Comparison of In-Situ Resilient Moduli of Aggregate Base Courses With and Without Low Percentages of Lime Stabilization

Abstract

Six pavement sections were tested using a falling weight deflectometer (FWD). The six pavement sections were all in the Phoenix, AZ area. All six pavements have the same pavement structural cross-section: 3 to 4 in. (76.200–101.60 mm) of hot mix asphalt concrete surface supported by 10 to 13 in. (254.00–330.20 mm) of aggregate base course and underlain by a granular subgrade. Three of the six pavements possess aggregate base courses which have been stabilized with 1 % hydrated lime. The other three pavements incorporate the same aggregate base course but without lime stabilization. Resilient moduli of all pavement layers were back-calculated based on the FWD data. The moduli of all pavement layers are analyzed statistically. The addition of the same percentage of lime is shown to make a substantial difference in the stiffness of the layers and the structural contribution of the base layer to the pavement system. The effect of the stabilization with small percentages of lime on pavement performance and pavement life is discussed.