Racetrack problems

[robbia]

I could really use you guys help (please).

I operate a Radio Control (RC) dirt racetrack in San Antonio and am experiencing a lot of problems with dust and moisture retention.

My goal is to provide a smooth "blue groove" surface with a lot of traction for the RC vehicles without having to water constantly. South Texas has been extremely hot, with very little rain and the track dries out way to quickly to make constant watering during a race event feasible.

We use a surface layer of 2"-3" of top soil from a streambed (approx. 30-40% clay) that contains a lot of silt and the dust is a major problem. Under the surface layer, I have a 6"-8" strata of black clay that contains a high concentrate of what I believe is bentonite. I've been mixing flake calcium chloride onto the surface and watering it in. It's helped a lot, but does not seem to do what I need by itself.

I've been considering other additives and I'm open to any suggestions that will help stabilize the track and control the dust.

Here's a like to what the track looks like:

http://lstvideos.com//images/try5_Custom.jpg

Thanks, and any help is appreciated.

Robbie

 

[GeoPaveTraffic]

You may want to try one of the comercial dust control agents, google just that for more than you will want to look at. I have not tried any of them, but you should be able to find something that works. Alternately, you could apply used motor oil to the surface. I know it may not be the best answer enviomentally, but it will work and you may not need but a very small amount. You could always put it in a very small area and see what the effect is.

 

[eric1037]

If you can get it, sugar beet extract is used in some areas. Not sure if its available in Texas. The commercial product is called Molex, I believe.