Lime Utilization in the Laboratory, Field, and Design of Pavement Layers

The objective of this study was to review and report the best practices of using lime (i.e., granulated lime, hydrated lime, and slurry lime) to dry soil, in working tables, and in pavement applications. The project also reviewed and documented the incorporation of lime in pavement design in other States as well as test methods, field application, and evaluation techniques to assess the quality of field construction. Based on the results of the literature review and the survey questionnaire, it can be confidently stated that the overwhelming majority of laboratory and field studies involving lime-stabilization indicates that lime-stabilized subgrades perform better than non-stabilized subgrades, when due regard is given to materials design, structural design, durability, and construction. Enhanced performance is typically reported in terms of number of traffic loads to failure and strength properties of the subgrade soil and has been reported to be cost-effective. Furthermore, test results suggest that lime does not leach over time and remains in the subgrade after 5 to 11 years in service. With respect to consideration in the design, numerous States account for lime-stabilized subgrade in pavement design; yet, some States do not account for lime-stabilized subgrade in the design. For those States considering lime-stabilized subgrade in the design, a structural layer coefficient around 0.11 has been commonly used. Since Louisiana typically uses lime concurrently with cement for subgrade stabilization, it is reasonable to account for the stabilized layer in the design. Subgrade may be dealt with in the design as a subbase layer such that a layer coefficient can be assigned. Concurrent to the recently-added unconfined compressive strength (UCS) requirement, it is recommended to assign a layer coefficient of 0.05 in the design for lime and cement-stabilized subgrade. A concurrent study regarding an equivalent modulus for stabilized subgrade layers is also ongoing by the Louisiana Transportation Research Center.

• Record URL:
  http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/2017/FR_575.pdf
• 
• Summary URL:
  http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/2017/ts_575.pdf
• Corporate Authors:

  Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Baton Rouge, LA  United States  70803

  Louisiana Transportation Research Center

  Baton Rouge, LA  United States 

  Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

  1201 Capitol Access Road, P.O. Box 94245
  Baton Rouge, LA  United States  70804-9245

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Elseifi, Mostafa
  • Dhakal, Nirmal
• Publication Date: 2017-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 158p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Best practices; Calcium oxide; Evaluation and assessment; Literature reviews; Pavement design; Pavement layers; States; Subgrade (Pavements); Surveys; Test procedures
• Geographic Terms: Louisiana
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01626742
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/LA.16/575, LTRC project Number: 15-2GT, SIO #: DOTLT1000049
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 27 2017 9:26AM