Soil Stabilization in
Williamsburg, VA
Style 2044
CASE HISTORY NO. 3
Undertaking a Formidable Task:
Development of a new highway presents
many challenges: A variety of soils are en-
countered, which, in most cases, will not ham-
per the project, but occasionally, the soil does
not lend itself to compaction. This was the
scenario faced by Jack L. Massie Contrac-
tor, Inc. while developing Route 199, a project
in Williamsburg, VA.
Route 199 was slated to form a beltway
around the city. With the eastern section com-
pleted, Massie’s crews began work on the
western boundaries. The soil problems were
discovered along a two-mile stretch near
Montcello Avenue. The soil, clay based,
sandy, silty, and very reactive to water, was
hardly ideal for the road’s subgrade compac-
tion. Massie elected to use a premium wo-
ven geotextile—Amoco 2044, manufactured
by Amoco Fabrics and Fibers Company—
over undercutting the entire path, a time con-
suming process, with no guarantee how deep
of a cut would be required before suitable soil
was found.
Virginia Tech Research:
Amoco 2044 is designed to combine the high
strength and modulus geogrids, which mini-
mize aggregate fill depth requirements. Sepa-
ration and drainage properties eliminate over-
excavation and costly undercutting. Virginia
Tech conducted research tests on Amoco
2044, finding substantially improved perfor-
mance of flexible pavements: the service life
This project first appeared in the May 12, 1997 issue of Construction Magazine.
©Copyright 1998 Amoco Fabrics and Fibers Company
of test sections built over moderate to soft
soils with a CBR between 2 and 4.5 percent
was doubled in some cases tripled. Through
their separation function, geotextiles preserve
the strength and original design thickness of
the aggregate.
Systematic and Economic Results:
The use of 2044 eliminated dirt removal that
undercutting required, thus avoiding traffic
problems the existing two-lane road pre-
sented for the Route 199 project. Massie’s
experience had shown Amoco 2044 stabilized
quicker than conventional undercut dirt used
for subsoil compaction The fabric created a
bridge from the bad soil to the good soil; not
to mention the environmental protection 2044
provides, which is a necessity to the environ-
mentally conscious Williamsburg.
Once the site was prepared, the project took
on the characteristics of any other highway
job, including plans for three box culverts and
four stormwater management basins.
Amoco Fabrics and Fibers Company
260 The Bluffs
Austell, GA 30168
770-944-4569 800-445-7732
770-944-4584 - fax
email address: geotextiles@bp.com
http://www.geotextile.com
Part of the BP Amoco Group