Stabilize a racing surface
Stabilize a racing surface
(OP)
Problem: Bentonite (black) clay surface used for off-road remote control racing in S. Texas. The surface swells 15-18x when wet. As it dries, it cracks and tears itself apart creating "marbles" and dust making the surface un-usable (no traction, large chunks of clay upset vehicles).
Looking for a low-cost additive to stabilize or add some elasticity to the surface without making it too hard (it's dirt racing). I've tried gypsum, portland cement, and cooking oil patches and all erode after heavy rain.
Heard that silt might work, but unable to locate in San Antonio area. Others have suggested thin layer of top soil.
Looking for a low-cost additive to stabilize or add some elasticity to the surface without making it too hard (it's dirt racing). I've tried gypsum, portland cement, and cooking oil patches and all erode after heavy rain.
Heard that silt might work, but unable to locate in San Antonio area. Others have suggested thin layer of top soil.





RE: Stabilize a racing surface
Without really knowing your site, I don't think that there is a cheap or quick fix solution to your prolem. How thick is your bentonite strata? What lies below the bentonite strata? A possible excavate and replace with a low plastic or granular material may be one possible option, but sounds like it would be far too costly.
Think of your race track as sitting on bags of highly expansive bentonite. As long as the bags are sealed, no moisture in - no moisture out, nothing happens and everything functions fine. As soon as you open the bags, water can get in swelling the soil or vice versa, exposure to the sun draws the moisture out of the soil. This is your flux boundary. Control your flux boundary and you've solved your problem.
RE: Stabilize a racing surface
RE: Stabilize a racing surface
Where is the track?
Please see FAQ731-376 for great suggestions on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora. See FAQ158-922 for recommendations regarding the question, "How Do You Evaluate Fill Settlement Beneath Structures?"
RE: Stabilize a racing surface
Dirtguy, I thought about covering the track when not in use, but that presents a problem for racers and kids that drop by at odd hours for practice. I agree that if there were a way to encapsulate the benotonite we'd be on the right path. The challenge lies in the race vehicles. They are powerful little buggers and the tires displace (move) loose compounds quickly.
Focht3, I am definitely interested in any help we can get.
RE: Stabilize a racing surface
RE: Stabilize a racing surface
RE: Stabilize a racing surface
Please see FAQ731-376 for great suggestions on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora. See FAQ158-922 for recommendations regarding the question, "How Do You Evaluate Fill Settlement Beneath Structures?"