From Ash to Action: Student-Led Sustainable Trail Resurfacing Using Mt. Mazama Volcanic Ash

Abstract

First-year engineering students from a variety of disciplines participated in a research project to improve the firmness and stability of a local trail using ash from the Mt. Mazama volcanic eruption. Previous work had shown success in applying a Mazama Ash treatment to small test patches, so this work aimed to implement the surface treatment at a larger scale. The project, which was the basis for an Introduction to Engineering course, was divided into several tasks which were assigned to small student teams. Team responsibilities included laboratory testing of mix designs, raw material handling and processing, applicator prototype design and construction, educational community outreach, and others. The course was structured such that individual teams had the opportunity to develop and execute their own research plan with aid from faculty and graduate student mentors. Students were also provided access to key community members with insight to local trail needs. The project culminated with a volunteer workday in which students from across the campus community gathered to implement the new surface treatment, spending one day resurfacing approximately 0.2 miles of the Geo Trail adjacent to the Oregon Tech Klamath Falls campus. First-year students developed technical and professional skills through involvement in a real-world project, but there were challenges in managing a project of this magnitude. Students continue to be involved in furthering understanding of the performance of the trail surface post-implementation. The project demonstrates the potential for sustainable trail resurfacing using local materials as well as the value of student involvement in real-world engineering projects.