The Use of Mct Methodology for Rapid Classification of Tropical Soils in Brazil

Copyright IJP 2003 Volume 2 Number 3 September 2003 Page 1

THE USE OF MCT METHODOLOGY FOR RAPID CLASSIFICATION OF TROPICAL SOILS IN BRAZIL

Rita Moura Fortes *

Professor of Civil Engineering and Head of Propaedeutic Studies of Engineering, Presbyterian University

Mackenzie; Technical Director of LENC, So Paulo, Brazil

* Rua Maranho, 101 - apto 72, CEP 01240-001, So Paulo, Brazil [email protected]

Joo Virgilio Merighi

Professor and Head, Department of Civil Engineering, Presbyterian University Mackenzie, So Paulo, Brazil

Consultant for the Department of Transportation, State of So Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT: The construction of pavement structures and the reinforcement of subgrade soils must be preceded by accurate characterization of pavement materials and soils. The behavior of soils can vary from point to point,

even if the soils have the same genetic origin. The drainage condition of the subsoil can modify the

characteristics of its mechanical behavior. Thus, the success in the use of soils as a construction material requires

a great number of laboratory tests, significant time, and adequate financial resources. These factors and low costs

associated with abundantly available soil deposits allow the designers to optimize the management of highway

construction projects. A rapid methodology for classifying tropical soils in accordance with the MCT (Miniature,

Compacted, Tropical classification) is described to fill the gap in geotechnical investigation of soils used for

road construction. This paper presents the MCT classification of tropical soils and practical examples of its use

on highway construction projects in the state of So Paulo in Brazil. Considerable time and cost savings are

achieved by implementing the rapid disk method of the MCT classification to characterize tropical soils.

KEY WORDS: Highway, construction, tropical soils, lateritic soils, classification, MCT, disk method, visual

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Soils of Tropical Regions

Soils that present abnormal properties as a result of the typical performance of geologic or pedologic processes

of humid tropical regions are called tropical soils. Tropical soils are subject to a variety of climatic conditions,

which warrant the need to appraise the genetic peculiarities of tropical soils. Two soils types are found in

tropical regions: lateritic soils and saprolitic soils.

Lateritic soils are found in upper layers, generally having red or yellow coloration due to the presence of

aluminum hydroxides and ferric hydrates, are homogeneous, and are more resistant to erosion. Thickness of the

upper layers are on the order of meters. This geologic process of disaggregation and decomposition is very slow

and mostly active in the upper layers, which are drained and situated well above the water level.

Saprolitic soils are formed due to decomposition of in situ rock underlying the lateritic soils and overlying the

fresh parent rock. The decomposed rock is heterogeneous and not resistant to erosion. Thickness of the saprolitic

layer is on the order of tens of meters. The saprolitic soil layer partially preserves some mineralogical and

structural characteristics of the parent rock. Many times its anisotropy is due to stratification of the parent rock.

Mica and kaolinite present in the silt soil fraction are responsible for the reduction of the plasticity index and

increased liquid limit. The presence of predominant colors like purple, violet, blue, and light green is another

peculiarity that allows the identification of saprolitic soil varieties.

The use of tropical lateritic soils as a construction material for highways allows for a cost reduction of over 50%

in costs associated with the subbase and base layers, or over 25% when the lateritic soil is treated with cement.

However, not all types of tropical soils are suitable for use as a subbase or stabilized base. There are only certain

types of lateritic soils having particular mechanical and hydraulic properties, which guarantee good performance

and long life. With increased costs due to the long transportation distances and continued reductions in available


exploration and borrow areas of materials, it has become more difficult to find new deposits and justify their

exploration. Associated with the difficulty in finding material deposits, there is an increase in testing costs,

which adds to the total cost and extends project time.

1.2 Classification of Tropical Soils The most widely used soil classification system in the study of road construction materials is the American

Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) classification [1]. It is based on a

classification system originally adopted by the United States Bureau of Public Roads in 1929, which rates soils

through gradation, liquid limit, and plasticity index properties [2].

The Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), originally developed by Arthur Casagrande in the 1940s and adapted by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), is more commonly used for geotechnical

investigations of soils [3], rather than for the testing of soils used in highway projects. These traditional soil

classification systems designed for cold and temperate climates show severe discrepancies in the expected

geotechnical behavior of tropical soils. For example genetically distinct lateritic and saprolitic soils may receive

the same classification but show different geotechnical behavior. A literature search of studies concerning soil

identification and limitations when applied to tropical soils indicates that the MCT methodology [4,5] is the most

appropriate test for classifying tropical soils.

Traditional soil classifications, when applied to soils of tropical countries such as Brazil show a number of

deviations with regard to the geotechnical performance of the tropical soil. Recognizing the difficulties and

shortcomings detected in applying traditional soil classification methods, Nogami and Villibor [4,5] developed

the MCT methodology of soil testing based mainly on mechanical and hydraulic properties of compacted

tropical soils. This methodology is based on several test procedures, which accurately reproduce conditions of

compacted tropical soil layers and their geotechnical characteristics that mirror the in situ behavior of tropical

soils. Some of the reasons cited by Nogami and his colleagues [4,5] to develop the MCT method were:

Limitations in traditional procedures to characterize and classify soils based on gradation and the Atterberg

limits of Liquid Limit (LL) and Plasticity Index (PI). These index properties are insufficient to distinguish

between the main types of tropical soils and their opposite features, such as lateritic and saprolitic soils, often

mistakenly called residual soils in other countries. Experimental findings show good performance for pavement bases made of fine-grained lateritic soils (sifting nearly completely through the 0.42 mm sieve). On

the other hand, traditional soil classification systems indicate that these soils are inappropriate for pavement

bases.

1.3 Objectives and Scope of the Study The primary objective of this study is to describe a rapid test method for classifying tropical soils based on the

MCT methodology. This method is implemented for geotechnical investigations of soils for highway projects in

the state of So Paulo in Brazil.

2. MCT METHODOLOGY

The MCT soil classification methodology uses small-sized (50-mm diameter) specimens compacted according to

the adaptation of the United Kingdom Transportation and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL) procedure

presented by Parsons [6], Parsons and Borden [7], and a new test called the mass lost by total immersion. This

classification does not use the gradation, the liquid limit, and plasticity index as in the case of the traditional soil

classification tests. This methodology includes the following two test groups: Mini CBR (California Bearing

Ratio) and associated properties and Mini MCV (Moisture Condition Value) and associated properties.

2.1 Mini CBR Test Procedure

In this procedure, similar to the CBR (California Bearing Ratio), but different because this test uses a small size

(50 mm diameter) sample obtained though a compactation procedure called the mini Proctor. The molds have a

diameter of 50 mm and a volume of 100 ml. The sample mass is 250g, and the maximum grain diameter is 2

mm. The diameter of the penetration piston (plunger) is 16 mm, while the loading machine has a capacity and


speed of 4.5 kN and 1.25 mm/min, respectively. There are two compactation rammers used for compaction: (a)

standard energy rammer weighing 2.27 kg, height of drop 305 mm, blows 10 total or 5 per side and (b) the

intermediate energy rammer weighing 4.5 kg, height of drop 305 mm, blows 12 total or 6 per side. Soaking time is 24 hours. If not soaked, expansion can be determined as in the CBR test. This test is used for pavement

design as well as for choosing the soil to use in top subgrade layers, subbase layers, base layers, and shoulders.

Through the mini CBR (shown in Table 1) and associated test properties one can obtain characteristics of soils

appropriate for pavement bases. Usually, following compaction of specimens, several properties are established

such as bearing ratio (Mini CBR), expansion, contraction, sorptivity, and permeability.

Table 1. Mini CBR test

APPARATUS CHARACTERISTICS APPLICATION

SOIL

Similar to CBR (California Bearing Ratio) using of small-sized (50-

mm diameter specimen), obtained through compaction procedure

called mini Proctor.

Molds: (50-mm diameter 100 ml volume of specimen) Samples: specimen weight 250 g; maximum diameter of grains 2 mm

Compaction: standard energy (rammer weight 2.27 kg; height of drop

305 mm; blows (total) 10 (5 each side)); intermediate energy rammer

weight 4.5 kg; height of drop 305 mm; blows (total) 12 (6 each side).

Soaking time: 24 hours or without immersion and determine

expansion similar to CBR test.

Penetration piston (plunger): mini (16 mm diam.).

Loading Machine: capacity 4.5 kN; speed 1.25 mm/min.

Used for design

of pavements and

selection of soils

in tropical regions

to use in subgrade

layers, subbase

layers, base layers

and shoulders.

2.2 Mini MCV Test Procedure

This test was developed by Nogami and Villibor in 1980 for tropicals soils and has been continually updated

since that time [4,5]. The mini MCV test uses a small diameter (50 mm) sample. The mass of each sample (for

establishing five points) is 200g and the maximum grain diameter is 2 mm. Each portion of the sample is

compacted in a miniature compaction apparatus, allowing the measurement of the height of the potion inside the

mold. The highest moisture content portion (moisture w1) is introduced it into the mold positioned in the way

illustrated, pressing its top with the appropriate cylinder, before introducing the rammer (2.27 kg with 305 mm

drop height).

The first drop is made and the height A1 of the specimen is measured. The second drop is made and the height

A2 is recorded. The test is continued making successive blows (while taking corresponding measurements of

height) in the following series: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, n, n + 1, 4n. Successive blows are stopped when the difference in height between successive measurements becomes less than 0.1 mm, or when water expulsion is

apparent on the top or bottom of the specimen, or the cumulative number of blows reaches 256. This procedure

is a part of the MCT classification method to determine the classification of the soil, either lateritic or non-

lateritic, and it is used to prepare samples for other tests of MCT methodology.

The mass-lost-by-immersion test (Pi) is shown in Table 3. After mini MCV compaction, the specimen is

partially extruded from the mold, so that a 10-mm long portion becomes salient. The mold and specimen are

positioned horizontally in a tank which is filled with water until the water level reaches at least 10 mm above the

mold. The behavior of the specimen is observed during the first few hours. At least 12 hours later the fallen part

is collected and its dry mass and the mass lost by total immersion are determined.

The mini MCV and associated tests (shown in Tables 2 and 3) provide parameters to determine the c and e coefficients which are used to rate tropical soils according to the MCT methodology, in addition to the determination of all other properties mentioned in the Mini CBR and associated test.


Table 2. Compaction test - Mini MCV

APPARATUS CHARACTERISTICS APPLICATION

MINI PROCTOR: Variable moisture condition and energy. The energy

corresponding Proctor energy.

MINI MCV: variable moisture condition and energy, moistened sample for

compaction is 200 g (mini) and 30 g (Sub mini).

The compaction procedure is similar to the one proposed by Parsons in 1976

[6] and Parsons and Borden in 1979 [7]. Each portion is compacted in a

miniature compaction apparatus, allowing the height of the sample inside the

mold to be measured. The highest moisture content portion (moisture w1) is

introduced it into the mold positioned as illustrated, pressing gently at its top

with the appropriate cylinder, before introducing the rammer.

After the first drop, the height A1 of the specimen is measured. Make the

second drop and record the height A2, and repeat for successive blows taking

measurements of height, following the series proposed by Parsons: 1, 2, 3, 4,

6, 8, 12, 16, n, n + 1, 4n. Stop to make a successive blow when the difference in height between successive measurements is less than 0.1 mm, or

when water expulsion is apparent at the top or bottom of the specimen, or the

number of blows reaches 256.

Sample

preparation for

tests using MCT

methodology.

This procedure is

a part of MCT

classification

method.

Obtained at

maximum density

for various

moisture contents

(variation in

compaction

energy).

Table 3. The mass-lost-by-immersion test (Pi)

APPARATUS PROCEDURE APPLICATION

After mini MCV compaction, the specimen is partially

extruded from the mold, so that a part 10 mm long

becomes salient.

The mold with specimen is positioned horizontally in a

tank, which is flooded until the water level is at least 10

mm above the mold.

The behavior of the specimen is observed during the

first few hours. At least 12 hours later the fallen part is

collected and its dry weight and mass lost by total

immersion is determined. [3,4,5]

A part of MCT

classification

methodology.

Determines the

behavior of the

soil: lateritic or

non-lateritic

Erosion

resistance.

The properties obtained through the mini CBR and associated tests are determined on specimens compacted at

constant energy, equivalent to normal and intermediate levels at several moisture contents. For the mini MCV

(shown in Table 2) and associated tests, with the exception of the mass-lost-by-immersion test (Table 3), soil

properties are obtained at maximum density for various moisture contents (reflecting variations in the

compaction energy). Nogami and Villibor [4,5] proposed the mini MCV test as a part of the MCT classification

method. The MCT methodology aims at grouping tropical soils according to their behavioral peculiarities from

the mechanical-hydraulic point of view. However, to identify these soil groups quickly in the field, the

methodology lacked a rapid consolidated procedure such as that developed by Casagrande for other soils [3].

Nogami and Cozzolino started the development of the disk method in 1985 [8]. Fortes in 1990 [9] and Fortes and Nogami in 1991 [10] submitted a proposal for a trial and identification procedure of MCT groups using

simple equipment to produce a number of quick and straightforward calculations based on empirical indices and

qualitative values. This procedure can be carried out in the field at a low cost and identifies lateritic and non-

lateritic behavior according to the MCT classification groups [9,10].

TEST

Mini ou MSubMini ou S

MOLD (mm)

RAMMERWEIGHT (g)

HEIGHTDROP

305 mm

200 mm

50

26

2270,4500

1000DIAL

RAMMER

MOLD

FEET OF RAMMER

SPECIMEN

BASE


ASSOCIATED TESTS

MINI CBR

EXPANSION, CONTRACTION, SORPTIVITY TEST,

PERMEABILITY

COMPACTION TEST

MINI PROCTOR

GROUP OF TESTS

MINI CBR AND

ASSOCIATED TESTS

THE MASS LOST BY

TOTAL IMMERSION

COMPACTION

TEST

MINI MCV

GROUP OF TESTS MINI MCV AND ASSOCIATED

TESTS

DYNAMIC

PENETROMETER

MINI CBR

CONVENTIONAL

MINI MCV

MOISTURE CONDITION

GROUP OF

TEST IN

SITU TESTS

MCT

METHODOLOGY

Figure 1. Test groups of the MCT methodology [14]

3. MCT CLASSIFICATION OF TROPICAL SOILS

3.1 Overview and Example Applications of MCT Classification The MCT methodology derives from the practice of using small specimens (50 mm in diameter) of compacted

tropical soils. Figure 1 shows a schematic of the MCT methodology as described by Villibor et al. [14]. The

MCT classification separates tropical soils into classes of: (1) lateritic behavior and (2) non-lateritic behavior.

The lateritic and saprolitic soils, according to the MCT classification, can belong to the following groups of

lateritic behavior, assigned by letter L, being subdivided in 3 groups: LA lateritic quartzous sand; LA - lateritic sandy, from arena; and LG lateritic clayey from argila. Non-lateritic behavior (saprolitic) soils, assigned by letter N, are subdivided in 4 groups: NA non-lateritic sand, silts and mixtures and silts with

predominance of quartz grain and/or mica; NA quartzous sandy with fine or non-lateritic behavior (alone arena); NS non lateritic silt, and NG non-lateritic clayey.

To classify lateritic and saprolitic soils through the MCT Methodology, the graph of Figure 2 is used. The

dashed line separates soils of lateritic behavior from the soils of non-lateritic behavior. The mechanical and

hydraulic behavior of the soil can be estimated using Table 4.

Nogami and Cozzolino [8] considered a quick procedure in view of the necessity of rapid tropical soil

identification in the field. Fortes [9] and Fortes and Nogami [10] presented a proposal for an easy procedure to

identify MCT groups that corresponded to a series of fast and simple determinations, based on empirical indices

and qualitative determination, using simple equipment in the field. This low-cost method differentiates between

soils of lateritic and non-lateritic behavior as MCT classifications.


Figure 2. Graph of MCT soil classifications [11]

Table 4. Properties and relative desirability in transportation applications based on MCT soil classification

groups [11]

(1) Specimens compacted near the maximum dry density and optimum moisture using standard compaction effort

3.2 Development of Rapid Disk Method

BEHAVIOR N = NON-LATERITIC L = LATERITIC

MCT GROUP NA NA NS NG LA LA LG PROPERTIES (1)

V = VERY HIGH

H = HIGH

M = MEDIUM

L = LOW

NOT SOAKED

MINI-CBR

SOAKED

M, H

M, H

H

M, H

M, H

L, M

H

L

H

H

V, H

H

H

H

EXPANSION L L H M, H L L L

SHRINKAGE L L, M M M, H L L, M M, H

PERMEABILITY (K) M, H L L, M L, M L, M L L

SORPTIVITY (s) H L, M H M, H L L L

RELATIVE

DESIRABILITY AS:

n = NOT SUITABLE

PAVEMENT BASE N 4th n n 2nd 1st 3rd

SELECT SUBGRADE 4th 5th n n 2nd 1st 3rd

COMPACTED SUBGRADE 4th 5th 7th 6th 2nd 1st 3rd

EMBANKMENT (CORE) 4th 5th 6th 7th 2nd 1st 3rd

EMBANKMENT (SHELL) N 3rd n n n 2nd 1st

EARTH ROAD SURFACING 5th 3rd n n 4th 1st 2nd

CLASSIFICATION

OBTAINED FROM

TRADITIONAL

INDEX

PROPERTIES

USCS/ASTM

SP

SM

SM

SC

ML

SM, CL

ML

MH

MH

CH

SP

SC

SC

MH

ML

CH

AASHTO

A-2 A-2

A-4

A-7

A-4

A-5

A-7

A-6

A-7-5

A-7-6

A-2

A-2

A-4

A-6

A-7-5

L = LATERITIC

N = NON-LATERITIC

A = SAND

A = SANDY

S = SILTY

G = CLAY

1.00

0.50

2.00

1.75

1.50

1.15

0.5 0.7 2.01.71.51.0 3.02.50.0

Coefficient c

Ind

ex

e

0.27 Coefficient c0.5 0.7

L = LATERITIC

N = NON-LATERITIC

A = SAND

A = SANDY

S = SILTY

G = CLAY

L = LATERITIC

N = NON-LATERITIC

A = SAND

A = SANDY

S = SILTY

G = CLAY

1.00

0.50

2.00

1.75

1.50

1.15

1.00

0.50

2.00

1.75

1.50

1.15

0.5 0.7 2.01.71.51.0 3.02.50.0

Coefficient c

0.5 0.7 2.01.71.51.0 3.02.50.0

Coefficient c

Ind

ex

e

0.27 Coefficient c0.5 0.70.27Coefficient c

0.5 0.7


Nogami and Villibor in 1994 and 1996 [11,12,13] and Villibor et al. in 2000 [14] presented simplifications to

identify MCT groups through a graph of the diametrical contraction (shrinkage) versus the penetration values.

The method is based on the fabrication of small disks of soil (20-mm diameter) that are molded in stainless steel

rings and dried. After drying, the diametrical contraction of the inserts cast in stainless steel rings is measured.

The inserts are then submitted to a sorptivity test, which makes it possible to see cracking, expansion activity,

and resistance to the penetration of a standard needle. A mini penetrometer is used to determine the shrinkage

and consistency after soaking dried specimens in water. In 1997, Fortes presented a proposal to standardize this

rapid disk procedure at the conference of the First Permanent Chamber of Occurred Technological Development

in the Presbyterian University Mackenzie [15].

The proposed disk method for rapid identification has been standardized by the Department of Transportation of

the State of So Paulo (DER-SP) in Brazil and has been successfully used in several recent highway projects.

The Cost-Effective Paving Program developed by NOVACAP (NOVA CAPITAL, the new capital city of the federal district in Brazil) has adopted this procedure during the feasibility study and executive planning stages as

a strategy to cut costs and provide alternative cost-effective paving solutions for the satellite cities in Brazil.

Currently the procedure is being used as a preliminary geotechnical investigation tool by DER-SP in a

construction project to double a 120 km extension of the Raposo Tavares highway SP 270, known as Assis-Prudente [16].

4. DISK METHOD FOR RAPID IDENTIFICATION OF TROPICAL SOILS

The detailed description of the inexpensive and simple disk method of rapid soil identification is presented. This

method was developed for highway applications using the MCT tropical soil classification methodology based

on a simple manual-visual examination.

4.1 Definitions and Conventions (a) Contraction (Ct) is the diametrical contraction of the disk or shrinkage, expressed in mm, with a

precision of 0.1 mm.

(b) Penetration is the measure of penetration of the point near the confined border and in the center using one standard mini penetrometer, expressed in mm, with a precision of 0.1 mm.

(c) Fissures appear on the top of the specimen after a 2-hour soaking of the specimen. (d) Expansion is the increase in the diameter of the test specimen measured after soaking.

4.2 Apparatus and Materials In addition to the usual soils laboratory equipment, the following devices are used for the accomplishment of this

quick test:

(1) Stainless steel rings with internal diameter of 20 0.05 mm, 5 mm high, and 3-mm wall thickness. (2) Porous stones having a thickness of 5 mm and permeability of about 10-2 cm/s, capable of maintaining a

negative pressure of 5 mm water column again its exterior surface as seen in Figure 3.

(3) Devices for measuring contraction with a precision of 0.1 mm. A magnifying lens is useful. (4) Flexible spatula with a blade about 80 x 20 mm. (5) A device to dry the specimens at a maximum temperature of approximately 60 C. (6) Sieves of 2.00 mm and 0.42 mm. (7) A scale graduated in millimeters. (8) A mini penetrometer with a uniform 1.3 mm diameter cylindrical shaped flat end having a total mass of

10 g. A universal penetrometer for asphalt penetration tests with the necessary adaptors can be used.

(9) Filter papers and a ground glass plate measuring about 100 x 100 x 4 mm. These are similar to those used for determination of traditional soil index values of Plastic Limit (PL) and PI. Figure 4 (a) shows

the equipment used.


Figure 3. Device for soaking specimen

4.3 Test Procedure (a) Calibration: The plate of porous rock must be clean, saturated, and level, with negative pressure applied as

described in item 4.2.

(b) Sample preparation: Dry the collected sample in air and crush the aggregates in a mortar with a rubber-covered pestle. Get at least 30 ml or 50 grams of the sample fraction that passes the 0.42 mm sieve.

Humidify the sample fraction that passes the 0.42 mm sieve in capsule stanches and leave it to rest for a

minimum of 8 hours.

(c) Test steps: (c.1) Mixing: Mix the sample thoroughly with a spatula over a glass plate, either adding water drops or

drying as required until its thickness is exactly 1 mm. This step is shown in Figure 4 (b). In non-lateritic

sands, silts, or clayey soils, thoroughly mixing 100 times with a spatula is enough. In clayey or sand

lateritic soils, the mixing may be very intense, requiring about 400 times with the spatula. After

completion of mixing, determine the consistency of the sample using a mini penetrometer.

(c.2) Molding and drying of the specimen: Get a small spheroid (diameter of about 10 mm) of the sample

that was previously mixed and reached the consistency of a 1-mm penetration. Put the spheroid inside

the ring, and press it with the thumb against a ring horizontally displayed on a Teflon sheet. In the case

of very sticky soils, use a horizontal flat surface covered with a thin PVC film or another material to

prevent adherence of the soil to the border of the ring. Cut the excess material using a wire trimmer.

While finishing the cutting operation, if you observe depression in any of its two faces then repeat the

operation until as much of the exterior face of the interior of the ring of soil is filled by the mixture, as

shown in Figure 4 (c). Hold the filled rings with an appropriate support to keep them in a vertical

position, and place them to dry at a maximum temperature of 60 C for at least 6 hours. They can be left

to dry in the surrounding air, but the drying time must be at least 12 hours.

(c.3) Shrinkage measurement: Cool the joint ring-specimens for about 15 minutes if they were dried in a

greenhouse. Place the specimens on a plain, horizontal surface. Measure the shrinkage (or diametrical

contraction) using the precision millimeter scale with the aid of a magnifying lens, repeating the

measurement at three different points on the disk at 120 angular displacements. See an illustration in

Figure 4 (d).

(c.4) Soaking and penetration measurement: Transfer the ring with the respective disk to a porous plate

saturated and covered by a paper filter. This is shown in Figure 4 (e). Let it rest about two hours. Mark

and note if the tablet shows fissures or expansion of its exterior surface. See examples in Figures 4 (f),

(g), (h), and (i). Measure the penetration of the disks using with a standard mini penetrometer, as shown

in Figures 4 (j) and (k). Leave the penetrometer tip on the surface of the central area of the disk or

separate blocks containing fissures, freeing it to penetrate in a vertical line, and allowing a free fall.

Conduct at least three tests for each disk.

Item Description

A1 Water

A2 Porous stone

A3 Filter paper

A4 Plate

A5 Rings - diameter of 20 mm, height of 5 mm

5 mm A1

A3 A5 A2

A4


Figure 4. Disk Method: (a) equipment, (b) thorough mixing with the spatula, (c) molding of the disks, (d)

measurement of the shrinkage, (e), (f), and (g) sorptivity, (h) and (i) expansion, (j) and (k) penetration

Figure 5. Chart for tropical soil classification by the disk method [13]

(a) (b) (c)

(d) (e) ( j )

(f) (g)

( h )

( i ) (k)

0.2 0.5 0.9 1.3 1.7

01

23

4

5

0.15 0.22 0.55 0.90 1.40

LA LA LA LG

LA

LA LG

NS NGNS / NANS NANA NS

NANA / NS NA / NS NG

(NGNS)

Diametrical Contraction or Shrinkage Measurement (mm)

Coefficient c

Pe

ne

trati

on

(m

m) NA

0.2 0.5 0.9 1.3 1.7

01

23

4

5

0.15 0.22 0.55 0.90 1.40

LA LA LA LG

LA

LA LG


NA / NS NA / NS NG

(NGNS)


Coefficient c

Pe

ne

trati

on

(m

m) NA

0.2 0.5 0.9 1.3 1.7

01

23

4

5

0.15 0.22 0.55 0.90 1.40

LA LA LA LG

LA

LA LG


NANA / NS NA / NS NG

(NGNS)


Coefficient c

Pe

ne

trati

on

(m

m) NA

0.2 0.5 0.9 1.3 1.7

01

23

4

5

0.15 0.22 0.55 0.90 1.40

LA LA LA LG

LA

LA LG


NA / NS NA / NS NG

(NGNS)


Coefficient c

Pe

ne

trati

on

(m

m) NA


4.4 Results a) Contraction (Ct) is the diametrical contraction of disk of soil (or shrinkage) after drying,

expressed in mm, with a precision of 0.1 mm.

b) Penetration is the measure for penetration of the point next to the confined border using the standard mini penetrometer, expressed in mm, with a precision of 0.1 mm.

c) The value of coefficient c can be read directly from the graph showing the disk method classification developed by Nogami and Villibor [13] and presented in Figure 5.

4.5 Soil Classification The measurements of the diametrical contraction or shrinkage and the penetration are used with the tropical soil

classification chart in Figure 5 to assign the tropical soil group letter according to the MCT methodology.

4.6 Complementary Determination The rapid disk test must be repeated when the values of penetration measured in the test specimen and the

sorptivity are close to or equal 2 mm. This implies that the results correspond to samples, which are close to the

line that separates lateritic soil groups (prefix L) from the non-lateritic soil groups (prefix N) in the MCT

classification graph. The rapid test must be repeated by applying pressure in the disk mold with the aid of a small

rigid plate and a piece of thick filter paper. The new measurements are adopted for the preliminary classification

of tropical soils.

5. COMPARISON OF RESULTS FROM THE RAPID DISK METHOD AND THE TRADITIONAL

MCT METHODOLOGY

Table 5 presents the results of 34 samples using the new rapid disk test method and the traditional MCT

methodology [16]. It is observed that the classification discrepancies are more representative for the sand soils,

which show non-lateritic behavior and similar properties. Most of the results are consistent considering that the

disk method is used for preliminary soil identification using the MCT classification.

Table 5. Correlation between traditional MCT classification and rapid disk method identification [16]

Sample

Traditional MCT

Classification

Rapid MCT Classification

by Disk Method

18 LA LA/LG

19 LG LG

20 LA LG

21 LG LG

22 LA/NA NA

23 LA NA/LA

24 NA NA

25 LG LG

26 LG LG

27 NA NA

28 LA LG

29 NA NA

30 NS/NA NA/NS

31 NA NA/NS

32 NS/NA NA/NS

33 NS NS/NA

34 NA/NS NA/NS

Sample Traditional MCT

Classification

Rapid MCT Classification

by Disk Method

01 LA'/LG' LA'

02 LA'/LG' LA'/LG'

03 LA'

LA'

LA'/LG'

LA'

LA'

LA'/LG'

04 LG' LA'

05 LG' LA'/LG'

06 LA' LA'

07 LG' LA'/LG'

08 LG' LA'/LG'

09 LA' LA/LA'

10 LA' LA/LA'

11 LA' LA'

12 LG' LG'

13 LA'/LG' LA'/LG'

14 LA'/LG' LA'/LG'

15 NS'

NA/NS'LA'/LG'

16 NA'/NG'LA'/LG' NG'

17 NA' NA/NS'LA'/LG'


6. THE BR-0295 HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

The Government of the State of So Paulo, desiring to improve the traffic and security conditions for the 20,000

km network of roads under its jurisdiction and consequently increase the efficiency of the production sectors and

reduce transport costs, planned a comprehensive program of maintenance for approximately 1,200 km of roads

under the jurisdiction of DER-SP [17]. The maintenance consists of the following phases: rehabilitation,

restoration, and reconstruction.

For the implementation of this program, the Government of the State of So Paulo requested financial support

from the Inter-American Bank of Development (BID). The expected total investment is US$ 240 million,

consisting of US$ 120 million financed by BID and US$ 120 million by the State treasury. The road

maintenance program, conceived with an integrated approach, involved the following topics:

a) Maintenance of the selected roads: rehabilitation, restoration, or reconstruction of the selected roads; implementation of pavement shoulders; construction of intersections; and restoration or reconstruction of

bridges and drainage structures.

b) Improvements in the condition of road safety: implementation of a third traffic lane of traffic; adjustments to road geometry; implementation of areas for bus stops, bike lanes, and central islands; and rehabilitation of

the horizontal and vertical alignments.

c) Rehabilitation of the corridor environment: involving slope stabilization; soil deposits; old areas of support to the workmanship (seedbeds, deposits, plant, etc.); replacement of the vegetation covering the degraded

areas; and rehabilitation of the areas where soil erosion occurred that posed risks to adjacent areas.

The first phase of this project had 23 lots with a total of about 1,200 km in the State of So Paulo, which were

approved in January of 2002 and 704 km of construction initiated in January of 2003. The second phase of the

program includes 465 km of roads divided into 15 lots, which were initiated in July of 2002 completed in July of

2003.

In the geotechnical investigation proposal presented in the Public Bid CO 010, studies of the soil deposits were

foreseen. These studies were intended so that the existing soil deposits could be used as a reinforcing subgrade

layer as well as for subbase and base layers, either stabilized with cement or used with no stabilization. Some

adjustments were made to the long phase 1 program, considering the distances between the roads and the

respective deposits of materials, locations of the test laboratories, the necessary time for the accomplishment of

the tests, and the financial constraints. The program adjustments were later standardized for the project for

doubling SP 270 in phase 2 of the same program.

Initially, the AASHTO soil classification was used in geotechnical studies. However, due to the peculiarities

described previously, the studies of the soil deposits were modified using the rapid MCT classification by the

disk method. In the field, the soils in areas with potential for use as a structural pavement layer, a sieve of 50-

mm mesh is used, and a test is made for each sample removed from one corner of the quadrilateral. Samples of

1 m x 1 m are collected in the field since the material does not have variations in the texture and color.

The rapid disk method is executed at about 40% of the cost of a complete traditional MCT classification

procedure. When the soil deposits are identified for potential use as materials of construction, more samples are

selected to conduct complete MCT classification tests.

By the end of the year 2003, tests will be completed for the first inter-laboratory program. Since 1995 the MCT

test has been added to the list of standard tests for inter-laboratory test programs developed in Brazil.


7. CONCLUDING REMARKS

This paper presents the MCT classification of tropical soils and practical examples of its use on highway

construction projects. These highway projects consist of over 1,200 km of rehabilitation/reconstruction and the

construction of a third highway lane in the state of So Paulo, Brazil. The use of the rapid MCT classification

test has been successful in the western region of the state of So Paulo where thick layers of lateritic soils are

found adjacent to non-lateritic soils, making it difficult to distinguish between the soils based on color and the

visual guidelines typically used for tropical soils.

For the study of soil material deposits, the rapid disk method of MCT classification offers lower costs and less

time than complete traditional MCT classification tests. It is essential to use a representative sample, since the

amount of soil necessary to perform the rapid MCT classification test is small. In case of doubt, one proceeds in

accordance with the complete traditional MCT methodology.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The authors thank Job Shuji Nogami of the Laboratory of Pavement Technology of

the Polytechnic School of the University of So Paulo (LTP-EPUSP) for his contributions to the disk method for

rapid MCT classification and to the standardization process. Thanks are also due to the staff of LENC -

Laboratrio de Engenharia e Consultoria S/C Ltda, particularly to the head of the laboratory, Bencio Bibiano

Bento for conducting the tests reported in this paper.

REFERENCES:

[1] AASHTO. Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing.

Part I, Specifications; Part II, Tests. American Association of State Highways and Transportation

Officials, Washington, D.C., 1978.

[2] Hogentogler, C.A. and K. Terzaghi. Interrelationship of Load, Road and Subgrade. Public Roads,

Volume10, Number 3, 1929.

[3] ASTM D2487 Standard: Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification

System). American Society for Testing and Material, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 04.08,

Soil and Rock, 1986.

[4] Nogami, J.S. and D.F. Villibor. Uma Nova Classificao para Finalidades Rodovirias, Proceedings

SIMP. BRAS. SOLOS TROPICAIS EM ENG., COPPE/ABMS, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, Rio de Janeiro, 1981,

pp.30-40.

[5] Nogami, J.S. and D.F. Villibor. Additional Considerations about a New Geotechnical Classification for

Tropical Soils. Proceedings, First International Conference on Geomechanics in Tropical Lateritic and

Saprolitic Soils, Braslia, Brasil, 1985, Volume 1, pp. 165-174.

[6] Parsons, A.W. The rapid measurement of the moisture condition of earthwork material. TRRL Report 750,

Crowthorne, U.K., 1976.

[7] Parsons, A.W. and J.B. Borden. The moisture condition test and its potential applications in earthworks.

TRRL Supplementary Report 522, Crowthorne, U.K., 1979.

[8] Nogami, J.S. and V.M.N. Cozzolino. A Identificao de Solos Tropicais: dificuldades e proposta de um

mtodo preliminar. Proceedings, Anais da 20 Reunio Anual de Pavimentao, Fortaleza, Cear, Brasil,

1985, Volume 2.

[9] Fortes, R.M. Mtodo Expedito de Identificao MCT de Solos Tropicais, para Finalidades Rodovirias,

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[12] Nogami, J.S. and D.F. Villibor. Identificao Expedita dos Grupos de Classificao MCT para Solos

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Engenharia. Proceedings, Anais do VIII Congresso da ABGE, Rio de Janeiro , Brasil, 1996, Volume 1,

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[14] Villibor, D.F., J.S. Nogami, M. Beligni, and J.R. Cincerre. Pavimentos com Solos Laterticos e Gesto de

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[15] Fortes, R.M. Mtodo das Pastilhas para Identificao Expedita do Grupo MCT Miniatura, Compactada, Tropical. 1 Cmara Permanente de Desenvolvimento Tecnolgico, Universidade Mackenzie, So Paulo,

SP, Brasil, 1997.

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de caso. 2 Simpsio sobre obras rodovirias RODO2002, Brasil.

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The Use of Mct Methodology for Rapid Classification of Tropical Soils in Brazil