Evaluation of Polymer Based Dust Suppressant Mixed with Clayey Soil in Unpaved Road: Lab Experiment

Industrial activities, combustion, roads and construction are all sources for the generation of fugitive dust. Fugitive dust presents a major challenge for air quality, unpaved road preservation and transportation safety. In the past, a variety of dust suppressants was used in the industry to cope with this problem. In this project, a polymer-based suppressant was analyzed to see its performance on clayey soil. The clayey soil samples were collected in Sedona, Arizona and were mixed with polymer-based suppressant with 3 concentration rates, 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight. A series of lab experiments were performed including moisture retention tests, surface strength tests, dynamic rolling (grinding) tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. The mechanical responses data of the dust suppressant treated specimens were recorded and analyzed. The results show that the 15% polymer treated specimen has a better ability in dust suppression as shown in its moisture retention rate, surface strength/resistance to load penetration, dynamic rolling resistance, and cohesion/interlock effect in SEM images.