Road Construction Materials Research Articles

Evaluation of soft computing techniques for predicting Marshall Stability of waste plastic-reinforced asphalt concrete

ABSTRACT Pavement engineering has long prioritized enhancing the quality and durability of asphalt concrete, a foundational material in road construction. This study employs advanced soft computing techniques to predict the Marshall Stability (MS) of asphalt concrete reinforced with waste plastic. Techniques such as Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest (RF), Random Tree (RT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Bagging RT are utilized. Evaluation of model effectiveness is conducted using seven statistical metrics: coefficient of correlation (CC), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), relative absolute error (RAE), root relative squared error (RRSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), scatter index (SI), and comprehensive measure (COM). Among the applied models, the Bagging RT model emerges as the top performer, exhibiting superior performance across multiple metrics. Specifically, the Bagging RT model achieves impressive CC values of 0.921 and 0.834, indicating strong correlations between predicted and actual MS values. Additionally, it demonstrates low error metrics, with RMSE values of 1.632 and 2.869, and MAE values of 1.207 and 2.081, respectively. A sensitivity analysis conducted for the Bagging RT-based model underscores the significant influence of aggregate size on MS prediction, highlighting the model’s capability to elucidate critical factors shaping material stability.

Enhancing asphalt mixture performance through waste plastic modification: a comprehensive analysis of optimal compositions and volumetric properties

ABSTRACT This study explores the innovative use of waste plastic, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as additives in VG30-grade bitumen for road construction. The research focuses on precise proportions of plastics to achieve optimal performance, utilizing a meticulous methodology involving laboratory tests, particularly the Marshall Stability (MS) test. The investigation reveals that a 3.0 % waste plastic content, specifically with 100% PET, and 5.5 % bitumen content results in the highest MS, demonstrating a 73.07 % improvement over the control mix. Additionally, the study examines the nuanced relationships between waste plastic incorporation, bitumen content, and volumetric properties such as air voids, bitumen volume, voids in mineral aggregate, and asphalt-filled voids. The findings emphasize the importance of carefully balancing these factors to achieve the desired properties in the modified asphalt mix. Notably, the 5.5 % bitumen composition consistently demonstrates superior performance across various parameters. The research contributes valuable insights into the potential enhancements brought about by waste plastic additives, particularly 100 % PET, in asphalt mixtures. The identified optimal compositions enable the development of sustainable and high-performance asphalt materials for road construction, meeting the demand for eco-friendly solutions in infrastructure development.

Фиброцементогрунт в устройстве дорожных одежд лесовозных автомобильных дорог

The most important factor in increasing the efficiency of the development of forest tracts is the development and improvement of the transport and operational condition of the network of logging roads. Inert road construction materials, such as sand, crushed stone, crushed stone-sand mixture or gravel-sand mixture, are traditionally used for the construction of pavements for logging roads. However, in the areas with a shortage of these materials, the cost of road construction increases significantly. An alternative technology that can significantly reduce or completely eliminate the use of inert road construction materials is the stabilization of local soils for the construction of pavement structural layers. The soil stabilization technology consists in mixing them with binders and compacting them at the optimal moisture content of the mixture. In doing so, the resulting material acquires the desired strength and frost resistance. The most effective and common binder for soil stabilization is Portland cement. However, along with high strength properties and frost resistance, cement soils, due to their crystalline structure, have low crack resistance, which worsens transport and operational performance and shortens the service life of road pavements. One of the rational solutions for increasing the security of soil stabilization for the construction of road pavements is the installation of fiber cement soil layers. The object of this research is fiber cement soil for the construction of structural layers of road pavements for logging roads. The aim is to improve the physical and mechanical properties and frost resistance of soils stabilized with Portland cement with the addition of the material based on basalt fiber. Laboratory tests of compressive and tensile strength during splitting, as well as frost resistance of fiber cement soils of various compositions were carried out in accordance with GOST R 70452–2022. According to the data obtained, fiber cement soil has higher strength and frost resistance compared to cement soil. The fibers distributed throughout the cement-soil matrix effectively perceive external loads, providing high physical and mechanical indicators, and therefore crack and frost resistance of the material. The use of fiber cement soil for the construction of pavements for logging roads will increase the durability and reliability of their operation, as well as reduce the costs of construction and operation of road transport infrastructure of forest tracts.

Analysis of asphalt microscopic and force curves under water-temperature coupling with AFM

Asphalt, as a crucial material in road construction, is affected by external environmental factors, among which water and temperature are the primary causes of water damage to asphalt pavements. Different hydro-thermal environments can cause varying types of damage to asphalt or the asphalt-aggregate interface. To analyze the micro-performance changes of different types of asphalt under various hydro-thermal environments, this study conducts tests onPG64–22 matrix asphalt, PG76–22 SBS-modified asphalt and PG82–34 high viscosity asphalt under different hydro-thermal coupling and freeze-thaw cycle conditions using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The analysis is based on the obtained micro-morphology images and mechanical properties, exploring the impact mechanisms of different hydro-thermal environments on various asphalts. Results show that under different hydro-thermal conditions, the three asphalts exhibit different morphological changes: the asphalt surface's “bee-shaped structure” is gradually destroyed after hydro-thermal coupling, while a “disappearance-reappearance” phenomenon is observed under freeze-thaw cycles. Moreover, the roughness of the two modified asphalts shows a different trend from that of the matrix asphalt, indicating that the modifier alters the micro-structure of asphalt to some extent. Under hydro-thermal coupling, the adhesion force of the three asphalts decreases linearly, with matrix asphalt decreasing by 89.2% after 3 hours, SBS modified asphalt by 63.1%, and high-viscosity asphalt by 23.9%, showing that high-viscosity asphalt has better waterproof and heat-resistant performance. During freeze-thaw cycles, the adhesion force between the asphalt and the tip shows varying degrees of recovery. Additionally, there are differences in adhesion force across different areas of the asphalt surface, which tend to diminish with hydro-thermal coupling or freeze-thaw cycles. These results indicate that hydro-thermal coupling and freeze-thaw cycles have different mechanisms of damage to the internal structure of asphalt, providing important data for understanding the damage mechanisms in depth.

Freeze-Thaw Damage Characterization of Cement-Stabilized Crushed Stone Base with Skeleton Dense Gradation.

The skeleton dense graded cement-stabilized crushed stone base is a widely used material for road construction. However, this material is susceptible to freeze-thaw damage, which can lead to degradation and failure, for which there is still a lack of an in-depth understanding of the freeze-thaw damage characteristics. This study aims to assess the mechanical performance and the freeze-thaw damage characteristics of the cement-stabilized crushed stone base with skeleton dense gradation based on a mechanical test and acoustic technology in a laboratory. There is a gradually increasing trend in the mass loss rate of the base material with an increase in freeze-thaw cycles. The curve steepens significantly after 15 cycles, following a parabola-fitting pattern relationship. The compressive strength of the cement-stabilized crushed stone base also decreased with a parabola-fitting pattern, and the decrease rate may accelerate as the freeze-thaw cycles increase. The resilience modulus of the base material decreased with increasing freeze-thaw cycles, following a parabolic trend. This suggests that the material's resistance to freeze-thaw damage decreases with increasing cycles. The ultrasonic wave velocity decreased with increasing freeze-thaw cycles, exhibiting a parabolic trend. This decline can be attributed to microcracks and defects developing within the material, offering insights for monitoring and predicting its service life. The damage progression of the cement-stabilized crushed stone base was found to occur in three stages: initial, stationary, and failure. The duration of stage I increased with freeze-thaw cycles, while the duration of stage III decreased. The findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms and processes of freeze-thaw damage in a cement-stabilized crushed stone base with skeleton dense gradation.

FTIR spectroscopy analysis assessment of reclaimed asphalt at asphalt mixing plants to optimize the recycling

Reclaimed asphalt pavements (RA) usually are fully recyclable in new asphalt mixtures. The properties of the individually aged and possibly modified bitumen in the RA will affect the mix design of the new asphalt mixture. Furthermore, the RA may contain hazardous PAH-contamination resulting from coal tar, which was applied in German road pavements up to the 1980′s. For identifying substances that impair or influence reusability of the RA the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) method was modified. Within a total measuring time of approx. 20 min, the binder contained in a sample of granulated road construction material can be recovered by means of a rapid extraction and measured by FTIR-ATR. By evaluating the measured absorption spectra, samples which have to be considered as PAH-contaminated (with PAH contents ≥ 25 mg/kg) could be distinguished from non-contaminated reclaimed asphalt. Furthermore, the presence of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modification as well as viscosity-changing organic additives could be identified.

Research on the preparation and self-healing performance of microwave-induced functional steel slag asphalt mixture

This study explores the potential applications of steel slag and tire pyrolysis oil (TPO) in creating self-healing road construction materials, aiming to address environmental concerns related to industrial waste and to extend the service life of roadways. A novel functional steel slag asphalt mixture was developed, utilizing steel slag as the aggregate and TPO as a healing agent. This agent permeates the pores of the steel slag, with microwave induction facilitating its controlled release. The research embarked on identifying the optimal process for preparing the functional steel slag aggregate through orthogonal experiments. It puts forward the optimum parameters of microwave induction based on the results of the low-temperature bending beam test and evaluates the effectiveness of the microwave-induced asphalt mixture’s self-healing. The study revealed that the recommended process for preparing functional steel slag aggregates is vacuuming the steel slag submerged in TPO for 30 minutes, followed by a soaking period of 10 minutes under standard atmospheric pressure, and concluding with a 48-hour standing period after removal from the TPO. Under this process, the absorption rate of TPO by steel slag reaches its maximum. Employing the Marshall test design method, the optimal asphalt-aggregate ratio was determined to be 5.15%. Significantly, the microwave heating rate of the functional steel slag asphalt mixture was found to be 3.25 times that of a conventional limestone asphalt mixture. The recommended microwave induction parameters were established at 700 W of power for a duration of 80 seconds. Initially, the crack healing rate reached 64.6%, which decreased to 47.6% after five microwave cycles. Remarkably, the healing rate of the functional steel slag asphalt mixture outperformed that of the ordinary steel slag asphalt mixture without TPO by 69.5% after the same number of cycles. These findings offer valuable contributions to the development of self-healing road construction materials, presenting a promising path for enhancing the durability of road infrastructures while addressing environmental challenges posed by industrial waste.

Analyzing the Mechanical and Durability Characteristics of Steel Slag-Infused Asphalt Concrete in Roadway Construction

Steel slag is a solid byproduct of the steelmaking process, widely generated in the metallurgical industry. Due to its alkaline nature and excellent adhesive properties with asphalt, it represents a potential road construction material with outstanding road performance, making it well-suited for utilization in highway construction. This paper conducts a systematic analysis of the physical and chemical properties of steel slag, specifically South Steel Electric Furnace slag, and compares it with natural basalt and limestone aggregates. The aim is to establish a foundation for the application of steel slag in asphalt mixtures. Building upon this foundation, we carry out proportioning design for AC-13C and SMA-13 steel slag asphalt mixtures, followed by a comprehensive study of their high-temperature stability, low-temperature stability, water stability, and fatigue performance. Our research reveals variations in the chemical composition of different steel slags, with CaO, SiO2, and Fe2O3 being the primary components. The content of harmful elements varies depending on the steelmaking raw materials and additives used. Notably, the optimum asphalt-to-aggregate ratios for AC-13C and SMA-13 significantly surpass the specified requirements. The freeze–thaw splitting strength ratio and residual stability of steel slag AC-13C and SMA-13 asphalt mixtures exceed the specified requirements, with AC-13C demonstrating the highest water stability, boasting a freeze–thaw splitting strength ratio of 94.07%, and a residual stability of 93.8%. In terms of fatigue characteristics, SMA-13 exhibits a longer fatigue life than AC-13C, indicating superior fatigue performance for steel slag SMA-13. Steel slag enhances the abrasion resistance and rutting resistance of asphalt pavement surface layers, fully meeting the performance requirements for high-grade road surface layers.

Effect of Industrial Solid Waste as Fillers on the Rheology and Surface Free Energy of Asphalt Mastic.

The continuous growth of industrial solid waste production has generated many environmental problems. We evaluated the potential of industrial solid waste as a substitute filler in asphalt mastic, with the aim of increasing the use of sustainable road construction materials. In this study, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the oxide composition and micromorphology of limestone (LS), red mud (RM), steel slag (SS), and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS). Four asphalt mastics containing LS, RM, SS, and GGBFS with a filler-to-binder weight ratio of one were prepared. An evaluation of the rheology and wetting of the solid-waste-filler asphalt mastic was conducted using a frequency sweep, temperature sweep, linear amplitude sweep (LAS), multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR), and surface free energy (SFE) methods. The results showed that SS increased the complex modulus, elastic component of the asphalt mastic and decreased the nonrecoverable creep compliance at stress levels of 0.1 and 3.2 kPa, which improved the rutting resistance of the asphalt mastic and reduced deformation under high-temperature conditions. The RM and GGBFS increased the fatigue performance of the asphalt mastic under strain loading, enhanced its fatigue life, and maintained good performance under long-term loading. The dispersive component of the SFE parameter of the solid-waste-filler asphalt mastic was larger than the polar component for the largest share of the surface energy composition. The SFE of the asphalt mastic prepared from the industrial solid-waste filler was reduced; however, the difference was insignificant compared to the limestone asphalt mastic. Solid-waste-filler asphalt mastic has performance characteristics, and its actual application can be based on different performance characteristics to select an appropriate solid-waste filler. The results of this study provide new technological solutions for solving the utilization rate of solid waste materials and sustainable road construction in the future.

Investigation of Mechanical and Shrinkage Performance for Large-Size Cement-Stabilized Aggregates.

Cement-stabilized macadam materials are widely utilized as semi-rigid base materials in road construction. However, conventional cement-stabilized macadam (CCSM) bases often develop shrinkage cracks during early construction and maintenance due to variations in humidity and temperature. Shrinkage cracks can subsequently result in reflective cracks in the asphalt pavement, significantly reducing the overall service life of the road. This study systematically evaluates the shrinkage and mechanical properties of large-size cement-stabilized macadam (LSCSM). Initially, the mix proportion for LSCSM is determined using the Bailey method. Subsequently, an experimental design based on the response surface method is implemented to comprehensively investigate various properties, including unconfined compressive strength, compressive rebound modulus, flexural strength, and the durability aspects of early drying shrinkage and temperature shrinkage through laboratory experiments. Further, the performance differences between CCSM and LSCSM are analyzed comparatively. The findings reveal that the compressive strength of LSCSM surpasses that of CCSM, albeit with comparatively lower compressive rebound modulus and flexural strength. LSCSM demonstrates a unique blend of characteristics, exhibiting traits of both semi-rigid and flexible materials. Furthermore, LSCSM exhibits favorable crack resistance properties, as evidenced by lower dry shrinkage strain, average dry and temperature shrinkage coefficient compared to CCSM. The proposed LSCSM in this study effectively reduces cement dosage and enhances the crack resistance performance of base materials.

Geopolymerisation and micro-pore assessment of soft soil used as flexible pavement material in road construction

In this study, inexpensive dual precursors namely rice husk ash (RHA) and quarry dust (QD) were mixed with an alkali solution (NaOH solution) in different mix proportions. Next, the effect of the dual precursors-alkali solutions (geopolymers) on the strength parameters of the different soil-geopolymer mixes subjected to various curing days were assessed. The result obtained from the assessment showed that the dual precursors-alkali solutions improved the strength properties of all the different soil-geopolymer mixes. The optimum soil-geopolymer mix proportion that resulted in the best improvement of the expansive subgrade soil properties was observed at a combination of 15%RHA+15%QD+3M NaOH. Furthermore, micro-pore analyses (porosity and pore size distribution), which were implemented with scanning electron micrographs and an image segmentation technique, local adaptive thresholding algorithm, showed progressive reduction in the porosity of the natural expansive subgrade soil and that of the optimal soil-geopolymer mix proportion cured for 7 and 28 days.

ANALYSIS OF THE EXPERIENCE OF USING ASH SLAG MATERIALS OF THERMAL POWER PLANTS IN ROAD MATERIALS MADE BY COLD RECYCLING TECHNOLOGY

Summary. This scientific text examines the analysis of domestic and world experience of using ash slag materials of thermal power plants in road materials produced by cold recycling technology. Coal is the most important primary source of energy in Ukraine. In 2019, its share accounted for 28.9% of all energy resources. There are 15 coal-fired power plants in Ukraine, the total capacity of which is 30-40% of the total installed power generation capacity in the country. As a result of the operation of thermal power plants (TPP), a significant amount of large-tonnage waste - ash and slag materials (ZShM) is generated. 360 million tons of ash slag are accumulated in TPP ash dumps. About 5-10 million tons of ash and slag are produced annually. Therefore, there is a question of reducing waste materials as materials for road construction. In Ukraine, the main method of using fly ash materials is their use in the production of cement. But at the current level of cement production, the potential of using slag in this industry has been exhausted. Therefore, the question of using ash slag materials in other industries arises. As an option, it is the use of ZSHM in road construction. Key words: road, road clothing, ash and slag materials, hydroremoval ash, takeaway ash, recycling.

The effect of paving block from plastic waste material in the urban drainage: Study case in residential areas

Large expanses of green, open land are frequently converted as a result of population growth and quick development. This phenomenon causes the decreasing of water infiltration area which has an impact on increasing runoff coefficient. In the urban drainage problem, paving blocks are often used as road pavement construction materials to reduce surface runoff. The aim of this research is to study the characteristic of flow in the paving block made from plastic waste material. The research conducted in the laboratory testing utilizing a rainfall simulator by several variations in slope of 0% to 15%. The findings indicate that paving blocks made from plastic waste have less runoff coefficient than asphalt and/or concrete pavement. There is a correlation between the slope of the land and the runoff coefficient value which the runoff coefficient value increasing as the slope of the land increases. That finding is then applied in urban drainage problem located in the Cipamokolan Village region in Bandung City with the help of SWMM program for drainage calculation. As a result, the runoff discharge is decreasing by implementing the paving block made from plastic waste.

A Green Infrastructure SDGS Num 11: Approach Planning Design Model Reliability of Permeability and Concrete Quality Rural Roads P3MD Program in Wonogiri

Design planning permeability and quality of rural concrete road construction work in the Program Pembangunan dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Desa (P3MD) of the Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration in Wonogiri, which is environmentally friendly in accordance with the sustainable development goals of SDGs Number.11 Villages "Sustainable Cities and Community", is the urgency of global action to reduce the impact of climate change and overcome challenges in developing a village road infrastructure model that is sustainable and leads to Green Infrastructure. Testing the permeability of village road construction materials using a rational classification method based on the Unified Soil Classification System, ASTM and International Nomenclature Darcy’s Law by calculating the input discharge of rainwater seeping into the soil through the pores of road construction using a rational method, testing the compressive strength of concrete roads using Rebound Hammer / Concrete Hammer Test method, SNI Standard 03-4430-1997. The results of the input volume of rainwater seeping into the ground through the pores (run off) of rural roads construction in Wonogiri one year is 724,866 m3. The average compressive strength of concrete roads from the hammer test results for concrete road test is 290 kg/cm2> K-225 kg/cm2, than the desired construction, namely; standard deviation; (S=1.75), coefficient of variation (Kv= 7.35%), indicating that the data taken has a sufficient level of accuracy, while the uniform data is quite representative of the road section studied.

Feasibility and environmental assessment of reusing aluminum tailing slurry in Asphalt

The massive piling of aluminum tailings waste has led to serious resource wastage and environmental pollution problems. Previous research has mainly focused on the exploitation of aluminum tailings residues (red mud), with little attention paid to the aluminum tailings slurry (ATS) discharged from the washing process. For surveying the feasibility of using ATS as a modifier of asphalt binder, a series of tests and analyses on ATS powder and ATS-modified asphalt have been performed in this study. The results demonstrate that ATS is alkaline and has a coarse surface and fine particle sizes, which make it miscible with asphalt. The ATS-based modification of asphalt is dominated by physical mixing and melting, accompanied by a slight chemical reaction. ATS modifies the microstructure of asphalt, leading to a reduction in the size and quantity of its “bee” structures, which may reduce the self-healing ability of the asphalt to some extent. With the increment in the dosage of ATS, the thermal stability of asphalt is enhanced. When the ATS dosage exceeds 9%, the storage stability of asphalt decreases significantly. Further, the complex modulus (G*), rutting factor (G*/sinδ), and recovery rate (R) increase, whereas the phase angle (δ) and nonrecoverable compliance (Jnr) decreases, which indicates that ATS improves the resistance of the asphalt to deformation and elasticity. Furthermore, ATS does not pose any risk of pollution if it is used as the material for road construction on a large scale and provides considerable economic benefits. Therefore, ATS has a wide prospect of being used as a road asphalt modifier from the perspectives of its performance, environmentally-friendly nature, and economical cost.

Road slag asphalt concrete

Asphalt and concrete road surfaces are an essential part of the infrastructure of transport systems, and in recent years slag road asphalt has gained popularity as an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative. Slag asphalt, produced by incorporating slag, a by-product of industrial steel production, into asphalt concrete mixes, is the subject of this review article. The article presents a review of researches papers on the use of slag road asphalt. This article reviews the composition, production and physical and mechanical characteristics of slag asphalt concrete. Particular attention is paid to studies of the effect of slag on the strength, fracture resistance and deformation of the material. The authors provide an overview of the various methods of modifying slag asphalt to improve its performance and durability of road surfaces. The article also highlights the environmental importance of slag asphalt, generalized its ability to reduce the use of natural resources and reduce waste from the steel industry. The overall analysis of these articles suggests the potential of using slag road asphalt concrete as an effective and environmentally sustainable material in road construction. However, further research and practical tests are needed to confirm its applicability in different climatic and road conditions. The final part of the article discusses the significance of slag asphalt concrete in the context of sustainable road construction. The potential of slag asphalt to save costs in the construction and maintenance of road infrastructure, as well as to improve its durability and sustainability, is emphasized. In conclusion, the article provides a generalised overview of slag asphalt concrete, its advantages and promising applications in road construction.

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS ANTI-STRIPPING AGENTS ON THE WATER STABILITY OF ASPHALT CONCRETE

Asphalt concrete, being a pivotal material in road construction, has its water stability intricately tied to the road's service life and safety. In engineering practice, an ASA is commonly employed to enhance the water stability of asphalt concrete. This investigation aims to scrutinize the impact of various ASAs on the water stability of asphalt concrete by selecting three frequently used ones. The investigation is conducted through the Marshall water immersion test. Experimental outcomes indicate that cement, AASA, and NASA effectively bolster the water stability of asphalt concrete, with NASA demonstrating the most superior performance.

Bulk utilization of steel slag–fly ash composite: a sustainable alternative for use as road construction materials

Bulk utilization of steel slag–fly ash composite: a sustainable alternative for use as road construction materials

Red mud as a sustainable road construction material: An experimental investigation

In response to the pressing need for environmentally responsible waste management, this research delves into the potential applications of bauxite residue, commonly called red mud, a by-product of the Bayer process employed in aluminum extraction, within concrete-based applications. This study explores the viability of utilizing red mud to prepare construction materials for highway infrastructure. Characterization of the red mud unveiled that it poses no hazardous concerns, establishing its safety for further application. The experimental phase of the research involved the development of six distinct concrete mixtures, including a control mixture with varying proportions of red mud. Notably, including red mud, they had no adverse impact on the fresh concrete properties, with all values well within acceptable ranges. Furthermore, comprehensive microstructural analyses and leaching tests confirmed that concrete incorporating red mud adheres to safety and toxicity standards, assuaging environmental concerns. Regarding mechanical properties, laboratory tests showcased significant improvements, including a notable 14.01% increase in compressive strength, a robust 6.74% boost in flexural strength, and a 7.58% enhancement in split tensile strength following a 28-day curing period. The culmination of these findings underscores the feasibility of integrating red mud as a partial substitute for cement, up to 15%, in the construction of rigid pavement for highway applications. This approach tackles sustainable waste management and fosters eco-friendly construction materials, especially for highway projects.

Quantification of Earth Material for Sustainable Road Works in Southeast Nigeria

This paper examines the use of earth materials in sustainable road construction in South East, Nigeria. The study aims to determine factors associated with the use of earth materials, identify limiting factors, and examine strategies to improve their use. The study population comprised 60 engineers and craftsmen using local materials. The results show limitations in the use of earth materials in sustainable road works. The study recommends contracting firms to develop better storage facilities for earth materials to prevent damage and wastage. It also suggests incorporating earth materials into construction education curriculums to sensitize students to their potential benefits. The government should adopt a policy of adapting earth materials that require minimal capital and foreign exchange and utilizing available raw materials and skills in small-scale operations. The study's findings highlight the importance of sustainable road construction in Nigeria's socio-economic growth.