Evaluation of Characterization and Performance Modeling of Cementitiously Stabilized Layers in the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide

Abstract

Cementitious stabilization of aggregates and soils is an effective technique to increase the stiffness of base and subbase layers. Furthermore, cementitious bases can improve the fatigue behavior of asphalt surface layers and subgrade rutting over the short and long term. However, it can lead to additional distresses such as shrinkage and fatigue in the stabilized layers. Extensive research has tested these materials experimentally and characterized them; however, very little of this research attempts to correlate the mechanical properties of the stabilized layers with their performance. The Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) provides a promising theoretical framework for the modeling of pavements containing cementitiously stabilized materials (CSMs). However, significant improvements are needed to bring the modeling of semirigid pavements in MEPDG to the same level as that of flexible and rigid pavements. Furthermore, the MEPDG does not model CSMs in a manner similar to those for hot-mix asphalt or portland cement concrete materials. As a result, performance gains from stabilized layers are difficult to assess using the MEPDG. The current characterization of CSMs was evaluated and issues with CSM modeling and characterization in the MEPDG were discussed. Addressing these issues will help designers quantify the benefits of stabilization for pavement service life.

Predicting Flexible Pavement Distress and IRI Considering Subgrade Resilient Modulus of Fine-Grained Soils Using MEPDG

“…Numerous studies have been performed to predict pavement distress and IRI for flexible pavement using the MEPDG [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Different traffic [ 8 , 9 , 10 ], materials [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ], and climate inputs [ 5 , 15 , 16 ] have an influence on pavement distress and IRI in the MEPDG. Among the inputs of unbound subgrade materials, the M R significantly affects permanent deformation or pavement rutting [ 17 ].…”

Resilient Response of Cement-Treated Coarse Post-Glacial Soil to Cyclic Load

“…In addition, cementitious bases can improve the fatigue properties of asphalt layers and subgrade rutting in the short and the long term. However, it can provide additional stresses, such as shrinkage and fatigue of the stabilised layers [27]. Portland cement can be used for a wide range of soils, from low to moderately high plasticity, to modify or improve soils, but the best results are obtained for well-graded materials.…”

Calibration on MEPDG Low Temperature Cracking Model and Recommendation on Asphalt Pavement Structures in Seasonal Frozen Region of China

“…That is, the coupled effects of factors such as pavement structure and material properties on thermal cracking of asphalt mixture are not sufficiently considered. Prior to the Strategy Highway Research Program (SHRP) A-005 project, no existing models predicted thermal cracking performance (amount of cracking versus time) with fundamental, low temperature mixture properties [13]. Therefore, the SHRP A-005 program developed a new low temperature cracking (LTC) model that predicts thermal cracking (amount of cracking versus time) using properties of asphalt mixture measured from the indirect tensile (IDT) test (ASTM D6931-12) along with site-specific environmental and structural information [14].…”

“…In order to implement the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) to design and maintain asphalt pavements, numerous studies were conducted to evaluate and/or locally calibrate the MEPDG software [13,[17][18][19][20][21][22].…”