Experimental Application of Cement-Stabilized Pavement Base with Low-Grade Metamorphic Rock Aggregates

Abstract

Low-grade metamorphic rock (LMR) is a kind of stone that is widely distributed in China. The alkali activity strictly prevents its application in conventional concrete. This paper evaluates the possibility of using LMR aggregate in cement-stabilized pavement base (CSPB). The compressive strength of CSPB prepared with LMR and limestone aggregates at various curing conditions was measured. Expansion rates were determined via accelerated simulation tests to assess the alkali reactivity of LMR, followed by microscopic analysis. Finally, the possibility of using LMR in CSPB was evaluated from the economic viewpoint. Results indicate that CSPB specimens prepared with LMR have similar compressive strength at each content of cement, regardless of curing conditions. The expansion rates of all CSPB specimens with LMR were lower than 0.1%, indicating the absence of an AAR, which was further validated by the absence of the AAR product in microscopic observations. It is inferred from the economic analysis that 70.9% lower cost can be achieved by the replacement of limestone aggregate with LMR aggregate. This demonstrates that technical, economic and environmental benefits endow LMR with wide market potential as the aggregate of CSPB.