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 potholes and surface erosion. The period of effectiveness for MgCl2-6H2O has proven to be more than 2 years, without any type of road maintenance. This paper is also available on CD-ROM (see C 30152 CD-ROM).
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