Cemented materials: accounting for compaction delays and minimising strength loss with time

Abstract

In South Africa extensive use is made of cement stabilized materials in the structural layers of both new road and construction works and pavement rehabilitation. The construction process plays a role in the ultimate strength obtained for the material, especially with regard to the time taken to mix and compact the material. Mix designs of cement materials should therefore be done in such a way that any potential loss in material strength is compensated for. In this paper results are provided that assess strength (UCS and ITS) with compaction time, from laboratory-based research. The study then evaluates the actual strength results achieved for field mixes during the construction process. An investigation into the accelerated test methods used in quality control is also reported.