Bottom ash stabilized with cement and para rubber latex for road base applications

Abstract

This study investigated the use of bottom ash mixed with Portland cement and para rubber latex as an alternative material for road work. Two bottom ash sizes viz., (1) passed number 4 sieve, and (2) passed a 3/8 in. sieve were tested. The bottom ash (BA) was mixed with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% para rubber latex (PRL). The unconfined compressive strength (UCS), skid resistance, and wet and dry durability tests were carried out. The results showed that the optimum mixes for light and heavy traffic were BA to OPC ratios of 95:5 and 93:7, respectively, at 6% PRL content. The skid resistance values showed that the BA–OPC–PRL mixtures had low slipping risk and achieved the suggested minimum value for safe road surface. The weight losses determined by the wet and dry durability test also satisfied the criteria set for road sub-base and base materials.

Keywords

• BA–OPC mixture
• Para rubber latex
• Unconfined compressive strength
• Skid resistance value
• Durability