Characterization of Cement Treated Base Course Using Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement, Aggregate By-Products, and Macro-Synthetic Fibers

This study addresses the feasibility of using coarse fractionated reclaimed asphalt pavement (FRAP), quarry by-products (QB), and macro-synthetic fibers in a cement-stabilized base course application that can be used for inverted pavements or simply as a stronger, more durable base course. The addition of macro-synthetic fibers is studied to add flexural ductility and resistance to crack propagation to the stabilized base course. The use of recycled and by-product aggregates that would otherwise be stockpiled, could improve the durability and permanence of the base course, and reduce surface course thicknesses. Laboratory characterization includes testing flexural toughness and fracture properties. Study results have confirmed more than sufficient mechanical properties are achieved relative to other stabilized base courses. Furthermore, the addition of fibers clearly increases the flexural capacity and fracture properties of the cement treated FRAP and quarry by-product base course mixes. While current pavement design procedures do not account for fracture properties or the effects of fibers (especially in cement stabilized base courses), it is clear that these parameters show trends that conventional strength testing (compressive and flexural) does not and therefore, they should be accounted for in design.