Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2005
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Abstract
Some regions of the United States are experiencing a lack in quantity of conventional aggregates such as sand, gravel, and crushed rock. Central and western South Dakota is one of these regions experiencing a shortage of conventional aggregates. Investigations must be conducted to determine if the use of other material can assist in alleviating the shortage of conventional aggregates. Coal mining was once very prevalent throughout western South Dakota. Historically when coal mining operations ceased in a particular location, the waste material that resulted from the mining operations was left in piles as there were no requirements to reclaim the land. The coal mine refuse piles lay idle throughout western South Dakota and it would be advantageous to find a practical use for the coal mine waste. The shortage of conventional aggregates may be alleviated with the use of coal mine refuse as an engineering material and may provide alternate sources of aggregate. The scope of this project was to determine if coal mine refuse from South Dakota can be used as subbase or embankment fill material in the construction of roadways. This investigation consisted of performing laboratory tests to determine the index and engineering properties of coal mine refuse from South Dakota. A series of laboratory experiments were performed based on the engineering requirements of embankment and roadway design. Conclusions were formulated and recommendations were provided based on the results of the laboratory tests. The final recommendation resulting from this research is that South Dakota coal mine refuse can be used as an embankment fill material and shall not be used for subbase applications.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Coal mine waste -- South Dakota
Roads -- South Dakota -- Embankments -- Design and construction
Embankments -- South Dakota -- Design and construction
Waste products as road materials -- South Dakota
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
147
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Uckert, Richard S., "The Investigation of the Use of Coal Mine Refuse for Embankment Fill and Subbase Material in South Dakota" (2005). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1213.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1213