subgrade before the curing period and fine grade after the curing period. If fine grading before the curing period, fine grade the same day as mixing , compacting, and shaping. If fine grading after the curing period, shape the subgrade approximately 1 inch above the profile grade and typical sections. In either case, fine grade the subgrade to the profile grade and typical sections within the tolerances in 203.08.
D.Curing. By the end of each day’s operation, cover the stabilized work area’s surface with curing coat for curing the chemically stabilized subgrade. Use a rate of 1 gallon per 30 square feet for emulsions. Apply the curing coat before the surface dries. If the surface starts to dry out, indicated by turning white, or the curing coat is delayed, apply water for temporary curing until the curing coat can be applied. Do not apply the curing coat unless the curi ng coat can set up before it rains. When the application of curing coat must be delayed, keep the chemically stabilized subgrade wet by using water until the curing coat can be applied. Cure the chemically stabilized subgrade for at least five days before the placement of the overlying course.
E.Proof Rolling. After the curing period, proof roll the chemically stabilized subgrade according to Item 204.
F.Protection. Drain and maintain the work according to 203.04.A. Do not operate any equipment on the chemically stabilized subgrade during the curing period. Do not allow the chemically stabilized subgrade to freeze during the cure period. Cover the completed chemically stabilized subgrade with the aggregate base within 60 calendar days.
206.06 Mixture Design for Chemically Stabilized Soils. When included in the plans, perform
a mixture design for chemically stabilized soils according to Supplement 1120.
206.07 Method of Measurement. The Department will measure chemically stabilized subgrade
by the number of square yards computed from the profile grade and typical sections accepted in place. The Department will measure cement and lime by the number of tons incorporated in the complete and accepted work. The Department will measure Test Rolling according to 204.08 as specified for Proof Rolling. The Department will measure Curing Coat by the number of square yards computed from the profile grade and typical sections accepted in place.
206.08 Basis of Payment. The Department will pay lump sum for all work, labor, and equipment
described in 206.06. The Department will pay two -thirds of the lump sum amount bid when the soil sampling and testing is complete and the report is accepted by the Department. The Department will pay one-third of the lump sum amount bid when the chemically stabilized subgrad e is completed and accepted by the Department, and the field verification test results are all submitted. The Department will not apply the quantity underrun adjustment factors in Table 104.02-2 to the bid unit prices for Cement and Lime. The Department will pay for accepted quantities at the contract prices as follows: Item Unit Description 206 Square Yard Cement Stabilized Subgrade, __ inches deep 206 Square Yard Lime Stabilized Subgrade, __ inches deep 206 Ton Cement 206 Ton Lime 206 Square Yard Curing Coat 206 Hour Test Rolling 206 Lump Sum Mixture Design for Chemically .Stabilized Soils
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Source: Construction and Material Specifications, 2023 (rev. 7/17/2026) Edition. Pages 108–112 of 892. View official source ↗