Evaluation of graded limestone base course on a low volume road : final report.

PDFTech ReportResearch Report No. 175Research Project No. 79-1P(B)LimestoneBase course (Pavements)Low volume roadsEvaluationAlternatives analysisSoil cementRide qualityCrackingRuttingLouisianaLouisiana. Department of Highways. Research and Development SectionTemple, William H.Cumbaa, Steven L.Louisiana. Department of Highways. Research and Development SectionUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionDue to decreasing supplies of native aggregate which may be incorporated into a base course, other materials need to be evaluated for constructibility and performance. To this end, a graded limestone base was constructed on a low volume road and evaluated for a period of four years.For comparison, two limestone sections and two sections utilizing a standard department design (soil cement) were constructed in 1981. Measurements and observations indicate that after four years both limestone and soil cement sections have retained a "good" ride quality; that the limestone sections rutted approximately 50% more than the soil cement sections; that both base types have experienced base failure; and that fatigue cracking of pavement surface has occurred. Deflection measurements indicate that the limestone sections are prematurely deteriorating in structural capacity and that uniform construction (thickness, density, mixing, etc.) was not achieved throughout the project.Based upon the observations and data collected, recommendations are made in an effort to enhance the constructibility and performance of limestone bases