A review on soil stabilisation of unsealed road pavements from an Australian perspective

Abstract

Unsealed roads are the backbone for many countries’ growth and development. Given low traffic volumes, economic considerations cannot justify higher class paved roads, as a result, are prone to distress. Research studies have shown that the targeted application of additives and specific techniques to unsealed pavements can improve its engineering and geotechnical properties. This paper covers a comprehensive up to date literature review of various techniques for improving unsealed road durability. The literature is categorised based on non-chemical and chemical additive techniques. These techniques are reviewed and discussed to provide a critical overview of the stabilisation mechanisms, properties, performance, durability, and suitability in unsealed roads. This review highlights the shift towards sustainable stabilisation without considerable impact to current unsealed pavement practices, but at the effect of a sound understanding of stabilisation approaches and longterm performance data. The review captures the current state-of-knowledge in the field of unsealed road pavements.