Texas, district Investigation of performance of heavily stabilized bases in Houston

In situ strengths and performance of heavily stabilized bases in Houston, Texas, are evaluated. The falling weight deflectometer was used to evaluate in situ moduli. All sections had similar stabilizer contents (5 to 6 percent) and similar thicknesses (approximately 300 mm). The aim of the study was to (a) evaluate performance in flexible pavement systems and (b) if necessary, alter mix designs. Although similar designs were used in the pavements evaluated, the performance of the sections was dictated by the amount of shrinkage cracking that occurred. In fact, it appeared that the performance was inversely related to layer strength and stiffness. It was found that the cracking was largely influenced by the aggregate type used. In terms of structural strength, all sections were adequate. Recommendations include (a) limit the amount of stabilizer based on shrinkage criteria and (b) use a stress multiplication factor of 2 to account for cracking to predict the tensile stress under load.

Investigation of performance of heavily stabilized bases in Houston, Texas, district Academic Article