Large-Scale Stabilization Eastern TN

Background

Mintek and R.B. Jergens joined forces for a soil stabilization project in eastern Tennessee, guided by geotechnical recommendations favoring chemical treatment. This site presented a wide range of soils that posed challenges for traditional earthwork; however, lime proved to be an effective and reliable solution. As the project timeline extended into colder months, concerns grew over how low temperatures might impact the planned installation. In response, Mintek supported the project with bench testing to determine the appropriate dosage and helped develop a detailed cold-weather installation submittal that met engineering standards.

The Challenge

During the cold front in early 2025, eastern Tennessee experienced an extended period of unusually low temperatures, with readings plunging to around 10°F and bringing icy conditions and intermittent snowfall. The region, not typically subject to such persistent cold, saw significant impacts from this polar vortex-driven event. These extreme conditions introduced added complexity to soil stabilization efforts, as frozen ground and fluctuating moisture levels posed challenges to treatment consistency and workability in the field.

The Solution

In mid-2024, prior to the start of the job, our team reviewed the lime stabilization specifications in detail, assessing mix design criteria, mellow and curing periods, material certification requirements, and testing protocols.

Soil testing began in early November through a collaborative effort with R.B. Jergens. Five distinct soil samples, representative of the conditions expected across the site, were classified by an external laboratory to give an idea of the range of soil types. Two larger samples were subsequently tested at Mintek’s Innovation Center to assess the level of improvement after lime treatment. From a plasticity and clay content standpoint, these two samples represented the “extremes” for this job site. Around the same time, R.B. Jergens asked for our input on earthwork specifications, including quality control measures, sampling procedures, and UCS testing. Our team responded promptly and helped coordinate with all stakeholders to align expectations and establish shared confidence in the treatment plan moving forward.

Mintek’s soil lab provided a critical advantage by enabling timely analysis of site-specific soils. This allowed our team to recommend appropriate lime dosage rates from the onset, enabling competitive bidding and eliminating any guesswork during construction by aligning with the project specifications from day one. To support continuity and instill confidence across teams, Mintek pre-positioned lime in the on-site storage area. This area included multiple Mintek storage PIGs to ensure a steady, reliable supply directly to the laydown yard.

Implementation

Pre-project collaboration laid the groundwork for implementation success. Early bench testing helped determine the appropriate quicklime dosage. It was determined that 3% quicklime would not only dry and modify the soil to improve workability, but also meet the target UCS criteria for stabilization on the project (100 psi). Spreader trucks and reclaimers were utilized to evenly disperse and mix quicklime into the soil. Testing showed that a shorter, 4-hour mellow period could be used to increase production, compared to the originally specified 24-hour mellow period.

Approximately 210,000 cubic yards of soil were targeted for stabilization using just under 10,000 tons of quicklime. The effort included pre-positioning material and maintaining consistent supply throughout the job. Although soil conditions varied, upfront conversations and repeated testing enabled crews to maintain a steady rate of production without a learning curve. Despite the challenging weather, work progressed on schedule, supported by cold-weather liming guidance and logistics planning.

Results

By early January, customer feedback confirmed that stabilized sections were performing well – both passing specification requirements and earning praise for material quality. During a site visit in March 2025, following 4+ inches of rain and regional storm activity, stabilized tread areas remained intact, with field crews continuing to achieve compaction at the anticipated 3% dosage rate.

Lab testing validated improvements in Atterberg limits, moisture content, and UCS values, while field observations backed up those results. The combined planning, technical assessment, and on-theground execution ensured the project stayed on track through winter, overcoming weather-related risks and ultimately meeting its schedule.