Evaluation of Hexahydrated Magnesium Chloride Performance as Chemical Stabilizer of Granular Road Surfaces

Abstract

The performance was evaluated of hexahydrated magnesium chloride (MgCl₂·6H₂O) as a chemical stabilizer of granular road surfaces. MgCl₂·6H₂O is a salt with properties that are useful for chemical stabilization of granular road surfaces, such as its capacity to absorb and retain humidity from its surrounding environment, increase water surface tension, and decrease water vapor pressure. Its effect on the physical and mechanical properties of soils was evaluated in laboratory, and its functional performance and durability were evaluated in field trials. Field trials were performed in arid and semiarid regions in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Field results showed that roads stabilized with MgCl₂·6H₂O remain free of dust and corrugations and exhibit a considerable reduction in pot-holes and surface erosion. The period of effectiveness for MgCl₂· 6H₂O has proven to be more than 2 years, without any type of road maintenance.

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