Tuesday, March 31, 2026 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM, JFK
Soil-cement continues to prove its versatility as a durable, cost-effective, and sustainable material for pavements, embankments, and erosion control structures. With advances in binder chemistry, construction equipment, and quality-control methods, new opportunities have emerged to improve its strength, resilience, and long-term performance. This session highlights recent developments in soil-cement research and practical applications—from laboratory testing with Type IL cement to field experiences and rehabilitation of large-scale structures after years of service.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Describe the mechanical and durability performance of soils stabilized with different cement types and blends;
(2) Explain practical considerations for soil-cement construction from a contractor’s perspective, including mix control and field challenges;
(3) Assess long-term performance and repair strategies for aging soil-cement structures;
(4) Recognize the sustainability advantages of using Type IL and blended cements in soil stabilization.
Advances in Soil Cement Research
Presented By: Ben Reese
Affiliation: Raba Kistner
Description: This presentation will share findings from recent laboratory and field studies comparing the performance of soils treated with lime, Type I-II cement, Type IL cement, and various blended combinations. Topics include unconfined compressive strength, moisture sensitivity, shrinkage behavior, and sulfate resistance. Attendees will gain insight into how new cement formulations and optimized mixtures are enhancing the performance, constructability, and sustainability of soil-cement across different soil classifications in Texas.
Soil-Cement Stabilization with Type IL Cement From a Contractor's Perspective
Presented By: Dane Redinger
Affiliation: Mt. Carmel Stabilization Group
Description: Drawing from hands-on field experience, this presentation will provide a contractor’s viewpoint on soil-cement projects incorporating Type IL cement. Discussion topics include material handling, mixing and moisture control, compaction, and curing practices that influence project success. Attendees will hear lessons learned from recent projects, as well as recommendations for adapting traditional stabilization methods to new blended cements while maintaining productivity, quality, and performance on site.
Repair Methods for Soil-Cement Reservoir after 15-years In-Service
Presented By: Katelyn O'Quinn
Affiliation: University of Texas
Description: Brock Reservoir is an all-gravity, off-stream storage reservoir constructed in 2010, located west of Yuma, Arizona in the desert southwest. The reservoir consists of an impermeable geomembrane with soil cement as a protective layer. This presentation discusses the design, construction, and outcome of repairs that were performed on the soil cement stair-step and plating layers to prevent further deterioration from thermal elongation and erosion by wave action of the layers beneath the soil cement.