Design of Sustainable High-Volume Pavements Using Controlled Low-Strength Material from Native Soil

Abstract

Long-term performance and durability of a pavement structure built on expansive soils are mainly dependent on the effective stabilization of the subgrade and the compaction techniques adopted during construction. Recent studies proved that the self-compacting, controlled low-strength materials acted as an effective bedding material for pipelines. A major portion of highways and low-volume traffic intersections are underlain by pipelines and other culvert structures. In this research study, an attempt was made to investigate the effectiveness of controlled low-strength material (CLSM) as a pavement subgrade material. For this study, CLSM mix designs were investigated by using native high-plasticity soil and Type 1 portland cement. From these mix designs, two high-performing mixes were selected on the basis of their setting time, flowability, and density. A series of resilient modulus tests and durability tests was conducted on the samples cast in the laboratory. Alternate wetting–drying cycles were conducted on laboratory cast specimens to address the long-term stability of the proposed mixtures. These test results were analyzed. A sustainable mix design is recommended for the design of high-traffic pavement roads. It was observed that Mix Design 2, with 10% cement, showed significant improvement in terms of strength and durability and thereby showed promise as a subgrade material for high-volume roads.