A REVIEW AND EXPERIMENTATION OF GRAVEL STABILIZATION METHODS. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Most of the aggregate found in northern Maine is of inferior quality. When used as base material, it breaks down under construction traffic and may continue to break down under repeated traffic loading. This layer has decreased bearing capacity and increased frost susceptibility which leads to rutting and cracking of the pavement surface. Stabilization is a promising way to allow use of this low quality aggregate as base material. The performance of several existing stabilization projects in Maine were evaluated. The base beneath four projects located in northern Maine was examined to determine the extent and possible causes of the aggregate degradation problem. Small scale stabilization tests were conducted to evaluate the applicability of several stabilization methods in stabilizing the poor quality northern Maine aggregate. The laboratory strength and durability tests conducted on stabilized specimens indicated that soil-cement, emulsified asphalt, and calcium chloride may be able to stabilize the northern Maine base material. Soil-cement, emulsified asphalt, and calcium chloride are recommended for a field stabilization trial.

• Corporate Authors:

  Maine Department of Transportation

  Technical Services Division, 16 State House Station
  Augusta, ME  United States  04333

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Nunan, T A
  • Humphrey, D H
• Publication Date: 1990-7

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 59 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aggregates; Base course (Pavements); Calcium chloride; Deterioration; Durability; Emulsified asphalt; Gravel; Laboratory tests; Performance evaluations; Soil cement; Soil stabilization; Strength of materials
• Uncontrolled Terms: Aggregate degradation; Stabilization
• Old TRIS Terms: Calcium chloride stabilization
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00496775
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA ME-90-2
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 31 1991 12:00AM