Optimization of rheological properties of granular sub-base using cement stabilization

Abstract

Pavement performance is associated with the characteristics of soil subgrade and underlying layers. The poor soil subgrade and subbase can deteriorate the overlying upper pavement layers. The weak layers can be improved by stabilization to get the optimum performance of the pavement. The study stabilized base and subbase soils using Ordinary Portland Cement 43 (OPC 43). With the variation of cement from 1.5% to 7%, stabilized samples were treated to have the highest moisture content and dry density possible. An optimization model has been developed for compressive strength using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The results obtained from the model satisfy the real-life field conditions. The outcomes suggest that the cement-stabilized gravels meet the compressive strength criteria specified by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) specifications for rural roads in India.