IN-SITU THERMAL STABILIZATION OF ROAD AND AIRFIELD FOUNDATION SOILS USING PLASMA ARC TECHNOLOGY

This paper discusses in-situ thermal stabilization of road and airfield foundation soils using plasma arc technology. Plasma arc technology can create a plasma using almost any type of gas and in a wide range of pressures. In the experiments discussed herein, air was used as the fuel since it is inexpensive and readily abundant. Contents of this paper include: experimental test program, potential road and airfield applications, cost effectiveness, and conclusions.