Pavement Subgrade Stabilization with Lime and Cellular Confinement System

Abstract

In this study effectiveness of lime stabilization and geocell reinforcement techniques of roads was investigated for low bearing capacity subgrades. For this purpose, a large-scale plate load test was designed and used. Clayey soil with high moisture content was reinforced with different percentages of hydrated lime (5%, 10%, 15% dry weight of the soil). The deflection and stress results indicated that lime stabilization or geocell reinforcement alone did not significantly increase subgrade reaction coefficient and bearing capacity values. Promising results were obtained on stabilization of weak subgrade when both techniques were used together. It was determined that cellular reinforcement increased the reaction modulus coefficient value and bearing capacity of the subgrade soil by more than 15% compared to the lime stabilization.

Keywords

• bearing capacity
• geocell reinforcement
• high water content
• lime stabilization
• pavement
• subgrade