Investigation of Various Pavement Repairs in Low-Volume Roads over Expansive Soil
This article has been corrected.
VIEW CORRECTIONPublication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 29, Issue 6
Abstract
Expansive soil is one of the most common causes of pavement distress. Expansive soils undergo changes in volume due to moisture fluctuations from seasonal variations. These changes are reflected in the stability and performance of pavement layers. The objective of this research is to evaluate existing repair projects on selected farm-to-market (FM) roadways. Those roadways experienced failures in the form of fatigue and rutting along the wheel path, and longitudinal (faulted) cracking, including edge cracking. Those failures are due to high-plasticity expansive soil and narrow pavement lanes. This research study implemented visual survey, field and laboratory testing, ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning, and structural design evaluations for three project sites to evaluate existing pavement treatment options. Using up to 14 years of performance records, this study suggested that geogrid reinforcement combined with lime-treatment is an effective repair at areas with low to moderate plasticity soil. Also, cement-treated base is found to be an effective treatment option in areas with high-plasticity expansive soil.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the TxDOT office of Research and Innovative for providing the financial support and technical guidance to complete this study. Special thanks go to Drs. Mijia Yang, Tom Freeman, and Mien Jao for their contribution to the research study.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 29 • Issue 6 • December 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 9, 2013
Accepted: May 1, 2014
Published online: Sep 16, 2014
Discussion open until: Feb 16, 2015
Published in print: Dec 1, 2015
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