Evaluation of In Situ Characterization Techniques for Pavement Applications of Portland Cement-Stabilized Soil

Abstract

Abstract Evaluation of the structural capacity of in-service pavements with a cement-stabilized soil layer provides a unique challenge. Properties required to assess the structural capacity include strength and stiffness of the material. Traditionally these parameters are determined from laboratory testing of samples obtained in situ. Obtaining, transporting, and testing material samples are expensive procedures often not possible due to the low strength of some stabilized blends. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center investigated the potential of implementing a series of portable tools to rapidly obtain these parameters in the field. Field tests were performed at three sites, and samples were recovered and subjected to laboratory testing. Regression analyses were used to determine the existence of linear relationships between the results of the laboratory and field testing. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the validity of applying select relationships from literature and those developed in this study. The development of a reliable evaluation procedure was hindered by the inherent variability of stabilized materials. However, the devices investigated in this study should be considered for quality control testing on new construction with portland cement-stabilized soil.