The Use of Surface Treatments for the Prevention of Soil Compaction During Site Construction    (View PDF)

John M. Lichter and Patricia A. Lindsey

Abstract: Urban soils are commonly compacted during site construction, leading to alterations in soil structure that are detrimental to plant health. In a study of California residential developments, construction processes and their associated impacts were found to vary among developments. On massgraded sites, characterized by grading and compaction of the entire construction site with equipment specifically designed forthat purpose, bulk density analysis revealed that compaction is uniformly severe. On selectively graded sites compaction was caused mainly by general construction equipment, vehicles and storage of construction materials. Bulk densities of undisturbed (fenced) areas were significantly lowerthan disturbed areas on these selectively graded sites. On these sites, several techniques can be used for the prevention of soil compaction, including the use of surface treatments. The effectiveness of plywood, mulch, and gravel as surface protective treatments was evaluated on a study site utilizing a front-end loader to simulate construction impacts. While plywood did not reduce compaction, bulk densities under mulch and gravel treatments were significantly lower than the unprotected control. When used in combination with other techniques, some surface treatments are useful tools for reducing soil compaction during site construction.

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https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1994.037