Effect of Matric Suction on Resilient Modulus for Compacted Recycled Base Course in Postcompaction State

The demand for recycled material as the unbound base course in roadway construction has increased in recent decades because of the excellent mechanical properties of the recycled base course and inherent life-cycle benefits. However, concerns have been expressed about postconstruction changes in the resilient modulus (Mr) caused by moisture variation. This study investigated the relationship of Mr to soil matric suction (ψ) at an in-service stress state for recycled asphalt pavement, recycled pavement material, and recycled concrete aggregate compared with crushed limestone as a conventional base course control. Resilient modulus tests were conducted in accordance with NCHRP Project 1-28A Procedure 1a. Equipment modifications allowed for an applied ψ ranging from 1.5 kPa to 65 kPa during testing. A proposed model incorporated parameters from the soil–water characteristic curve to predict a summary resilient modulus (SRM), that is, the in-service Mr at a representative field stress state. The SRM increased with increasing ψ for all compacted base courses studied. An SRM ratio, defined as the ratio of the SRM at a particular ψ to the as-compacted SRM at optimum water content, was empirically quantified. The modulus ratio increased linearly with logarithmic ψ for the studied recycled and natural aggregates. The findings indicate that the Mr–ψ relationship is highly relevant for predicting in-service performance of pavement layers.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.3141/2433-08
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309295215
• Authors:
  • Nokkaew, Kongrat
  • Tinjum, James M
  • Likos, William J
  • Edil, Tuncer B
• Publication Date: 2014

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 68–78
• Monograph Title: Geology and Properties of Earth Materials 2014
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
  • Issue Number: 2433
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Base course (Pavements); Life cycle analysis; Mechanical properties; Modulus of resilience; Moisture content; Recycled materials; Road construction; Soil water
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Pavements; I33: Other Materials used in Pavement Layers;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01514817
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780309295215
• Report/Paper Numbers: 14-4841
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 21 2014 3:16PM