Geotechnical Properties of Stabilized Dredged Material from New York-New Jersey Harbor

• Published in: Transportation research record Vol. 1874; no. 1; pp. 86 - 96
• Main Authors: Maher, A., Bennert, T., Jafari, F., Douglas, W. S., Gucunski, N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 2004
• ISSN: 0361-1981; 2169-4052
• DOI: 10.3141/1874-10

As a result of the ban on the disposal of contaminated dredged sediments in the New York Bight, the states of New York and New Jersey have embarked on a rigorous program of seeking environmentally friendly solutions to handling dredged material, including beneficial use of stabilized dredged material (SDM) in roadway applications. A pilot study was initiated in 1998 to construct two embankments on a site in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where SDM was successfully used as a cover for more than 100 acres of commercial development area. The pilot study included a laboratory phase for geotechnical evaluation of SDM and a field phase for monitoring and evaluating the construction process as well as the performance of the fills after construction. The results of the laboratory phase indicate that SDM satisfies most geotechnical criteria for fill construction—except those for durability—requiring proper coverage and protection similar to those provided for fills constructed on cohesive soils.