A FIELD STUDY ON THE TECHNIQUES OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN DESERT AREAS

This article describes a study of methods of stabilizing the sand in desert areas in India. Methods which make use of synthetic resins or bituminous materials were ruled out, because of their high cost. Laboratory trails were carried out with mixtures of sand and bentonite (which occurs in Western Rajasthan), which showed that 5 to 7.5 per cent of bentonite improved both the CBR value and unconfined compressive strength. Details are given of field experiments in which bentonite/sand mixtures were used as sub-bases and base courses. These trails also included the compaction of sandy sub-grades by watering and rolling. The results of these experiments are discussed. It concluded that a sand/bentonite layer can not only serve as a firm sub-base but, because it has a much higher CBR than the sand alone in the dry season (when failure occurs) is also recommended as a base course material in desert areas. Recommended specifications for pavements in desert areas are given. It is also concluded that compaction by watering and rolling can reduce the settlement of soiling stone subgrade.

• Corporate Authors:

  Indian Roads Congress

  Jamnagar House, Shahjahan Road
  New Delhi,   India  110 011
• Authors:
  • Bindra, S R
  • BHASIN, N K
• Publication Date: 1973-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 22-29
• Serial:
  • Transport Communications Monthly Review
  • Issue Number: 257

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Base course (Pavements); Bents; Compaction; Field tests; Modal split; Motor vehicles; Ownership; Research projects; Rolling; Sand; Ships; Soil stabilization; Subbase (Pavements)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Subbase; Use
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• Old TRIS Terms: Sand stabilization
• ITRD Terms: 8005: Asia; 4186: Bentonite; 3087: California bearing ratio; 3686: Compaction; 5532: Compression; 2502: Desert; 2778: Experimental road; 8045: India; 3665: Road construction; 2961: Roadbase; 4105: Sand; 3689: Soil stabilization; 5544: Strength (mater); 2950: Subgrade
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Marine Transportation; Pavements; Research; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00265237
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 27 1975 12:00AM