Enhancing Sustainable Road Construction: Evaluation of the Mechanical and Durability Properties of Stabilized Earth-Based Pavement Materials

Yeşim Tarhan () and Nuriye Kabakuş
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Yeşim Tarhan: Technical Sciences Vocational School, Ardahan University, Ardahan 75000, Turkey
Nuriye Kabakuş: Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Atatürk University, Erzurum 25240, Turkey

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-21

Abstract: The materials traditionally used in the construction of flexible and rigid pavements in modern road infrastructure present challenges in achieving sustainable development goals. Advances in technology have introduced the use of different pavement material mixes, leading to the introduction of earth-based alternatives. These materials are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, recyclable, and offer excellent insulation properties. Stabilization of earth-based materials improves their mechanical properties, reducing road construction costs and increasing durability. The present study investigates the mechanical and durability properties of earth-based materials stabilized with various additives, including cement, lime, polymer, and biopolymer, over 28 and 56 days. Fresh properties are assessed using unit volume weight, flow table, air content, and fall cone tests, while hardened properties are assessed using flexural strength, compressive strength, and water absorption. Microstructural analysis is carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The cement-stabilized samples show improved strength and durability, with the 5% cement group showing a 67% increase in compressive strength over the control group and the 10% cement group showing over 200% higher compressive strength. These results suggest that stabilized earth-based materials could provide a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to conventional pavements for low-traffic roads.

Keywords: earth road; stabilization; cement; lime; polymer; biopolymer; mechanical properties; new generation pavement; cost-effective (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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