Results from a Forensic Investigation of a Failed Cement Treated Base
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 22, Issue 3
Abstract
After only 2 months in service, the frontage road of US 290 developed a series of depressions that caused a very poor ride. The main cause of the premature failure was attributed to disintegration of the cement treated base (CTB) layer. This was attributed to two primary factors: (1) a very coarse gradation of the aggregate used in the CTB layer which produced a mix that was prone to segregation during placement; and (2) the CTB layer was placed in two lifts, which were not well bonded together. Another contributing factor was the lack of bond between the CTB and the hot mix asphalt (HMA) surface layer. Secondary factors include high air voids in the HMA layer and low HMA layer thickness. The material, when prepared carefully in the lab at the design cement content, passed the strength requirement of . But this coarse mix appears to have been difficult to place correctly in the field. The coarsely graded aggregate used on this project appears to be prone to segregation, either during placement or compaction. The ground penetration radar results (with confirmation by core samples) indicated that most of the problems were at the bottom of the upper CTB lift. The CTB was placed in two lifts and very poor condition was found between the two CTB layers. This problem was coupled with a thin, porous, and poorly bonded HMA layer that permitted moisture to enter the CTB layer. Similar failures have also been reported recently on other CTB projects in Houston.
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Disclaimer
The contents of this paper reflect the views of the writers, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Texas Department of Transportation.
Acknowledgments
The writers would like to thank Mike Murphy, Richard Izzo, Gisel Carrasco, Mark McDaniel, Caroline Herrera, Magdy Mikhail, Joe Leidy, Paul Rollins, Jim Parrish, and Cy Helms of TxDOT for their assistance in the field testing, data analysis, and recommendations. Much Appreciation is extended to Stacy Hilbrich from Texas Transportation Institute for providing testing of cement treated base materials. The field testing was coordinated by Bobby Clayton of the Houston District.
References
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Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: May 1, 2007
Accepted: Sep 18, 2007
Published online: Jun 1, 2008
Published in print: Jun 2008
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