Mechanical performance in field conditions of treated and stabilized granular materials used in unpaved roads: a longitudinal study
The main objective of this article is to propose a methodology to evaluate and to study the mechanical performance of various hygroscopic, organic and synthetic dust suppressants and stabilization agents through field tests. Different road sections were treated for several years and many tests have been conducted. The impact on the mechanical performance of the treated granular material has been studied under field conditions by evaluating the deterioration of the road following the spreading of the product on the road. Field tests were conducted over three years in summers 2007, 2008, and 2009. The deterioration of the road is evaluated in terms of improper cross section, inadequate roadside drainage, corrugations, dust, potholes, ruts, and loose aggregates. To evaluate the influence of stabilization agents on the bearing capacity of the granular material on the road, falling weight deflectometer (FWD) tests have also been performed.