The use of fibers in cement stabilized base course of pavement

Abstract

Nowadays, various materials are being analyzed as a possible component of pavement structure with the goal of using sustainable building materials and protecting the environment. Waste and recycled materials are added to pavement layers in order to improve it. Also, the possibility of using natural, renewable materials by incorporating them into existing standard materials is been examined. Cement-stabilized base course increases load-carrying capacity of the pavement but is prone to cracking which causes reflection cracks in an asphalt surface. Reinforcement of cement-stabilized base course can be achieved by the addition of fibers. Fibers added to the cement stabilization tend to prevent or delay the crack initiation and propagation by redistributing the resulting stresses. Considering the research conducted to-date and the need to use sustainable materials in combination with cement stabilization, some attempts are being made to achieve improvements of this pavement layer. Natural fibers are locally available, economical, renewable and degradable, and can be used as reinforcement. In the Mediterranean area, a possible source of cellulose fibers is found in the wild plant named Spanish Broom (Spartium junceum L). This paper offers an overview of research studies about fiber reinforcement of cement-stabilized base course. It also presents current research on Spanish Broom fibers in cement composites, as well as possible ways of obtaining and treating fibers. Based on the results of this research, a method for obtaining the fibers can be selected which might improve the mechanical properties of cement-stabilized course.