Optimisation of Weak Soil Stabilisation with a Hydraulic Binder for Road Construction Subgrade

Abstract

One of the methods of strengthening the subgrade under the road pavement construction is its stabilization with a hydraulic binder. The technology of stabilization with binders is well known in the road engineering, however, it is still beneficial in terms of economical and organisational aspects while considering methods for improvement of the load-bearing capacity of the subsoil. The advantages of this technology are, among others, the possibility of using materials both from recycling and local materials, resulting in the possibility of waste production limitation by the use of weak material (soil) in place. The article presents a case study and the results of research obtained during the process of optimizing the thickness stabilized with a hydraulic binder. Comparative tests were carried out to reveal that non-chemical soil enhancement with the use of aggregate is as important as chemical one with the binder in terms of the quality of the final subgrade for road construction. The results were afterwards confirmed in field with use of heavy machines and full-scale soil stabilisation, leading to economic and environmental benefits.

Keywords

• subgrade strengthening
• soil enhancement
• cement stabilisation
• road pavement construction