The performance of stabilised roadbases in Malta

Abstract

The purpose of this study is primarily to assess the performance of stabilised road bases in Malta using the testing mechanisms available. In the course of the study various aspects of pavement stabilisation were considered. One of these aspects was the construction process that took place at a local pavement construction site involving stabilisation with soil cement. Another branch of the study will discuss the increase in compressive strength when increasing the cement content in soil cement specimens. Four mixes are presented together with the subsequent results. Abundant field testing was carried out on subgrade and subbase layers during this pavement analysis exercise. This was done using the Plate Bearing test equipment. The results permitted the monitoring of different material layer response and the way they behaved under static loading. Finally the Benkelman Beam Test was used to assess the deflection of the finalised pavement 7 months after completion. This information was then compared with the other test results that were found in the course of the project about the different layers that constitute the pavement structure. In this way the performance of the finalised pavement could be judged when confronting it with the bearing results of the underlying layers. The construction process and all the test results are then discussed to arrive at a final conclusion whether the stabilisation technique was effective and if the pavement is strong enough to withstand the traffic loading it must carry.