 | The Use of calcium chloride in road stabilization |  |
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  | | | By: Zenón Araujo Menéndez.
Summary
Calcium Chloride is a chemical product that has been used for many years for stabilizing roads.
One of the properties of Calcium Chloride is the absorption and retention of water from the atmosphere. When it is applied on a road, it keeps it moist, taking advantage of humidity and the traffic of vehicles, thus conditions for compacting the road are improved, creating greater road stability.
The humidity provided by Calcium Chloride on fine matter acts as a lubricant and allows it to become more compacted with traffic over time. In this manner, fine material remains moist, and it functions as a cement for coarse material.
The amount of Calcium Chloride used on a road depends on three basic conditions: Climate, frequency and use of vehicles traveling on them, and the granular composition of the material. The amount varies from 0.9 to 1.5 Kg./M2, depending on the previously mentioned conditions.
It can be applied manually or mechanically. For manual application, sacks are placed on a pre-determined area according to the amount and it is spread out with a shovel over the surface of the road, as evenly as possible. Mechanical application can be carried out with a spreader or a dump truck with a sealed cover.
Its use is recommended for repaved roads, foundations and sub-foundations, parking lots, detours, etc.
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