Using Tuff and Limestone Sand to Minimize Water Consumption of Pavement Construction in Arid Regions

Abstract

Soil compaction is a significant parameter for road construction projects. Since materials and soil compaction play important roles in the stability and durability of roads. This study focuses on the importance of the problems related to water resources in arid regions, considering both the economy and the population in these areas. For this reason, the local materials in Bechar (Algeria) were used to enhance the road construction process. Hence, using the combination of tuff and limestone sand (LS) materials to minimize the amount of water for the road construction compaction is investigated. Different combinations, including 100% tuff, 80% tuff and 20% limestone sand, 70% tuff and 30% limestone sand, and 60% tuff and 40% limestone sand, were evaluated with the Proctor and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests. The test results showed that using 60% tuff and 40% limestone sand resulted in the minimum water content of 10.5% compared to other combinations of tuff and limestone sand of this study, and it will be beneficial in arid regions where there is a water shortage. Three different percentages of lime (1%,2%, and 3%) were also added to the optimum mixture. However, the results showed that adding this material has no significant mechanical effects.

Keywords

• road construction
• compaction methods
• tuff and limestone sand
• arid regions
• water conservation