The investigation of the use of coal mine refuse for embankment fill and subbase material in South Dakota

Central and western South Dakota is experiencing a shortage of conventional aggregates such as sand, gravel, and crushed rock. Investigations must be conducted to determine if the use of other material can assist in alleviating the shortage of conventional aggregates. 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.; A series of laboratory experiments were performed to determine if coal mine refuse from South Dakota can be used as subbase or embankment fill material in roadway construction. 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.