SALT DAMAGE TO ROADS WITH BASES OF CRUSHER-RAW WITWATERSRAND QUARTZITE

The phenomenon of salt damage and the mechanisms by which it occurs are described with particular reference to roads constructed with crusher-run bases of Witwatersrand quartzite. The most important factor affecting the occurrance of damage is identified as the accumulation of excessive salt in the upper base. This in turn is influenced by the overall salt content of the base and lower layers together with the degree to which it becomes concentrated in the upper base. Damage can be prevented by the limitation of the content of very soluble salt either testing or by the addition of high calcium lime. Damage can probably also be prevented as well as more saline material employed by rapid sealing of the base after compaction together with the use of a relatively impermeable surfacing. Permissible upper limits to both salt content and surfacing permeability are suggested. The repair of road surfacings damaged by salt blistering is briefly considered.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at the 2nd Conference on Asphalt Pavements for Southern Africa, Durhan, 29th July - 2nd August, 1974.
• Corporate Authors:

  National Institute for Road Research, South Africa

  P.O. Box 395
  Pretoria, Transvaal,   South Africa 
• Authors:
  • Netterberg, F
  • BLIGHT, G E
  • Theron, P F
  • Marais, G P
• Publication Date: 1974-2

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 20 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Base course (Pavements); Blistering; Calcium; Calcium oxide; Loss and damage; Moisture barriers; Permeability; Prevention; Quartzite; Repairing; Salts; Sealing (Technology); Soluble salts
• Uncontrolled Terms: Rapid methods
• Old TRIS Terms: Sealing
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00083144
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: RR 173 Conf Paper
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 26 1975 12:00AM