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Origin and Formation of Sulfate in Soils from Three Ohio Counties

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Abstract

Sulfate induced heave has been attributed to ettringite, which can form when there is an elevated pH as well as sufficient amounts of aluminum, sulfate, calcium and water present. The primary objective of this project was to study the origin and formation of sulfate in Ohio soils in order to assist with selecting appropriate soil stabilization strategies for future roadway construction. Three roadway construction project areas were evaluated: State Route 2 in Lake (LAK) County, US Highway 24 in Paulding and Defiance Counties and Interstate-71 in Morrow (MRW) County. Defiance County had the most soil samples with sulfate concentrations above acceptable risk level (3000 mg/kg SO4). Morrow County had the next highest number of unacceptable sulfate levels. Of the 42 Lake County soils analyzed, 11 contained sulfate above acceptable risk level. The soils surrounding the road construction activities along State Route 2 and US-24 had similar geological characteristics. A potential source of sulfate in Paulding and Defiance Counties was attributed to the direct deposition of gypsum as a soil amendment for farmlands. The most likely sources of soil sulfate in Morrow County were deposition of gypsum for farmland activities and the oxidative weathering of pyrite.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325-3905, USA

    Kevin Freese, Ala R. Abbas & Teresa J. Cutright

  2. Department of Geosciences, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA

    Kenneth Jambor & John M. Senko

Authors
  1. Kevin Freese
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  2. Kenneth Jambor
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  3. Ala R. Abbas
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  4. John M. Senko
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  5. Teresa J. Cutright
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Correspondence to Teresa J. Cutright.

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Disclaimer: The contents of this paper reflect the views of the authors who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) or the Federal Highway Administration. This paper does not constitute a standard, specification or regulation.

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Freese, K., Jambor, K., Abbas, A.R. et al. Origin and Formation of Sulfate in Soils from Three Ohio Counties. Geotech Geol Eng 34, 1327–1343 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-016-0045-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-016-0045-3

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