Pavement Subgrade Stabilization Using Polymers: Characterization and Performance
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 25, Issue 4
Abstract
This paper reports a laboratory investigation aimed at evaluating the potential of polymer binders to stabilize pavement subgrades in Qatar. The conclusions regarding the impact of the polymer stabilizers are based on comparisons with selected physical, chemical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of natural Qatari subgrade soil and soils stabilized with the traditional standard, portland cement (PC). The results demonstrate that the polymer binders modify the Qatari subgrade soils resulting in more favorable engineering properties: for example, the compressive strengths of the polymer-stabilized soils are superior to those of the unstabilized soils and those stabilized using PC. The mechanical properties of the stabilized and unstabilized soils were incorporated in the analysis of asphalt pavement sections using the state-of-the-art protocol for pavement design and analysis. Results of the analysis further demonstrated the benefits of using stabilized subgrade soils in improving pavement performance. Of particular practical importance is that polymer subgrade stabilization significantly reduces subgrade rutting. Consequently, polymer subgrade stabilization is a key consideration for perpetual pavements, especially considering the extremely high truck traffic in Qatar. Although the work reported in this paper was carried out with Qatari soil, the results are expected to be relevant to other types of soil and weather conditions experienced throughout the Middle East and in similar climates throughout the world.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the financial and technical support of the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) for this study. The authors would like to particularly thank Mr. Paul Field (QSTP), Mr. Bo Heiden (QSTP), Ms. Nadiya Farah (QSTP), Mr. Nelson Antonio (TAMUQ), Mr. Omar Abdallah (TAMUQ), Mr. Ahmed Ghamrawy (TAMUQ), and Dr. Chayanant Hongfa (TAMUQ) for their support while carrying out this study. We would also like to thank Mr. Jonathan Howson of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, for his assistance with the ME-PDG analysis of asphalt pavements.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 25 • Issue 4 • April 2013
Pages: 472 - 483
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 16, 2011
Accepted: Jun 7, 2012
Published online: Aug 25, 2012
Published in print: Apr 1, 2013
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