MINIMIZING REFLECTIVE CRACKS IN SOIL-CEMENT PAVEMENTS: A STATUS REPORT OF LABORATORY STUDIES AND FIELD PRACTICES

Shrinkage is a natural characteristic of soil-cement. The cracks that develop are not the result of structural failure and from an engineering standpoint have not been a significant problem except in some very localized instances. This paper summarizes results of laboratory research performed by several investigators to determine why and how soil-cement cracks. Also discussed is experience with the conventional types of bituminous surfaces commonly used satisfactorily for various traffic conditions, as well as other surfacing practices used, particularly to reduce or retard reflective cracking. Laboratory research, field studies, and a drive-over inspection of several thousand miles of soil-cement show that the following procedures will minimize shrinkage of the base and reflective cracking: Use a granular soil with minimum clay content; during construction compact the mixture close to standard optimum moisture; use the highest penetration asphalt commensurate with adequate stability; and delay placement of the bituminous surface as long as practical. Other special treatments of the surfacing that have been helpful in further minimizing or delaying reflective cracks are the use of a bituminous surface treatment between the soil-cement base and the asphaltic concrete surface, upside-down design, and asphalt-ground rubber treatments.

• Record URL:
  http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/hrr/1973/442/442-003.pdf
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309021731
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of the paper sponsored by Committee on Soil-Portland Cement Stabilization. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Norling, L T
• Conference:
  • 52nd Annual Meeting of the Highway Research Board
  • Location: Washington District of Columbia, United States
  • Date: 1973-1-22 to 1973-1-26
• Publication Date: 1973

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 22-33
• Monograph Title: Soil stabilization
• Serial:
  • Highway Research Record
  • Issue Number: 442
  • Publisher: Highway Research Board

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bituminous materials; Compaction; Field studies; Fracture mechanics; Granular soils; Laboratory studies; Moisture content; Reflection cracking; Shrinkage; Soil cement; Surface treating
• Old TRIS Terms: Bituminous surfacing
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00159555
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309021731
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Sep 20 1977 12:00AM