Rational Design of Lime-Stabilized Laterite Roads

In the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, where, due to lack of well processed aggregates, the main highway material is laterite soils, there has been virtually no shift from the empirical and semiempirical approach towards rational pavement design method. This may be due to the fact that there is no accumulation of knowledge on the resilient properties of laterite soils. A research program has been in progress at the Department of Civil Engineering, Leeds University to investigate the resilient properties of raw and stabilized laterite. The results obtained from one of the studies has been used in a rational design of lime-stabilized laterite for low cost roads. Using limiting stresses and strains associated with cracking, pavement thicknesses have been recommended. The recommended thicknesses compare favorably with existing design recommendations.